2023 Avian Conservationist of the Year Award Nominee

 

Kurt Grimm

KDWP, Slate Creek Wetlands Land Manager

 

Nominated by Eugene Young and Max Thompson

 

Kurt Grimm is the land manager for Slate Creek Wetlands (SCW), Sumner County; Cowley State Lake and Kaw Wildlife Area, both in Cowley County. As part of his duties, he’s also responsible for enforcing fish and wildlife laws. Since Kurt came to the area in 2004, especially at SCW, he has implemented a holistic conservation management plan that has focused on developing wetlands critical to migratory shorebirds along with many other wading birds and waterfowl; maintaining important vegetative communities; providing nesting and habitat for wetland, upland, and riparian avian species; and providing abundance of small mammal, and amphibian and reptile habitat. Kurt has attended numerous workshops and conferences on wetland management, especially moist soil habitats. He’s been instrumental in obtaining funding to enhance existing wetlands, and develop new wetlands in what was formerly used as crop fields. Tree removal and burning has become a frequent tool to open up wetlands that were being infiltrated by native (woody) and invasive species of vegetation. He’s controlled cattail populations, and is currently fighting constantly to keep up with a Phragmites infestation from nearby wetlands.

 

Prior to Kurt’s arrival, SCW had three main complexes, a south and north complex, both privately owned by hunting clubs, and the mid-section operated by KDWP. The original 667 acres has increased to 947 acres with additional acquisition. From an avian perspective, SCW is known for extensive shorebird and waterfowl migration, with enough shorebirds to qualify as a site of regional importance for shorebird migration, with a minimal annual 20,000 shorebirds per year. In addition, herons and egrets, rails, and terns frequent the area. The passerine migration, especially sparrows and warblers are also common place in the area. The State land, was an ideal site for the passerines, and has become a frequent location to find Nelson’s Sparrow, Le Conte’s Sparrow, and both Marsh and Sedge Wrens. But, it had minimal habitat for the aquatic species, unless it was flooded. There was basically, one large pool/mudflat area where shorebirds and waterfowl could be found in large numbers. New wetland development prior to Kurt’s arrival focused on deeper pool development without the ability to control water levels. Thus, the utilization by shorebirds was minimal, but waterfowl use increased. Upon Kurt’s arrival, and with his implementation of a holistic approach, he’s developed a wetland complex that now has the ability to control water levels, thus allowing drawdown for shorebird migration, extensive water for hunting seasons, and vast winter and breeding habitats…of course when mother-nature cooperates. The result, has been an increasing use of shorebirds, herons, and other wetland dependent species of birds, such that the greatest concentrations are now found as often within the State land as they are in the other larger pools associated with the private lands in the north and south complexes.

 

Furthermore, Kurt has constantly reached out to us concerning development of the area, he allows us to survey the entire State complex, and we provide eBird reports to him to help in management decisions. He preserved habitat for a species of plant only known in Kansas from SCW (wooly cotton-flower, Gossypianthus lanuginosus), and asked Gene Young to map the habitat prior to wetland development activities. This provided an opportunity as a “learning tool” for Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) students. In fact, NOC students have been able to conduct algae, flora and fauna studies of the area, all of which is helping to develop a comprehensive understanding of the entire complex and how interactions between the north and south complex relates to the State land.

 

In addition, Kurt’s management of the Kaw Wildlife Area (KWA, southeast of Arkansas City) and Cowley State Lake (CSL, east of Arkansas City) has been beneficial to those that enjoy fishing and hunting, but he’s also provided habitat for numerous avian species and guilds. Use of burning, removal of invasive species, restricting certain areas to “walk-in” only, thus reducing habitat destruction by 4-wheelers and 4x4 trucks have been beneficial to the avian communities within. At the KWA, Yellow-crowned Night-herons and Wood Ducks have increased in nesting frequency; Bald Eagle nesting has been documented in numerous locations along the Arkansas River portions thereof; and Kentucky Warblers, Acadian Flycatchers, and Chuck-wills-widow can be found nesting in most years. Painted Buntings and Tree Swallow are common nesting species at CSL. Both areas are excellent locations to birdwatch during migration, as well as during the winter months, and the KWA is an important site during annual Ark City CBC.

 

Thus, it is with great enthusiasm, that we recommend Mr. Kurt Grimm for the Kansas Ornithological Society Avian Conservationist of the Year Award for his vast efforts in increasing avian habitats, especially at SCW, that will continue to provide quality migratory habitat for thousands of shorebirds annually; as well as the habitat enhancement and development in his other areas of responsibility in Cowley County, that benefit a host of migratory and nesting species. These efforts are having positive impacts that should last for years to come, especially at the SCW complex; with increasing numbers of shorebirds, waterfowl, and other waterbirds being observed within the State lands portion of the SCW complex. His dedication to SCW is continuing to make Slate Creek Wetlands: “The Pearl of the Prairie.”