Construction of wetlands on Hopkins project. - FWS photo by Ted Koehler

The Hopkins Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (PFWP) wetland restoration project has been completed.  It consisted of two wetland restoration sites totaling three wetland acres. 

Also included in the project was the enhancement of 10 acres of upland grass waterfowl nesting cover through a deferred haying/grazing agreement.  The restoration took place on former agricultural land in Douglas County, Wisconsin. The wetland and grassland complex will provide ideal resting and nesting conditions for many species of migratory songbirds and waterfowl.

Species benefiting from the habitat restoration and protection project include migratory waterfowl such as wood duck and American black duck, as well as migratory songbirds such as wood thrush and yellow warbler. 

Gray wolves are common in the area and one large adult was seen by during construction.  The Ashland Bayfield Douglas Iron - Land Conservation District provided assistance on the project and Ritola Incorporated of Mason, Wisconsin was hired for the heavy equipment work.  Ducks Unlimited was also a partner on the project.  A Habitat Development Agreement was signed to protect the restored area for a period of 10 years.