2010

Plans and Activities in C Blind

Posted by Frank Nelson on Dec 23, 2010

A couple weeks ago, someone asked what was going to be done with C Blind. I've put a few things together in this post to shed some light on the subject.

Units A and B Plan Concepts

Posted by Frank Nelson on Dec 15, 2010

In the past 50 years wetland design and development has changed quite a bit. By evaluating the topography and incorporating water movement and flood depth into our design we can get a better bang for our buck.

3 comments

Work in Progress: First of December 2010

Posted by Frank Nelson on Dec 9, 2010

Despite the wet conditions over the last few weeks the contractors are still making progress at Cato Levee.

Things I'm thankful for...

Posted by Frank Nelson on Nov 29, 2010

In the spirit of the season I thought I’d list a few reasons I’m thankful that this year is almost water under the bridge (Sorry for the pun…I couldn’t help myself).

1 comment

1st of November, Waterfowl Hunting Update

Posted by Keith Cordell on Nov 3, 2010

The Middle zone waterfowl season opens Nov. 6. There will be 12 flooded positions available at Duck Creek for opening weekend.

5 comments

Highway C Open Again

Posted by Frank Nelson on Nov 1, 2010

I’ve got good news for those of you who drive east or westbound on Highway C.

Band(ing) of Brothers: Hoodies and Woodies

Posted by Frank Nelson on Oct 29, 2010

Well, it is about that time. I’m sure you all are anxious to see what this year’s waterfowl season has in store. I know I am. As we await the opener, my mind wanders and I begin to think about the number of birds produced this summer… in the northern prairies, but also right here in own our backyard.

2 comments

Third Week In October: Work in Progress and Duck Report

Posted by Matt Bowyer on Oct 19, 2010

The last two weeks have been quite productive from a construction standpoint, but the reason for so much of this time and effort showed up this week...DUCKS! With the addition of water into Unit A the ducks have once again arrived in fair numbers and are utilizing the freshly flooded areas.

First Week of October: Work in Progress

Posted by Frank Nelson on Oct 8, 2010

It was another beautiful and dry week at Duck Creek as we rolled into October. The gates and air bladders were installed in the Ditch 111/1 structure. Yes, I said air bladders.

2 comments

Year in review and a look forward

Posted by Frank Nelson on Oct 8, 2010

For those of you who read this blog on a regular basis, thanks. I hope this has been helpful, informative and exciting to see things progress at Duck Creek. I know some of you have heard talk of Duck Creek renovations for almost 20 years. Well, I’d say it is finally happening.

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September Work in Progress: Brought to you by the letter "S"

Posted by Frank Nelson on Sep 29, 2010

Salutations, steady progress continues straight through September. Silviculture, soils and structure work have all moved ahead as we’ve sneaked by without most of the state’s significant rainfall in the last two weeks.

1 comment

Early Canada Goose Season

Posted by Keith Cordell on Sep 29, 2010

Early Canada goose hunting is allowed at Duck Creek following statewide regulations. Procedures will be basically the same as teal season. There will be a draw for positions in Units A and Unit B on Saturday, Oct. 2 and Sunday, Oct. 3. Draw time will be 4:45.

Ditched Structure: Work in Progress

Posted by Frank Nelson on Sep 20, 2010

It has been a busy week for the staff at Duck Creek, as you can see from this post and the previous one. Things are moving forward, and that is GREAT news. The contractors moved in this week and started working on the Ditch 1/111 structure on the west side of Pool 1. Access to Unit A from the east is closed because of construction.

Continued Work in Progress: Ditch 111/1 Structure

Posted by Frank Nelson on Sep 16, 2010

The construction of the water control structure continues to move forward. The scattered rain that has fallen at Duck Creek and the surrounding areas has only knocked the dust down a bit and made some areas a little sloppier.

Hunting Season Update

Posted by Keith Cordell on Sep 10, 2010

Teal season starts tomorrow. I am glad this summer is nearing the end of its relentless onslaught of heat and drought. It was a rough one.

Work in Progress: Ditch 111/1 Structure

Posted by Frank Nelson on Sep 3, 2010

Although things have been quite wet elsewhere in the state, thankfully the rain clouds haven’t dumped on Duck Creek. This has allowed the contractors to make progress with installing the new structure.

2010 Mast Survey: Feeling a little nuttier at Duck Creek

Posted by Frank Nelson and Ross Glenn on Aug 30, 2010

Mast surveys are done every year at Duck Creek to get an idea of the annual hard-mast production. Hard mast, or acorns, provide valuable food resources to wildlife and are the foundation of tomorrow’s overstory. This year’s acorn production looks better than it has for the last few years.

Ditched Structure: Work in Progress

Posted by Frank Nelson on Aug 20, 2010

It has been a busy week for the staff at Duck Creek. Things are moving forward, and that is GREAT news. The contractors moved in this week and started working on the Ditch 1/111 structure on the west side of Pool 1. Unit A from the east is closed from the Pool 1 road because of construction.

1 comment

Turning A New Leaf

Posted by Ross Glenn and Mark Pelton on Aug 20, 2010

This week we started some timber stand improvement (TSI) work on the area. Although this isn't “renovation work” in the sense of construction, it is work being done to improve the habitat on Duck Creek in the long-term...so in a way you could still classify it as “renovation work.” Below is a little background on why we are cutting down some trees in order to “turn a new leaf” and make room for the future timber stand at Duck Creek.

1 comment

Current and Upcoming Construction Activity: Aug. 12, 2010

Posted by Frank Nelson on Aug 12, 2010

I thought it was time for another update on activities, as it looks like a couple things have firmed up or fallen out since my last post.

1 comment

Work in Progress: Cato Structure

Posted by Frank Nelson on Jul 20, 2010

I know it has been a while since we’ve given an update on any construction work. Truth be told, I was hoping to come to you with a little more progress at this point in time.

Dark Cypress Tree Planting

Posted by Frank Nelson on Jul 19, 2010

In the previous post we received a question about planting trees on Dark Cypress. Since our resource forester, Ross Glenn, had a couple pictures along with his response, we figured we would just answer the question with an individual post. Check out what Ross had to say about the trees on Dark Cypress below.

What a Difference a Year Makes

Posted by Matt Bowyer on Jul 9, 2010

Last year at this time field conditions at Duck Creek were just getting to the point where staff could begin manipulating the soil to make usable habitat for waterfowl. This year is a much different story.