Helicopter application is used to provide the most efficient application of the herbicide. - USFWS photo by Andrew Hinickle

Areas highlighted in red were targeted for herbicide application.

Dense stands of common reed grass (bluish-green) surround native wetland plants on Longtail Point in Brown County, Wis.  The herbicide application was targeted at this non-native plant species. - USFWS photo by Andrew Hinickle

The Green Bay (Wisconsin) Ecological Services Field Office applied Habitat herbicide to 600 acres of common reed grass (phragmites australis) on Sept. 20 - 22, 2005. Application areas included coastal wetlands and adjacent areas along the southwest shore of Green Bay, in which the control of non-native, invasive common reed grass could provide the highest benefit to native fish, wildlife and plant communities. Habitat, the trade name of the herbicide used, is EPA approved for aquatic use and has been successfully used in other areas of the U.S. to control common reed grass as well as other invasive wetland plants. Helicopter application was selected to accurately map and efficiently apply herbicide to infested areas, avoiding unneeded herbicide application and minimizing collateral damage to native vegetation.

 This project will contribute to the reestablishment of native wetland vegetation in the southwest corner of lower Green Bay, help protect important wildlife habitat and preserve the rich wildlife heritage of Green Bay's west shore. 

The project was primarily funded by Lower Fox River/Green Bay Natural Resource Damage Assessment restoration funds, along with additional funding provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Cooperators in this effort include the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Brown County Parks Department, the City of Green Bay Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department and Duck Creek Headwaters Incorporated.