Ducks Unlimited and the Pennsylvania Game Commission have started the second phase of a wetland restoration and enhancement project at Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area in Crawford County.

The 433-acre project is part of a long-term effort to conserve critical habitat for breeding, migrating and wintering waterfowl in Pennsylvania and the Atlantic Flyway. Completed in 2010, Phase I restored and enhanced 639 acres of important wetland habitat. Phase II looks to continue the success of wetland habitat conservation in northwest Pennsylvania.

The site is listed as an Important Bird Area by Audubon.

During Phase II, Ducks Unlimited will enhance two shallow-water impoundments totaling 405 acres by adding two new water-control structures. DU will also restore a 28-acre agricultural field into an emergent marsh to increase the available habitat for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent species.

Restoration and enhancement will allow the game commission to establish additional premium habitat for wetland-dependent wildlife and improve management capabilities.