Field visit during the Northern Wisconsin Grassland Conference. July 2008. Ashland Wisconsin. Photographer Gary Haughn NRCS.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ashland National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office’s Habitat Section helped lead the recent Northern Wisconsin Grassland Conference held at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland,Wis.  Partners in the conference included the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative, Pheasants Forever, U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  The Ashland Conference was part of a set of five individual conferences held in different ecological regions throughout the state.  In Ashland the focus was on the native grasslands of the pine barrens as well as the concentrated post settlement grasslands of the far northern Wisconsin landscape.  These large contiguous areas of post settlement agriculture related grasslands have become important areas for grassland associated migratory birds and waterfowl.  Speakers focused on status and trends of grassland birds and waterfowl both locally and statewide, as well as importance and management of area grasslands.  An afternoon field trip was also included to tour grassland management and restoration in both the post settlement and native grasslands of the area.  The results of the conference will benefit migratory birds through communication and greater awareness of current restoration and management strategies.  Also, areas were identified where agencies and organizations can work in partnership through different program and initiatives to benefit migratory bird habitat.