On sections of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge that are managed for waterfowl, equipment operators remove trees so grasses and other small seed-producing plants can grow. Left to nature, most habitats would eventually become forests, which are not productive feeding areas for waterfowl. By removing the trees, we are allowing the “duck, goose and swan food” to grow. We sometimes use prescribed fire to open up areas for grasses, as well.