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Wetland Reserve Program
Since 2004, Audubon Arkansas has completed more than 2,500
acres of wetland restoration and reforestation through the
Wetland Reserve Program. These projects, completed in Pulaski
County, near Woodson, have led to the conversion of large
areas of marginal cropland to productive wetlands and young
bottomland hardwood forests.
The WRP process:
Earthwork and Construction of Water
Structures
The first stage of site preparation involves the construction
of water retention structures and digging out pond areas.
These areas often quickly fill with water and attract waterfowl
long before the project is even completed.
Mowing
Areas to be reforested are then mowed to prepare the ground
for ripping and to make the planting process easier. Mowing
also serves to remove tall grasses that would otherwise shade
the saplings from much needed sunlight.
Ripping
Once mowing has been completed the areas to be planted are
ripped. These rips are spaced twelve feet apart and show the
planters where to place their trees.
Planting
In the winter, the trees are trucked to the site and stored
in a large refrigerated trailer for the duration of the planting
process. Trees are planted 12 feet apart in every direction,
which equals out to about 302 trees per acre.
Species of trees planted include: Cottonwood,
Cherrybark Oak, Water Oak, Shumard’s Oak, Green Ash,
Nuttall’s Oak, Willow Oak, Sweet Pecan, Sugarberry,
Bur Oak, Paw Paw, Bald Cypress, Tupelo Gum, Buttonbush, and
Sycamore.
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