Hunters: Remember to ‘Clean. Drain. Dry.’ to protect waterfowl habitat

Glyceria maxima (also known as rough mannagrass), an invasive plant similar to phragmites, has been found in the Dollarville Flooding in Newberry. The Department of Natural Resources is working with the Three Shores Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area to manage the infestation.

In addition to these new invasive plants, concern remains about the spread of European frog-bit and invasive phragmites. All four species tend to grow in slow-moving waters – just the kind of places that ducks and geese flock to.

Both European frog-bit and hydrilla create thick mats of vegetation that can hamper the movement of diving ducks and reduce the availability of snails, mollusks and other food sources.

Plants can get caught in boat motors and gear, making it harder to navigate prime hunting areas.

Infestations can spread to new bodies of water when plant fragments, rhizomes (root structures) or small, seed-like turions attach to boats, trailers, gear and even dogs.

• CLEAN equipment (including waders, decoys, straps, anchors, boats and trailers) thoroughly between trips to keep from transporting undesirable plant fragments, seeds or organisms from one site to another.
• DRAIN all water from boats, trailers and equipment.
• DRY boats, gear and equipment for five days (if possible) before transporting to another body of water.
• Inspect all gear and equipment before and after use, including anchors, decoys and lines, blinds, waders and clothing. Remove any plants, debris or soils.