Donated Herbicide to Enhance Wetland Habitat at Horicon Marsh and Rush Lake

Monsanto Company, a CropLife America member company, recently donated more than $30,000 of AquaMaster herbicide to Ducks Unlimited for controlling cattail at Horicon Marsh and Rush Lake. CropLife America and Ducks Unlimited are partnering on a national level in a novel Wildlife Conservation-Technology Initiative. Established in 1933, CropLife America represents the developers, manufacturers, formulators, and distributors of plant science solutions for agriculture and pest management in the United States. The goal of this five-year initiative is to expand the use of plant science technology in the restoration and management of habitat for the benefit of North American waterfowl and other wildlife. By contributing herbicides, fungicides, and technical assistance, the member companies of CropLife America are working with Ducks Unlimited to manage invasive weeds and enhance natural habitat in key waterfowl landscapes across the U. S.

Encompassing 32,000 and 3,000 acres respectively, Horicon Marsh and Rush Lake are among the most important wetlands for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife in Wisconsin. Over time, stable water levels and nutrient and sediment runoff from the surrounding watershed have resulted in monotypic stands of cattail dominating these wetlands. These cattail monocultures replaced high quality wetland habitat that once provided a haven for a variety of wetland wildlife. This donated herbicide will allow managers to control more than 700 acres of cattail, which will allow beneficial wetland plants to reestablish, such as smartweed and bulrush that provide energy-rich seeds.