Since 1995, when the numbers of Tundra Swans counted one day in Riecks Lake numbered 6,000, those numbers have been dwindling to the point that last year, 2004, the peak one day number was 300 birds. The reason for this drastic decline in numbers has been the rapid silting in of Riecks Lake and the explosive growth of one particular emergent water plant called burreed. This plant grows in massive beds in very shallow water and does not die down at the end of the growing season as do most other emergents. This has closed up the open water areas of the lake which are preferred by the swans. Because they need runways for taking off and landing the swans are reluctant to use the small ponds and channels which are the current landscape of Riecks Lake. Take a look at the pictures below. The one on the left is from around 1996. The one on the right is from 1999.










Riecks Lake
A study done by U fo M researchers indicated Riecks Lake was a favored place for swans, particularly those pairs with young birds. They also keep coming back year after year. Because of this, plus the readily accessable viewing platform which has ample safe parking, the Federal Scenic Byways Program granted funds to Buffalo County to improve the viewing area and the campground at Riecks Lake Park. This included the funds to dredge some 80,000 cubic yards of silt from the lake. By making open water areas available again it is expected that the swans will return to Riecks Lake in much larger numbers. The dredging was started in the summer of 2005 and will be completed before the arrival of the 2005 migration of swans into the area.

Riecks Lake Dredging
The Alma Tundra Swan Watch volunteers will again be on hand throughout the season to make visitors welcome and provide information about the swans, other waterfowl and the area. We will keep you posted on this website as to the status of this rehabilitation effort.