Hine's Emerald Dragonfly - Photo by Dan Soluk

Helicopter herbicide application for control of phragmites in Door County Hine's emerald dragonfly habitat. - Photo by Eric Kroening, Wisconsin DNR

Utilizing Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program funds, and working in cooperation with the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, The Ridges Sanctuary and other private landowners, the Green Bay Field Office undertook a project designed to remove Phragmites from several important Hine’s emerald dragonfly habitat areas. 

The selected method of control was the application of approved herbicide to the Phragmites stands using GIS guided precision helicopter spray apparatus.   A total of 43 acres of Phragmites dominated wetlands were treated. 

The removal of this invasive reed grass will greatly improve the habitat value of these areas for the Hine’s emerald dragonfly and other wildlife species.

The federally listed Hine’s emerald dragonfly is among the most endangered dragonflies in the Untied States.  Currently known to occur only in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Missouri, the Hine’s emerald dragonfly is restricted to wetland habitat characterized by thin soils over dolomite bedrock with marshes, seeps and sedge meadows. 

Hine’s emerald dragonflies currently inhabit several wetland areas in northern Door County, Wisconsin.  Unfortunately, much of this wetland habitat is being invaded by non-native invasive plants species which may inhibit the dragonflies ability to breed and forage.  Of particular concern has been the spread of an invasive exotic plant called Phragmites or common reed grass.  Capable of growing over 10 feet tall, Phragmites spreads throughout the area via an extensive network of under ground roots.  Over time this expansion results in the formation of dense stands of monotypic reed grass that reduce or eliminate native vegetation and the quality of Hine’s emerald dragonfly breeding and foraging habitats.