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Sand Creek WMA’s hallmarks are large mammal populations;
more than 3,000 elk, 1,500 mule deer and 400 moose winter
in the area. Smaller mammal species are year-long residents
including kangaroo rats, badgers, skunks, red fox, yellowbellied
marmots and coyotes. The ponds and waterways of
the WMA are home to beavers, muskrat and mink, while red
squirrels and pine marten inhabit the forests of the northeast.
Sharp-tailed and sage grouse reside on the WMA and spring
finds these birds congregating on traditional breeding areas
(leks), with males engaging in animated displays to both
intimidate rivals and woo hens. In the northern part, blue and
ruffed grouse find breeding and nesting sites among the cover
and shadows of forested habitats.
The ponds at Sand creek attract a wide variety of waterfowl
and shorebirds including common loons, western grebes,
trumpeter swans, snowy egrets, sandhill cranes, willets and
long-billed curlews. Osprey and the occasional bald eagle are
drawn to the ponds in search of fi sh. The dry upland areas
attract red-tailed hawks, Swainson’s hawks and golden eagles.
Chester Wetlands supports year-long populations of Bald
Eagles, Canada geese, mallard ducks and trumpeter swans.
Trumpeter swans are listed as a Species of Special Concern by both
state and federal agencies and Singleton Pond is historically
an important nesting area. Seasonally present are American
widgeon, buffl ehead, cinnamon teal, green-winged teal,
redheads and ring-necked ducks. Rails, coots, sandhill cranes,
great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, sandpipers,
gulls and cormorants are frequent seasonal and year-long
residents.
Ute Ladies’ Tresses, listed as a Threatened Species, was found on
the property in the fall of 2002. A separate management plan
is in effect for this plant species. This plan does affect overall
management to some degree in so far as weed control, water
management and farming are concerned.
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