Betsy Purdum Wetland nightshade

Management

Portions of Fisheating Creek WMA have been modified through drainage and suppression of fire and through agricultural or forestry practices. Disturbed areas are being restored and natural communities maintained through prescribed fire, cattle grazing, and mechanical and chemical treatments. In the spring, some areas are roller chopped to maintain good brood habitat for turkeys.

Invasive plants, both native and non-native, are a problem on Fisheating Creek WMA as they are on many public lands and in many public waters throughout the state. Wetland nightshade, a member of the tomato family from South America forms dense, impenetrable mats covered with thorns. Control of wetland nightshade is especially difficult since once berries are formed, the plant, even when treated with herbicide, will not die until the berries ripen (up to 4 weeks). Fifteen hundred acres of invasive wax myrtle and buttonbush at the head of Cowbone Marsh are being controlled through cattle grazing, mechanical means, and prescribed fire.

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