Water from the Selkirk Mountains above us is diverted from Myrtle Creek to Island Pond at this point. High quality water is important for the health of Island Pond because persistent pesticides or eroded soil would be harmful to aquatic life. Land management in the mountains affects life below them because water collects and transports these materials. Fall - Hunters use the pond as part of the refuge hunting area. Hunting is a sport enjoyed by millions, and a portion of the wildlife population can be harvested without jeopardizing their future existence.
Wildlife is nearly impossible to see in the dense cattails.
Yet, the sounds often reveal many birds in this cover. The yellowthroat, a bright yellow warbler with a black face mask, is commonly heard. Long-billed marsh wrens can sometimes be seen clinging to cattails, chattering at their neighbor. Less frequent is the raspy call of the sora, a secretive member of the Rail family. Most wildlife prefer edges - edges of forests, meadows, or cattails.