Migratory Waterfowl Habitat Restoration

Since European settlement, there has been an estimated loss of approximately 55% of North America?s wetlands. Although there has been significant reduction in the loss of wetlands since the 1980?s, there continues to be a dramatic loss in the functionality of the existing wetlands for wildlife due to the spread of invasive species, such as the hybrid cattail, which can create monotypic stands that crowd out and significantly reduce open water sources. Also, the encroachment of of several other exotic species, such as purple loosestrife, phragmites, and reed canarygrass have greatly affected the natural sources of food that wetland habitats can provide through reduction of use by other species. Creating a mosaic of plant communities in multiple successions and in differing water levels provides a robust structural diversity to support a wide range of species. In order to maintain that mosaic it is important to reduce the amount of invasive species such as hybrid cattail in order to facilitate the growth of native wetland species. Herbicide treatments allow us to eradicate large areas of invasive cattails when other control methods or not possible. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge has experienced significant reduction in our ability to reduce cattail growth through prescribed fire. Chemical applications allow us to continue to reduce hybrid cattail growth in our wetlands which allows us to provide more quality habitat for the thousands of migrating waterfowl that use Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. Using fixed wing aircraft allows for greater coverage, less chemical to be applied, more accurate coverage of difficult to reach areas by airboat or marsh master. It is a far more efficient way of treating large areas of invasive hybrid cattail. Once treated, fire and grazing, used in combination with natural hydrologic conditions will help to mitigate the migration of these invasive species back into wetland habitats.