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Melvern Wildlife Area is located in the physiographic area known as Osage Cuestas. Much of the upland area is dominated by native tall grass prairie with small wooded draws interspersed. The lowlands located along the Marais des Cygnes river flood plain is primarily crop land. The area habitats include approximately 4,000 acres of native tall grass prairie, 2,000 acres of woodland habitat, and 3,000 acres of crop land. Management tools include prescribed fire and crop rotations.
Moist-soil management is conducted on all marshes which uses water level fluctuations to manage for desirable wetland vegetation beneficial to migratory birds. Periodically, some marshes will be drained in order to conduct dike repairs and control invading woody vegetation and cattails. Management of upland habitats over the years has consisted of converting croplands and cool season grasses to native warm season grasses and forbs, planting of shrub plots, selective cutting of invading woody vegetation, and prescribed burning to stimulate native warm season grasses and forbs.
White-tailed deer and wild turkey are plentiful on the area. Waterfowl numbers vary depending on available habitat, but the area has supported large numbers during both the fall and spring migrations. Mourning dove numbers vary yearly depending on nesting conditions. Ring-necked pheasant may possibly be found in very small numbers on the area. Bobwhite quail populations are excellent on the area, but a good dog is needed due to the dense vegetation. Squirrel and cottontail rabbit numbers are generally healthy and provide some of the most underutilized hunting opportunities on the area.
Non-game species are very plentiful on the area and provide some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities. A wide array of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians can be found on the area.
Fishing for catfish, white bass, and crappie in the Marais des Cygnes River are also popular activities. Trapping which is allowed on the area, can be a very successful venture due to the wide array of furbearer habitats.
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