Murray Secures Millions to Control Spartina Grass in Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
$1.4 million in Senate bill will help protect delicate ecosystem
| For Immediate Release: |
Thursday, June 9, 2005 |
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) today announced that she has secured $1.4 million for the control of Spartina grass in the Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Spartina grass is a non-native plant that has invaded intertidal mudflats and salt marshes in Willapa Bay. In recent years Willapa has been highlighted by the Audubon Society as one of the nation’s top ten "Hot Spots" for invasive species.
“We need to do all we can to protect fragile wildlife and habitat areas like Willapa Bay for future generations,” Senator Murray said. “I am pleased to provide this funding to help keep the Refuge healthy and to protect the jobs and livelihood of our region’s shellfish growers.”
This is the fourth year that Senator Murray has secured critical federal dollars to help fight Spartina infestations in Willapa Bay.
The funding passed the Senate Appropriations Committee today and will now go to the full Senate for consideration.
