High Management Level
These areas are continually managed and typically have onsite staff, infrastructure, marked access sites and parking lots. These areas tend to be larger and are either owned or leased long-term by the department.
Fields may be managed by planting native grasses, wildflowers, clover or annual grains. Fields may also be managed through mowing, disking, or prescribed fire, controlling invasive species, or leasing to local farmers for row crops or hay. Wetlands may be managed by planting, disking, mowing or managing water levels. Forests may be managed by prescribed burns, forest stand improvements, harvests, tree plantings or the control of invasive species.
"High" level management WMAs may have onsite staff and resources and a direct point of contact for current conditions and management activities. You are welcome to stop by to talk to the friendly and informative staff to get information, but be aware that employees are often out managing the land and are not always in the office.
Moderate Management Level
WMAs that are managed at "moderate" levels are obviously not as intensively managed, and staff are typically not onsite. Management is limited to habitat and maintenance through prescribed fire, mowing, upkeep of access sites and boundaries and long-term habitat work such as forest stand improvements or wetland development and manipulation. Several of the Moderate Level WMAs plant and prepare fields for dove hunting opportunities as well. These areas are owned or leased by the department and offer ample acreage for hunting, fishing, hiking and sightseeing throughout the state.
Low Management Level
WMAs designated as "low" management intensity levels are typically remote and receive little or no active management. Practices are limited to general maintenance and marking boundaries, though some long-term habitat work may be ongoing. These areas may be difficult to access, with terrain more demanding for visitors to traverse. However, these areas can provide excellent hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities, sometimes because they may attract less attention or be less accessible.
