Pennsylvania Game News - April 2023 - 51

Executive Director Bryan Burhans. " In
an effort to ensure all managed wetlands
are functioning as intended, the agency
committed $6 million in federal PittmanRobertson
funds to begin updating
infrastructure over the next three years.
The enhancements will include repairing
dikes and berms, replacing boards and
more. "
The ability to manipulate water
levels is paramount in creating healthy
wetlands and duck habitat. Timely spring
drawdowns allow natural vegetation to
grow, so that when water is added in the
fall, migrating waterfowl and other waterbird
species can feast on the seeds and
tubers of native plants, such as smartweed,
sago pondweed and coontail, plus the
invertebrates that inhabit these food
sources and associated mudflats. Plants
like cattails also offer a place for birds to
find refuge, rest and protect themselves
from wind and rain
To replenish the state's wetlands,
new water control structures will be put
in place. Dikes and spillways will be
repaired, as will the boards that regulate
wetland water levels. This means water
can be managed more efficiently on game
lands.
The resulting ability to draw water
down so vegetation can grow will also
filter the water by removing sediments,
excess nutrients and pollutants, resulting
in increased quality. When wetlands are
devoid of aquatic plants, the water cannot
be cleaned naturally. And when a wetland
is barren, sediment at the bottom will stir,
keeping the water unfiltered and dirty.
Establishing healthy wetlands helps
control flooding as well.
To learn more about the Pennsylvania
Wildlife Habitat Initiative, and the effort
that makes it possible, visit the PWHI
page at www.pgc.pa.gov.
APRIL 2023
51
Wildlife on camera
The Game Commission again is
offering a variety of round-the-clock
wildlife livestreams, including one at
an active black bear den in Pike County,
where a sow and two cubs are denning
beneath a porch. The last time the Game
Commission provided a livestream at
a bear den, the bears left the den on
April 11.
The bald-eagle livestreams - one
from a nest near Hanover, the other
from a giant sycamore in Pennsylvania
farm country - also could provide plenty
of action in the coming weeks. Eagle
eggs usually hatch in mid-March, so if
chicks hatched at either or both nests,
every minute of their journey toward
their first flights will be documented.
Even the Snow Goose Livestream from
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
might provide some fascinating footage,
although migration is past its peak.
" While all of our wildlife livestreams
are popular with viewers, there's nothing
like watching and listening to bear cubs as
they begin to explore their surroundings
and, ultimately, emerge from the den to
see their new world in Penn's Woods, "
said Game Commission Information &
Education Director Steve Smith. " We're
glad to bring back this livestream for 2023
and offer it alongside our other wildlife
cams, all of which entertain and educate
viewers, and give them a whole new
appreciation for wildlife. "
The livestreams are a collaborative
effort by the Game Commission, HDOnTap
and Comcast Business. HDOnTap
provides the streaming services and
Comcast Business provides the internet
connectivity for the two eagle cameras.
All can be viewed directly at HDOnTap.
com or through www.pgc.pa.gov.
http://www.pgc.pa.gov http://www.pgc.pa.gov
Pennsylvania Game News - April 2023

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