The upper mississippi river corridor contains some of the largest contiguous blocks of floodplain forest in the midwest

These forests are critical to the survival of many species of fish and wildlife. Birds are especially dependent upon these forests which are essential habitat for migrating warblers resident songbirds raptors and waterfowl. Within the upper mississippi river national wildlife and fish refuge there are over 66000 acres of floodplain forest. These forests also provide critical habitat within three audubon officially designated important bird areas that extend 150 miles and encompass over 200000 acres.sadly these forests are in jeopardy. The upper mississippi river systemic forest stewardship plan (2012 US army corps of engineers) identified a variety of threats. Two of the most significant include high water levels from the locks and dams that flood out many of the native tree and shrub species and invasive plants like reed canary grass that choke out young seedlings and prevent forests from regenerating naturally.much of the forest is comprised of even aged stands dominated by silver maple. In 50 to 70 years these trees will have reached their life expectancy and will DIE off. Without aggressive action much of the forest will disappear. Establishing a permanent forest canopy by controlling invasive species and planting trees is needed. Restoring small sites within large tracts ensures that a diversity of tree species and sizes are present and over time will maintain large blocks of contiguous floodplain forest. The goal of this program is to restore and maintain healthy forest ecosystems and wildlife habitat on federal and non federal lands located along the mississippi river in minnesota wisconsin and iowa. Funding will be used to pay the salary including fringe benefits of an individual trained in forestry techniques to evaluate forest systems write forest prescriptions and implement forestry methods for the benefit of wildlife primarily migratory and resident birds on refuge state and private lands within the floodplain of the upper mississippi river. The objective of this program is to develop management prescriptions for 1000 acres of floodplain forest and restore and enhance 200 acres annually. Both audubon and the US fish and wildlife service deem IT mutually advantageous to work together towards common missions and goals of improving wildlife resources of the mississippi river landscape. These actions will help conserve and protect plants and animals native to the area not only for their benefit but also for the public good derived from such conservation efforts both on and off the directly affected lands.