CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Ducks Unlimited Inc. are undertaking a project to restore some existing wetlands and develop new wetlands at the South Park Wildlife Habitat Management Area about five miles south of Jackson.
“The purpose of the project is to restore existing wetlands as well as develop additional seasonal shallow water wetlands in old river oxbows within the cottonwood gallery,” Game and Fish said on Friday.
Small levees will be constructed and new water control structures will be added that “allow more efficient water management and fish passage,” according to Game and Fish. The project is expected to benefit wildlife and also “improve the watershed condition and function by providing additional filtration for water from the surrounding lands and effluent from the Town of Jackson wastewater treatment facility.”
The area provides habitat to a range of waterfowl, shorebird, big game, amphibian and songbird species. Three specific benefits the project is expected to provide are as follows, according to Game and Fish:
- “Permanent wetlands favored by breeding swans and waterfowl.”
- “Seasonal shallow water wetlands that will increase forage for both migrating birds and wintering big game.”
- “Additional waterfowl hunting and wildlife watching opportunities for the public.”
Work is expected to begin Monday and to be completed by December 1. The area will remain open to the public during the project, but Game and Fish asked that people avoid the construction areas.
