There are several Wildlife Management Areas within the greater Sax-Zim Bog ecosystem, some of which get visited during field trips and programs! These areas are also actively managed to support wildlife. Join us as we learn from Melissa Koelsch, Assistant Area Wildlife Manager (Carlton and St. Louis Counties), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This presentation will consider the role wildlife managers have within the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and dive deeper into habitat management strategies in our area. Habitat projects in the greater Sax-Zim Bog ecosystem will be focused on, highlighting the project goals. The presentation will conclude with providing some birding and wildlife viewing opportunities on nearby wildlife management areas and areas that are accessible using the network of trails developed and maintained by DNR Wildlife Staff.
Wildlife and wild places have been an instrumental part of Melissa Koelsch’s personal and professional life for as long as she can remember. Melissa currently serves as an assistant area wildlife manager with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, working primarily in Carlton and St. Louis Counties. She has a BS in Wildlife Ecology – Research and Management from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. She has experience working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resource, Idaho Fish and Game, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in various wildlife and habitat management roles. Melissa has experience managing and restoring wild rice waters, prairie, brushland, and forest habitats. Wildlife surveys, public outreach, disease surveillance, and hunter walking trail maintenance are a few other responsibilities in her current role. When not working, Melissa enjoys spending time outdoors with her family including her husband, two kids (ages 2 and 5) and Labrador named Gadwall (like the duck).
This event is part of the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog’s Friday Speaker Series. No registration required. We will gather for this talk on Friday, March 6th from 12:00pm-1:30pm at Lois King Education Center at the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center, located at 8793 Owl Avenue, Meadowlands, MN 55765.
