ASHLAND - A project to restore the wetland at Memphis Lake Wildlife Management Area back to a fully functional marsh was completed in June.

Over the years, modifications to the 90-acre wetland and uncontrolled growth allowed site conditions to deteriorate, reducing its value to wildlife.

Drawdown of the lake and wetland began in August 2018.

Work was delayed twice earlier this year by a blizzard and flood.

In June, two water-control structures were installed to help manage water in the wetland separate from the lake.

An accessible hunting blind will be built on the site later this year.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission partnered with Ducks Unlimited on the project, and a Nebraska Environmental Trust grant helped pay for it.