CWA has the knowledge and expertise to get state and federal money via grants, to better manage, and improve habitat. Thank goodness they do. WE'd never see improvements. Changes made such as new levees, swales and islands etc are well thought out between the refuge management and CWA biologists before any dirt work occurs. At the past few annual hunter meetings for the imperial valley refuges, Chadd S (CWA) has been on the zoom meetings explaining the rationale behind each project's goals (including islands and bump outs on the levee if you prefer to use). These guys are hunters. They understand the needs of hunters, and have to also do what is right for the unit, given the budgets provided in the grants.
The projects are designed to allow for "advanced wetland management practices"....and increase feed production moving forward.
All the blind locations are discussed, and mentioned in the annual hunter meetings. Locations are staked out and they have added island blinds with gravel paths to the blind from the levee.
I haven't used them, but I have used gravel paths in the Grasslands and elsewhere...and they are easier than walking the dirt clod levees I have used. Water improvements via swales etc, and less water gates to maintain, is a goal they are trying to achieve as well.
I understand older guys needs...62 years in the marsh and about to turn 72. You should be able to get ahold of these guys and express your concerns. But understand they are trying to make things better. Best of luck to us all this season.
