Winegar Pond Invasive Species Control in a Green Bay Wetland Jason Hill - Manager of Conservation Programs Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
May 20, 2015
Winegar PondInvasive Species Control in a Green Bay Wetland
Jason Hill - Manager of Conservation ProgramsDucks Unlimited, Inc.
Winegar Pond…Getting Acquainted
• 120 acre Lake Michigan Coastal Wetland
• Located near the mouth of the Peshtigo River in Green Bay
• Owned and managed by the Wisconsin DNR
• Green Bay West Shores Wildlife Area – Peshtigo Harbor Unit (4,894 acres)
• Important emergent wetland for migratory birds, wetland dependent fish and society (recreation, local economy/jobs, water quality)
Winegar Pond…The Problem
• Carp spawning activity destroys native vegetation, increases turbidity and promotes invasive plant species
• Monocultures of Phragmites
Winegar Pond…The Project
• Concept by Wisconsin DNR and DU in 2009
• Successful proposal with EPA Award to DU
• Invasive Species Prevention and Control Grant
• Budget: $658,009 EPA grant award; $25,000 DU
• 5 EPA Awards for habitat/wildlife and invasive species received for Green Bay alone
• WI agencies/orgs received nearly $30M in Year 1
Winegar Pond…Carp Exclusion
• DU project design and delivery
• 2 Carp exclusion structures at primary inlets
• Active management by WDNR Staff
• To date:• Topographic survey complete• Soil borings and analysis complete• Design in progress
• Next: Permits and clearances
Winegar Pond…Phragmites Control
• 100 acres adjacent and within Winegar Pond
• Helicopter application in September 2011
• BASF Habitat (Imazapyr based) herbicide
• Secondary on-the-ground treatments in 2012 (herbicide, burning, mowing)
• WDNR staff coordination
Great Lakes Restoration Tour – Green Bay
Winegar Pond…What’s Next?
• Construction in summer/fall 2012
• Develop management and maintenance plan
• Continued public education (signs and dedication)
• Monitoring by Wisconsin DNR
• Celebrate/promote long-term benefits of project! Native fish recruitment to Green Bay Enhanced wetland habitat for wildlife Improved water quality Recreation opportunities