I queried our managers about this issue and they provided the following response:


Some background on the spraying at McKee-Beshers WMA. The dikes around the pond area at Mckee were sprayed in October of last year. We had discussed controlling the vegetation on the dikes bordering the impoundments with staff earlier last year. Left unchecked the continued growth of this vegetation on the dikes would have prevented us from effectively managing these dikes; potentially jeopardizing their integrity, possibly resulting in a dike collapse or wash out of a pond in the future.  The trees and shrub vegetation growing on the dike were beyond any mechanical control(mowing). Along some sections of the dike roads the trees/shrubs growing were blocking vehicle and tractor access.  

Staff used spray equipment applied the herbicide "Habitat" to the vegetation and trees along the dikes. This herbicide is approved for use near aquatic areas. 

FYI.

Mark L Hoffman
Associate Director, Administration
Wildlife and Heritage Service





-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Paul Woodward
Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2006 9:46 AM
To: 
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Death at Hughes Hollow


Bob, et al.

     The reason they remove the vegetation from the dikes is to maintain 
their integrity(i.e., no openings developing).
Why they used herbicides is another matter.  I assume the reason they did it 
that way was the lack of resources (mainly money). The last time I remember 
they did it they   used the Civilian Conservation Corp to cut the vegetation 
down.
      This has always been my main complaint about how the area is managed. 
DNR waits until things are out of control and then they use drastic 
measures. If they had just mowed the sides of the dikes every year there 
wouldn't be a problem.
      As for lost of habitat, this a minor issue.  The acutal area affected 
was relativey small and I don't think that many birds nest in the sprayed 
area.  I would worry more about the herbicide entering the water, but 
considering how much no-till farming is done at McKee-Beshers WMA the net 
addition wasn't that much.

Paul Woodward
Fairfax City, VA