News Release

Winter and Spring Cattail Burns in Voyageurs National Park

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News Release Date: March 8, 2021
Contact: Tawnya Schoewe
Contact: Reid Plumb, 218-283-6694

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: Voyageurs National Park staff will conduct prescribed burns throughout park wetlands to treat areas of invasive hybrid cattails from March to April 2021. Activities include burning floating and rooted cattails as well as other wetland areas to remove dead vegetation, rejuvenate wetland plant communities, and reduce woody plant encroachment.

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 a more diverse, natural state. More information on the project can be found at: www.nps.gov/voya/learn/nature/cattails.

Prescribed burns will take place in selected wetlands In Black, Dove, Cranberry, Alder, and Lost Bays on Rainy Lake. Once completed, efforts will shift to wetlands in on Lake Kabetogama in Moose and Tom Cod Bays. Burning operations will only occur during daylight hours. Visitors are reminded that smoke will be generated by the burning operations and to avoid areas of active burning.

This project is funded by a variety of organizations including Voyageurs National Park Association (VNPA), National Park Foundation, Clean Air Act Settlement Fund, the National Park Service, and by the Initiative Foundation and the Outdoor Heritage Fund as part of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment.

www.nps.gov

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