February 1 - February 28:- Open Green Tree Reservoir
November 1 - December 31: Close Green Tree Reservoir StructureMarch 15 - June 30: Moist Soil Drawdown
September 1 - November 30: Close Moist Soil Structure March 1 - September 30: Manipulate Wetland and Treat Undesirable Vegetation June 1 - August 31: PlantingJanuary 1 - December 31: Levee Maintenance
Annually: Create report information on rating of bird use during the year, approximate number of days the wetland was hunted, and approximate number of birds harvested. Also, whether the wetland and the levee was shredded, date(s) the boards were installed and removed - and whether there was disking and planting, burning, or herbicide application - and number of inches rainfall for the year.
Green Tree Reservoirs (GTR's) - Standing water during the growing season will damage and eventually kill most desirable bottomland hardwood trees. Water should be released from GTR's before buds begin swelling on trees within the wetland area. Thus, the timing of the releasing water will vary from year to year. However, in most years, water should be off all trees by March 1st. Conversely, in the Fall, water should not be put on trees until after the first hard freeze.
Moist Soil Wetlands - The objective of the drawdown is to dry the wetland area our slowly, ideally taking 1 1/2 to 2 months to release all the water. Drawdowns of moist soil wetlands can begin as early as mid-March. If a flashboard riser is used to control water levels, one board should be pulled every 1-2 weeks. Once the desired plant communities have established and attained a height that can sustain flooding, water control structures can be closed.
Manipulate Wetlands and Treat Undesirable Vegetation: Moist soil wetlands need periodic disturbance to maintain vigor and promote the desired seed-producing plant communities. Treatments such as dicing, shredding, or prescribed burning can be very beneficial. Dicing is typically needed once every 3-5 years. Shredding may be needed on an annual basis, depending on plant community development and nuisance vegetation. Nuisance vegetation (green ash, black willow, Chinese tallow tree, common button bush, cocklebur, sesbania, and cattail) is often best controlled using aquatic approved herbicides and/or shredding. These treatments are typically conducted June-September, however, timing of these treatments will vary from year to year.
Planting - If planting is desired, seed-producing annual plans such as barnyard grass, brown top millet, or pink smartweed can be planted in wetland areas. Seeds should be broadcast onto mud flats between June and August.
Levee Maintenance - The condition of the levee should be monitored year-round. During monitoring efforts, look for areas that may show signs of erosion as well as encroachment of undesirable woody vegetation (green ash, black willow, Chinese tallow tree, and common buttonbush). Levees should be shredded at least annually and all woody vegetation should be removed.
These management recommendations are very generalized, however, they do provide a basic timeline for management activities. Please consult your local TPWD biologist for site and specific recommendations.
For additional information, contact:
Corey Mason
TPWD - East Texas Waterfowl Biologist
903-675-4177
Corey.Mason@cox-internet.com