by John Hild
The Exotics Subcommittee continues to monitor and control exotic species of plants where feasible. As part of the control of purple loosestrife a new procedure known as biological control is being tried. Biological control is using a living organism to control a pest. The goal is to reduce the numbers of the target pest, not to eradicate it. This procedure uses leaf-eating beetles to reduce the growth and reproduction of purple loosestrife.
Committee members and volunteers participated in the DNR program to raise beetles. All materials were provided by the DNR. The beetles were released into two wetland locations on Middle Cullen where purple loosestrife is most prevalent. Successful establishment of the beetles will reduce the impact of purple loosestrife on native wetland plants. We will continue to spray loosestrife in those areas which would not support beetle reproduction due to insufficient numbers of plants.
This committee, in conjunction with the Aquatic Vegetation Committee, is in the process of assigning property owners to identify and map exotics, native plants, and algae on an annual basis.
