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"November 2004".

Trumpeter Swans require shallow-water wetlands that produce extensive, luxuriant, and diverse stands of submerged aquatic vegetation. These kinds of wetlands, with some recognized physical and biological characteristics, fulfill functions important for swans of all age classes. The following information was developed based on data and publications from past investigations and the collective knowledge of three biologists (Dave Lockman, Dan Stevenson, and Susan Patla) who have intensively studied swans and their habitats for the Wyoming Game & Fish Department in Wyoming from 1981-2004. We have compiled this information for use by private landowners, wetland construction contractors, biologists, land trusts, and land managers for the planning, construction, improvement, and management of wetlands for spring through fall use by Trumpeter Swans. If these considerations and prescriptions are utilized in the design and construction of shallow-water wetlands, we anticipate a high probability of use either by adult swans for nesting and production, by molting sub-adults during mid-summer, by paired adults prior to the nesting period, or by migrating swans in the spring or fall seasons. Shallow water wetlands are crucial for sustaining the local resident flock between ice-off and ice-on (late March-late November). Because of the unique security and aquatic food needs of adult and young swans, summer flock size may be currently limited by lack of habitat with the physical and biological characteristics capable of sustaining nesting adults and producing cygnets to flight. We predict that the resident flock size will increase slowly if productive, suitable habitat increases in availability and dispersion; and local swan production and recruitment increases. Wetland habitats designed with trumpeter swans in mind will accommodate many other waterfowl, water birds, and numerous other wildlife species associated with aquatic and riparian habitats in the state. -- Introduction.