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Mud Creek Wildlife Management Area
Location: Alburg, Grand Isle County
Bird Conservation Region: BCR 13
Size: 1151 Acres
Latitude: 44:00
Longitude: 73:15
IBA Criteria:
- Vermont Endangered and Threatened Species (Criteria 1)
- Vermont High Conservation Priority Species (Criteria 2)
Land Ownership:State
Habitats:Marsh, swamp, lowland & upland forest
Land Use: Wildlife conservation, hunting/fishing, recreation
Threats: Invasive, non-native plants, road expansion, pollution
Site Description
Located in northwestern Vermont, Mud Creek WMA is comprised of a mix of cattail-dominated emergent marsh, forested swamp and forested upland. The wetlands were created when the creek was dammed by the state and the area allowed to flood. Vermont Natural Community types include Cattail Marsh, Red Maple-Black Ash Swamp and Red or Silver Maple-Green Ash Swamp.
Birds
In addition to being a nesting area for state threatened Black Terns it is also a breeding site for Least Bittern (S2), Common Moorhen (S2), Virginia Rail and Sora (S2). Mud Creek WMA's location within the Champlain Basin and its close proximity to Lake Champlain makes it an ideal stopping place for waterfowl including large numbers of Ring-necked Duck, Green-winged Teal and Black Duck with the latter two species breeding here. The associated forests support a number common Vermont landbird species including Yellow Warbler, Warbling Vireo, Wood Thrush and Grey Catbird. During periods of low lake levels exposed mud flats attract a number of shorebirds.
Conservation
This IBA is owned and managed by the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife. Efforts are currently being made to control invasive species including Purple Loosestrife. The state is also experimenting with vegetation control techniques to control cattail domination of open water areas. Agricultural runoff may also contribute to over eutrification of the marsh.
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