Restoration Strategy: To enhance 750 acres of submerged aquatic vegetation on Mandalay NWR through vegetation control methods. Herbicide will be applied to interior marsh ponds in an effort to control nuisance stands of water hyacinth. Controlling water hyacinth will allow sunlight to reach important submerged aquatic vegetation, which is prime source of waterfowl foraging habitat. In addition, funds were provided for installation and maintenance of additional wood duck boxes on the refuge. Completion of this project will return marsh hydrology to historical patterns, thereby allowing the marsh vegetation to recover and improve habitat conditions for waterfowl. Wood duck and mottled duck species will benefit from the nest boxes and improved marsh management, respectively. The USFWS will manage the area to maintain submerged aquatic vegetation for wintering waterfowl. Limited youth and adult waterfowl hunts will be implemented within the project area to provide a quality duck hunt for those who may not otherwise be able to enjoy a waterfowl hunting experience.
Location: Approximately 6 miles southwest of Houma, LA (Terrebonne Parish)
Acres Impacted: 750 acres
Habitat Type: Coastal Marsh
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
Partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Ducks Unlimited, Inc
Timeline: Project was completed in summer 2001
DU Contact:
Bob Dew
Regional Biologist
646 Cajundome Blvd., Ste. 180
Lafayette, LA 70506
(337) 291-3065
bdew@ducks.org