Voyageurs National Park staff and contractors will resume work removing areas of invasive, hybrid cattail in wetlands within Voyageurs National Park from July through October of 2021. Activities include “grinding" up mats of floating cattails with a specialized cutting machine and removing the debris using a harvesting barge. Debris will be deposited on shore where it will be spread and decay naturally. Some areas of treated wetlands will also be re-seeded with a native aquatic plant mix.
Hybrid cattails have invaded approximately 500-acres of wetlands in Voyageurs, displacing native communities of plants such as wild rice, sedges, rushes, and native cattail. This long-term project will improve habitat for wildlife, provide enhanced opportunities for fishing, and help restore wetlands to more diverse, natural states. More information on the project can be found at: www.nps.gov/voya/learn/nature/cattails.
Initial work will begin treating problematic floating mats in Sullivan Bay, Kabetogama Lake. Once completed, efforts will shift to Rainy Lake. Removal operations will only occur during daylight hours. Noise will be generated by the specialized grinding machine. Park visitors are reminded to not attempt to use boats or watercraft in recently treated wetlands to avoid getting stuck or damage motors as these areas are naturally shallow, mucky, and will contain remnant cattail debris. Follow-up removals will be repeated this summer as necessary to remove any debris.
This project is funded by a variety of organizations including the Outdoor Heritage Fund as part of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment, Minnesota Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund, Initiative Foundation, Voyageurs Conservancy, National Park Foundation, Clean Air Act Settlement Fund, and the National Park Service.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
