State finishes wetlands project at Otter Slough

DEXTER, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation recently completed work on 80 acres of wetland units at Otter Slough Conservation Area to improve habitat diversity, provide hunting opportunity and to reduce maintenance needs.

According to area manager and wildlife biologist Kevin Brunke, work in two locations was to "restore the hydrology and native plant community of a historic slough that existed prior to the construction of cypress ditch."

A section of Otter Slough known as the flag farm in the southwestern corner of the area had work done to remove willows and install a water control structure, which will improve habitat diversity, Brunke said.

He said previous management in the flag farm included planting oak trees that are now producing acorns, which also improves wildlife habitat.

Unit 28, on the western side of the area, had some cutting-edge wetland development where an old slough system was restored and the levees were modified to make maintenance easier, he said.

"Prior to construction of this unit, we reforested much of the higher elevations to native oaks and planted cypress in some of the lower elevations in the old slough channels," Brunke said. "This was part of our forest unit management."

Brunke said restoring the slough is important because wetlands need plenty of surface variation, so that as water increases or decreases in depth new habitat is covered or revealed. The technique results in a wider diversity of wildlife and plants.

Work was completed in the summer making habitat enhancements for native plants and wildlife and increasing hunting opportunities.

"Otter Slough is a real gem when it comes to habitat diversity," Brunke said. "It's satisfying to see projects that benefit nature and the people who enjoy being out in it."