Jamestown Wildlife Area underwent an expansion during Phase I of this project thanks to the acquisition of more than 1,372 acres from willing landowners. DU and its partners also restored and enhanced 3,452 acres of wetlands and grasslands through levee and berm reconstruction and removal, restoration of natural hydrology through creative borrow, installation of water-control structures and native grass plantings.

Phase II of this project focused on land acquisition, with the majority of the targeted 1,130 acres purchased. Future grants will focus on restoration and enhancement of these newly purchased acres.

Jamestown Wildlife Area contains important migration habitat for many waterfowl species, including northern pintails, green-winged teal and mallards. JWA, along with nearby Talmo Marsh, will ultimately encompass nearly 10,000 acres, providing a critical anchor point for waterfowl and other migratory birds traveling from breeding to wintering grounds.

This project will not only provide habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, but it will also increase public hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities. JWA lies in the midst of an agricultural landscape, and along with irrigation districts, will play an important role in water management of the Lower Republican Basin in the years to come.

This project was funded in part by a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant.

Partners: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks; The Nature Conservancy; Pheasants Forever; Westar Energy, Kansas Wildlife Federation; Cloud, Jewell and Republic county boards of commissioners; Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams; the City of Jamestown; CloudCorp; Cloud County Tourism Committee; North American Wetlands Conservation Council; U.S. Fish Wildlife Service; and Ducks Unlimited