NINEPIPE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 



Palmer Property Management Plan 



May 2001 



The Palmer property will be incorporated into the Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area 

 and managed in accordance with the Management Plan. As stated in the plan, the goal 

 of FWP's habitat management will be to conserve and enhance wildlife habitat for the 

 purpose of producing pheasants and waterfowl while providing year-round, wildlife- 

 related recreational opportunities. 



Objectives 



Objectives will be to: 



1. provide and protect habitat for a diversity of wildlife species; 



2. provide attractive and secure nesting conditions for pheasants and waterfowl; 



3. provide adequate food for wildlife; 



4. optimize overwinter survival of pheasants; 



5. maintain and enhance soil productivity; and 



6. provide year-round public access for compatible recreational opportunities. 



Development and Management 



The property will be posted with Wildlife Management Area signs. Boundary fence 

 separating the Palmer property from current FWP property will be removed. Several 

 parking areas will be constructed along the bordering roads to allow easy year-round 

 access for pheasant and migratory waterfowl hunters. 



Noxious weed infestations will be mapped and an integrated pest management 

 program will be implemented to comply with state and county regulations. At the 

 present time, weeds are not considered a major problem on this property. The weed 

 management plan will include an appropriate mix of agricultural practices, mowing and 

 pulling, herbicide applications, and biological weed control where agents are available. 



Approximately four 5-10 acre cereal grain plots will be established to provide a food 

 supply for pheasants, migratory waterfowl, and other wildlife. These plots will be 

 cropped and fallowed in alternate years to aid in weed management. Food plots will be 

 developed and maintained by project personnel at first, but may be incorporated into 

 existing sharecropper agreements if feasible. Periodically, fallow fields will be planted 

 with a green manure crop to enhance soil productivity. Leguminous companion crops 

 (peas, alfalfa, and sweet clover) will be planted with cereal grains in some years to 

 increase vegetative diversity and enrich soils. 



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