More than 700 acres of undesirable vegetation treated, LDWF says
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries recently treated more than 700 acres of undesirable wetland vegetation on Sherburne Wildlife Management Area that will improve waterfowl habitat and hunter access, according to a press release.
About 250 acres of invasive floating vegetation in the Des Ourses Swamp were treated, with the remainder of the applications on popular lottery waterfowl hunting areas on Sherburne’s North and South Farms.
“The swamp is a very popular public duck hunting destination, and the expansion of invasive floating vegetation has nearly eliminated open water available to ducks and duck hunters,” said Tony Vidrine, LDWF area supervisor.
According to the release, cutgrass, water hyacinth, buttonwood and willow trees were greatly reducing the availability of preferred waterfowl forage-producing plants.
“Early indications of an effective kill look promising,” said Paul Link, North American Waterfowl Management Plan Coordinator.
Treatments included herbicide application by ground, boat, fixed-wing and helicopter, along with biological control with salvina weevils, extended drawdowns, prescribed fire and mechanical manipulation.
Sherburne WMA, located in the Morganza Floodway system of the Atchafalaya Basin, is situated in the lower- and upper-portions of Pointe Coupee, St. Martin, and Iberville parishes respectively, between the Atchafalaya River and the East Protection Guide Levee.
The WMA is accessible from US Hwy. 190 and I-10.
