Program Notes from the July 31, 2007 Meeting of LKWA
July 31, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Linn Duesterbeck’s home
Our July meeting was a walk on Linn’s property to view the effect of biological control on purple loosestrife.
Although this plant is beautiful, it is an aggressive invader that arrived in North America in the early 1800’s. It can seriously degrade wetlands, decreasing their value for other plants, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects.
In small numbers, the plant can be controlled by hand-pulling or digging, although it is difficult to remove all the roots. Herbicides may also be effective, especially in upland areas, but a special permit is needed to use herbicide in and around water. With large invasions of the plant, introduction of an insect that feeds on the plant has been very effective (biological control). In spring 2007, with the help of Cindy Wagner from Local Landkeepers, LLC, Linn released Galerucella beetles into his wetlands. This is part of a program coordinated by the DNR through Brock Woods. More information can be obtained by calling about Purple Loosestrife Bio-control at 608-221-6349 or emailing brock.woods*at*wisconsin*dot*gov.
There were 8 persons in attendance. We walked on Linn’s lakeshore and found the beetles at work chewing holes in the loosestrife leaves. It will probably take a few years to begin to see a decline in the loosestrife invasion. The plants will get smaller and weaker each year and eventually will die out. Other landowners in adjacent wetlands have already released beetles or are planning to do so. This will help protect the diversity of plant and animal life in and around Lake Koshkonong.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Shackelford, Secretary-Treasurer