Wildlife Biologist Annual Report

Jackson County Conservation District

Wildlife Biologist Annual Report, 2006

Ron Hoffman

During the past year I assisted landowners improve their land for wildlife. As a part-time employee, funds for my position came from a Michigan Department Natural Resources Landowner Incentive Program and the Jackson County Conservation District. While some landowner questions only needed a brief answer, others required a site visit for a more detailed assessment. Habitat plans were then provided based on the individual’s wildlife interests and goals; limitations of soil and water found at the property; wildlife needs for shelter, food, space, and water; impact on surrounding property; and ecological concepts. A summary of these accomplishments for the period October 1, 2005 – September 30, 2006 are listed below.

637 acres

56 acres

Besides private individuals, site visits were made to land owned by Waterloo Historical Society, Michigan Audubon Society, Friends of the Falling Waters Trail, and Jackson Public Schools. Plan implementation consisted of making arrangements for people to obtain a no-till drill, tree planter, and native grass seed. When appropriate, information about cost-share and technical assistance programs such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners for Fish & Wildlife; MDNR Landowner Incentive Program; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, and Wetland Reserve Program were provided to landowners.

Environmental issues related to wetlands and water quality consumed some of my time. I served on the Upper Grand River Implementation Project Steering Committee. At the request of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) I made written comments about an application for a wetland permit after making a site visit to evaluate the impact of the proposed project on wildlife.

Wildlife and their needs are valued by residents of Jackson County. As open space disappears due to changes in land use, people are becoming more aware of the need to protect and improve remaining wildlife habitat. Some are interested in hunting, others in watching wildlife, and many just want to improve the quality of life for present and future generations.

I have decided to retire after working for the District for the past 10 years. During this tenure I enjoyed meeting many people and visiting their property. It has been especially rewarding to follow landowners as they worked through the process of improving wildlife habitat: planning, implementing, and seeing the results.

Prepared by: Ronald Hoffman, Wildlife Biologist

Jackson County Conservation District

211 West Ganson Street

Jackson, Michigan 49201

January 19, 2007

In-office and phone assistance

Landowner visits

Habitat plans written

Assisted with plan implementation

Articles written

Meetings attended