Herbicide Treatment at the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex

The Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex is conducting ground-based herbicide treatment for Phragmites starting this fall. Treatment areas include Lido Beach Wildlife Management Area (22 acres) in Long Beach, Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge (12.2 acres) in Islip, and Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge (50.8 acres) in Shirley. Phragmites or Common reed is an invasive, non-native aquatic plant found throughout Long Island and that can be quite challenging to successfully eradicate. Phragmites aggressively out-competes native vegetation for space and nutrients, and it degrades wildlife habitat. Herbicide treatment is planned to start the week of October 5, 2015. Rodeo® which contains glyphosate will be used during treatment and will be applied by Allied Biological, Inc. a, licensed, wetland experienced contractor. Glyphosate is a common ingredient in herbicides used in many household weed control products. The exact treatment dates may vary depending on tides and other weather conditions, but is estimated to take approximately 1 week to complete. In October 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) received funding to restore and enhance approximately 567 acres of salt marsh habitat impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The herbicide treatment is a part of a large restoration effort to restore marsh habitats at three units of the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The project will help restore wetland habitat in currently degraded salt marshes at Seatuck and Wertheim National Wildlife Refuges, as well as the Lido Beach Wildlife Management Area. The work will help protect the nearby communities of Islip, Shirley and Lido Beach in Suffolk and Nassau Counties during future storms and rising sea-levels. For additional information, please view the website longislandrefuges.fws.gov or contact the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex Office at 631-286-0485. The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.