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Other Management Several other forms of wetlands manage- ment may be useful under some condi- tions. These techniques include grazing, burning, mowing, and other forms of vege- tation manipulation. Grazing by cattle can be used to open dense stands of vegeta- tion. If grazing is done it is best used heavily and in the early part of the growing season. Removal of the cattle before the midpoint of the growing season will allow several valuable waterfowl plants to com- plete their growth. Excessive grazing should be avoided. Muskrats can also be important in opening dense stands of marsh vegeta- tion. Muskrat populations can be built up by partial protection for one or two years. During this time trapping should be light. As the population increases the muskrats will create extensive openings in the vegetation. If muskrat populations are allowed to build up they should be heavily trapped in following years to prevent over- population and degradation of the habitat. Burning can be useful in managing some wetlands for ducks, geese, and muskrats. Fire is used to eliminate exces- sive growths of vegetation that are not very useful to wildlife. It also releases nutrients and results in new plant growth that provides food and nesting cover for ducks, geese, shorebirds, and marsh song birds. The burning of wetlands should be used with caution since it is 22