Monthly Archives: September 2011

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today the removal of a house, barn, grain bin, and dog kennel is nearing completion on the Root River Tract. The Root River Tract was acquired by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, in 2009 and is located near La Crescent, MN in Houston County east of Highway 26. Prior to acquisition, the tract was privately owned and managed as a shooting preserve.
In early 2009, in preparation for future habitat restoration efforts, the Service sold several buildings including a house, kennel, and silos that were present on the site. Work continued on the tract this summer and included the removal of building foundations and other structures, as well as the removal and/or recycling of approximately 55 tons of concrete and six tons of metal. Additional tasks completed included the stabilization of water crossings, invasive species treatment, and removal of a boat lift and docks.
The Refuge will begin a planning process in 2012 to develop a restoration and management plan for the Root River Tract. Preliminary information such as historical vegetation, hydrology, land management, and soils has been gathered. The plan will be developed with input from the public, and will include objectives for habitat restoration and consideration of public access. Public access may include hunting, wildlife observation, photography, and the other appropriate and compatible priority public uses.
The remainder of this year the refuge will control encroaching woody vegetation, such as willows and small trees, and continue mowing dikes. The tract will remain open for walking, hiking, photography, migratory bird hunting, small and upland game and deer hunting.
For more information on the Root River Tract, please contact Kendra Niemec or Paula Ogden-Muse at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, La Crosse District Office (608) 783-8405 from 7:30 to 4:00 Monday through Friday.
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The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the most visited refuge in the United States. The refuge extends 261 miles along the Upper Mississippi River from Wabasha, Minn. to Rock Island, Ill., protecting and preserving habitat for migratory birds, fish, and a variety of other wildlife.
In addition to being the most visited refuge in the country, the “Upper Miss” Refuge has the added complexity of a major navigation system, including 11 locks and dams, within its boundary. It is also a world-class fish and wildlife area which harbors 306 species of birds; 119 species of fish; more than 200 active bald eagle nests; thousands of heron and egret nests; spectacular concentrations of canvasback ducks, tundra swans, and white pelicans; and several threatened or endangered species.