Conservation management plan for Waldron Fen, Emmet County, Michigan.

Abstract

In creating conservation goals for Waldron Fen, a variety of existing factors need to be acknowledged and considered. The unique circumstances of the Waldrons are not the same as those of the Fens R Important Conservancy (FRIC). The Waldrons envision the land's primary purpose as a bird sanctuary, while FRIC would like to see the preserve function as much like a natural system as possible. With the latter goal in mind, FRIC recommends conducting research on the native biota and processes of the Waldron Fen and similar fens. The next step would be to design and implement a wetland restoration and enhancement plan. Restoration of the fen includes removing many of the conifers (intended as a Christmas tree plantation by the original landowner) and planting the areas with a more traditional scrub/scrub ground cover found surrounding wetlands. The fen enhancement encompasses the removal of exotic species like Autumn Olive, which was planted to attract birds, and the maintenance of surrounding greenlands. Waldron Fen has not suffered any severe environmental degradation, so long-term monitoring does not appear to be necessary. The do-nothing approach with careful observation of the potential detrimental actions of neighbors will be sufficient. The Waldron Fen is currently in transition from a fen into a bog, as evidenced by the pH and species present in the area. This feature makes the fen especially interesting for research and education about the natural progression of a wetland. FRIC's maintenance of the wetland will allow for this natural change to occur, and will not interfere with the natural processes that accompany this change. For this reason, particular care should be taken in making any changes to the landscape so that the natural integrity of the land may be preserved. Ultimately, FRIC hopes that Waldron Fen will function in the same manner as any healthy wetland -- as a habitat for species both rare and common, an area of recreational value for nature study, bird watching and canoeing, as an area for research and education, and for open space and aesthetics.