The Collins Marsh has been drained temporarily as part of a program to improve wildlife habitat.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announces it has drained the main water body of the marsh in southwestern Manitowoc County as part of a periodic drawdown to mimic the natural ebb and flow in an unrestricted system.
The DNR says wetlands benefit from periodic dry spells and calls it a great benefit to the marsh.
The muck at the bottom of the marsh holds many seeds, which will be exposed to sunlight and will germinate.
This will produce valuable native aquatic vegetation, which will become a food source for birds. The drawdown is expected to last through the coming winter to allow work on other projects.
Staff are also using the drawdown to do a much-needed replacement of the gates used to manage water levels. Those gates will be installed this fall.
Collins Marsh Wildlife Area is a 4,200-acre property located about four miles south of Reedsville.
