The Flintons’ are involved in Ducks Unlimited Private Land Enhancement Program.
More Information: In collaboration with DU (Ducks Unlimited), Hugh has fenced off the one side of the south wetland in order to give waterfowl more habitat and space during the nesting season and the remainder is open for the cows to water from. The farm plan includes future fence patterns that decrease the amount of Riparian edge available to the cattle. DU has installed a bird loafing platform on the lake and several duck nesting boxes in the forest. As a result of the DU program, there has been an increase in the variety of birds, including goldeneye, bufflehead, wood ducks, widgeons, and mallards. Teal nest in the reeds. Nesting geese attract foxes and coyotes which sneak through the grass to capture goslings. Sandhill cranes pass through in the Spring. There are nesting eagles, ravens, salamanders, bats and swallows. The north (back) wetland has the most timber adjacent to it and it is only grazed during the late summer and fall months in order to protect the Riparian habitat. Approximately 10 acres of the farm is left in forest, classified as multi-aged Interior Douglas-fir with climax shrub and herb vegetation. Fir, spruce, aspen and pine are dominant, however all pine trees have been removed due to pine beetle infestation. Flintons’ three children are very active with 4-H Club and sports. Both Hugh and Jane are registered professional foresters, working full-time jobs. In addition to their busy schedules, the Flintons run 30 head of cattle on their land. They lease 200 acres nearby, 40 acres of which are neighbour’s land on the other side of the lake. |
