The refuge also continued its effort to reduce phragmites on federal land spraying 300 acres. Its success can be seen in managed refuge pools where a diverse and beautiful native plant community flourishes in areas that were recently covered in phragmites. This year's efforts were concentrated along the nature trail, the entrance road, and the fringes of the natural marsh on the bay where visitors can already see yellowed stalks from another chemical, imazapyr, used on 80 refuge acres. False Cape State Park, an important partner in the phragmites control program, treated 170 acres with imazapyr and 30 with glyphosate and reports a success from last year's treatment where large areas of phragmites are now reduced to a few small patches. In all, a total of 948 acres of phragmites-infested land was treated.

Numerous agencies, organizations and private landowners, along with the state park and refuge, are part of the joint effort to combat phragmites. These include Back Bay Restoration Foundation, the City of Virginia Beach, the Virginia State Department of Conservation and Recreation and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Region 5 Fire Management Program.

Benefits of controlling phragmites include restoring a diverse native plant community that provides food and shelter to native animals, reducing fuel loading and clearing blocked views. Billy Riggs, manager of the Horn Point Hunt Club, is anticipating the benefits the hunt club members will reap after native seed-bearing plants reappear and attract wintering waterfowl back to traditional feeding areas in the Bay. Larry Humphreys, owner of 9 acres of dense phragmites relishes the thought of having a clear view of his property down to a creek as he did 17 years ago.

"The program of controlling phragmites on private lands is a win-win situation," comments Jared Brandwein, refuge manager. "Landowners benefit tremendously, communities lower fire risks and increase the recreational value of the Bay, and the refuge and state park win by making Back Bay a better habitat for our native ducks, geese and other animals. We are looking beyond our own borders to the whole community to conserve and improve our local treasure, Back Bay."