I have visited Spring Valley twice since I first wrote about it. Once about a week ago when I noticed that the marsh had been drawn down so that many areas were exposed; only the flow of the natural spring seemed to have much water left. Since then Brant Fulks has replied to my email to them about the dead cattails. I have enclosed his reply below for all to see.
I also returned this morning when conditions have changed again. The lake is returning to normal water levels with no output at the spillway.
I hope that what they have done turns out to be good for the marsh. I plan on returning often this summer to check on it.
Not many different birds, three Green Herons, Wood Ducks with young and other common nesters. One thing that surprised me was that I only saw one Tree Swallow!
Thanks to those of you who enquired about their reply. I hope this helps to explain the current situation.
Good birding, Sue
> On Jul 6, 2016, at 9:30 AM, [log in to unmask] wrote:
>
> Ms. Tackett,
>
> I received your email and recognize your concern in regards to the current status of the Spring Valley Marsh. The marsh is currently drawn down to a low water level both for maintenance purposes and to encourage growth of annual vegetation on mudflats. This type of draw down mimics natural wetland processes and helps to increase biodiversity and provide food for migrating birds in the fall. We are also in the process of thinning out the monoculture of cattails in the upper half of the marsh in order to provide more diverse food and habitat types for wildlife. If you have any further questions you may feel free to contact me at (937) 488-3115.
>
> Thank you,
> Brant Fulks
> Area Supervisor, Spring Valley Wildlife Area
> ODNR-Division of Wildlife
> (937) 488-3115
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Haines, Todd
> Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2016 9:12 AM
> To: Fulks, Brant <[log in to unmask]>; Beatty, C <[log in to unmask]>
> Cc: Roth, Laura <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: FW: Nature Preserves
>
> Brant, please contact Ms. Tackett and explain what we are doing in regards to management at the SV marsh. Thanks.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: DNR Wildinfo
> Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2016 8:54 AM
> To: Haines, Todd <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: FW: Nature Preserves
>
> Todd,
>
> See e-mail string below. Let me know if I can assist in any manner.
>
> Laura Roth
> Call Center
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Delfino, Heather On Behalf Of DNR Ohio State Parks
> Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2016 8:48 AM
> To: DNR Wildinfo
> Subject: FW: Nature Preserves
>
> I think this is for you guys....
>
> Heather L. Delfino
> Ohio Department of Natural Resources
> Division of Parks and Recreation
> 2045 Morse Road Bldg C4
> Columbus, OH 43229-6693
> office (614) 265-6552
> fax (614) 261-8407
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Sue Tackett [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Saturday, July 02, 2016 7:44 AM
> To: DNR Ohio State Parks
> Subject: Nature Preserves
>
> I recently visited Spring Valley Preserve in Greene/Warren Counties. I was shocked at the condition of the cattail marsh. I have been birding this area since 1988, enjoyed the fact that this was a natural wetland in my area with many rare birds for the area breeding here. I visited the ranger area, saw no one, saw a VERY big new paved drive and parking lot, four or five state trucks, plenty of money spent there!
>
> Can you please explain to me why this was allowed to happen? Care of the area has consistently fallen over the years, but I cannot believe you let the marsh die! I love to walk the circular path around the area but this has become almost impossible because of no maintenance.
>
> Please reply, Sue Tackett
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
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