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