Parker River National Wildlife Refuge has begun seasonal water level management of the Stage Island Impoundment near the south end of Plum Island to benefit migratory shorebirds. Throughout June, staff gradually lowered the water to expose mudflats, with a target of providing maximal foraging habitat in early July.
In collaboration with MassWildlife, this drawdown facilitates ongoing field work to develop detailed hydrodynamic models and design plans for the Stage Island Impoundment tidal restoration project. During this period, water levels will be temporarily lowered one week earlier than the normal schedule to facilitate topographic surveys and sediment sampling.
Since June 4, up to five least bitterns, a state endangered species in Massachusetts, have been observed using the Stage Island Impoundment. Given the timeframe and repeated sightings, both agencies are working together to avoid any potential adverse effects to these birds. If actively breeding, any young birds would have been mobile by late June. Accordingly, staff will wait until the second week of July to expose mud flats, providing mobile chicks the opportunity to adjust to these changes. The Stage Island flats will again be flooded in early August to provide foraging habitat for shorebirds through September.
Routine water level management is also ongoing in the Bill Forward and North Pools. In April, Bill Forward Pool was lowered for spring shorebird migration but was partially refilled by abundant spring rainfall. Drawdown resumed in June to provide foraging habitat through the fall migration. The water level in North Pool will remain high to support breeding marsh and wading birds.
For more information, see the refuge's Final Habitat Management Plan (/²õ³Ù´Ç°ù²â/2024-02/´Ú¾±²Ô²¹±ô-³ó²¹²ú¾±³Ù²¹³Ù-³¾²¹²Ô²¹²µ±ð³¾±ð²Ô³Ù-±è±ô²¹²Ô-²¹²Ô»å-±ð²Ô±¹â€�).
