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Sept. 6, 2017
Contact: Bruce Barlow, 989-385-5618
Water level drawdowns at rural floodings in Gladwin and Midland counties this fall
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently began the process for drawing down water levels at the Kawkawlin Creek Flooding in Midland County and Molasses #2 and #5 in Gladwin County. The purpose of the drawdowns is to expose the structures to perform necessary maintenance.
In the mid-20th century, the DNR created floodings to ensure suitable breeding habitat was available for waterfowl and furbearer species, given the historical loss of wetlands statewide. Today, the majority of land surrounding managed floodings is public land and provides great access for hunters and trappers looking for standing water conditions to hunt waterfowl or trap furbearers.
Staff at the DNR Gladwin Field Office maintains both the Kawkawlin Creek and Molasses floodings.
“Due to the age of the structures, we have necessary maintenance that must be performed now,” said DNR wildlife biologist Bruce Barlow.
Water levels will remain low through the fall 2017 waterfowl hunting and trapping seasons.
“We are lucky to have numerous flooded areas in Midland and Gladwin counties’ state forest,” stated Barlow. “The rains that we’ve seen in the area this season cannot allow us to delay needed repairs, but luckily other options are available for hunters this fall.”
To learn more about public-land hunting and recreation locations in Midland and Gladwin counties, visit mi.gov/mihunt.
/Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. A suggested caption follows.
The water level at the Kawkawlin Creek Flooding in Midland County, pictured here, will be drawn down during the 2017 hunting season./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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