Nearly six decades later, in 1966, the National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act decreed that all activities on each refuge must be compatible with the purpose for which that refuge was established. Grazing and Haying as Habitat Management Tools Migratory birds utilize a variety of habitats for feeding, nesting, breeding and brooding. Uplands, meadows, marshes and riparian corridors all exist on the refuge, but only the meadows are prescribed for grazing and haying. Grazing and haying are considered habitat management tools because, when properly regulated, they actually facilitate bird use. In order to compatibly apply these habitats as tools, managers must regulate the timing, method, duration and intensity of their maintenance.
Timing is regulated to minimize the impact on birds' behavior.
Haying occurs no earlier than mid August to avoid disturbing nesting or young birds and grazing occurs during the fall and winter, so that the breeding season is not interrupted. Methods are chosen dependent upon the circumstances involved. Managers must consider whether there is standing water, as well as, the previous uses of the meadow. Then the bales are removed from the refuge to feed livestock on private lands. With rake bunch grazing, hay is mowed and raked into bunches.