PURPOSE: To protect 157 acres of playa wetlands habitat through fee title acquisition. Fifty acres of the 157-acre area are seasonal wetlands. The remainder is upland farmland. Most of the farmland is being replanted to native grass, and the remainder is planted to cereal grains to supply food for wildlife. Tree and shrub plantings supply woody cover. Water rights were obtained, assuring that as least a portion of the playa can be flooded even in dry years to provide habitat for waterfowl. Moist-soil plants will provide food for migrating ducks, while the upland habitat will be restored to native grasses. Mallards, pintails, green-winged teal, gadwalls, and shovelers will be the primary waterfowl species to benefit from this project. The Wild Turkey Playa is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks as a migratory wetland and is closed to all activities during both the spring and fall migrations. The purpose of the area is to supply a resting and feeding area for migratory waterfowl.
LOCATION: Approximately 8 miles west of Dodge City, KS (Ford County)
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