Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 01, 2009
Contact:
Aerial herbicide treatment to begin in September
Starting this month, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will conduct aerial herbicide treatments to reduce Phragmites, an invasive wetland plant, in the Northern Neck of Virginia. A helicopter will spray an herbicide approved by the Environmental Protection Agency on approximately 150 acres of Phragmites in the area. This project is a partnership with local landowners, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The variety of Phragmites being targeted is a non-native, highly invasive strain introduced from Europe that causes serious harm to Virginia?s marshlands and other wetland habitats. As Phragmites spreads, it quickly crowds out native plant species, eliminates diverse wetland plant communities, and provides little food or shelter for most wetland-dependent wildlife.
The operation is expected to take place until Oct. 9, 2009, depending on weather conditions.
-30-
Share this news release:
