Candies Creek crops are completely under water.
Recent rains destroyed many acres of cropland at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (TWRA) Chickamauga Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Waterfowl Unit in Meigs, Bradley and McMinn Counties. With over ten inches of rainfall, Candies Creek and Rogers Creek both flooded destroying milo, millet and corn crops. Despite the monetary losses and the lost efforts of TWRA employees, crops aren’t the primary reason waterfowl utilize the area.
Migrating waterfowl show up in higher numbers on the WMA when northern states receive colder weather. Colder weather and ice cover pushes waterfowl south to open waters where food and shelter are more readily available. The Chickamauga WMA provides open waters and naturally occurring cover and food. Crops are planted to bring waterfowl and humans together. “Crops are helpful” said WMA Manager Jason Jackson, “but they’re not the only reason waterfowl come to the WMA”. “Crops can keep waterfowl in an area. If they have food, they’ll stay” continued Jackson. “It’s hard to see our efforts for wildlife and hunters washed away”.
Approximately 35acres flooded at Candies Creek and another 20 acres at Rogers Creek were lost. Johnsons Bottom flooded, but waters receded quickly and crops are expected to recover. Milo, millet and corn had been planted as attractants for waterfowl. WMA workers will attempt to replant the area if soils dry quickly. However it’s all weather dependent. Crops planted too late in the season won’t have time to mature. Jackson stated, “It’s best just to allow the area to grow naturally if crops don’t have time to mature. Regardless, hunters should still put in for the blind drawing and hope for cold weather in the north”.
Damaged crop area remains after waters subside at Rogers Creek Lower.