Home > Wetlands Invasive Species Control

Wetlands Invasive Species Control

Aquatic Control is New England’s most experienced company with the management of invasive and nuisance plants in both aquatic and wetland habitats. Aquatic Control practices an integrated approach when working in these fragile habitats, employing both chemical (herbicide) application and mechanical techniques. We can handle the project from problem assessment and design, through permitting, implementation and post- implementation monitoring.

Much of our work focuses on the control of common reed (Phragmites) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) occurring along pond, lake and stream margins, natural as well as constructed wetlands and a variety of coastal habitats. Aquatic Control routinely manages invasive plants on sites less than one acre to other large projects and sites in excess of 200 acres. Aquatic Control’s Biologists have the applied experience and cutting- edge technology to know what specific herbicide and application techniques are most appropriate for a given site. Herbicide applications are tailored to be area specific and species selective to the extent possible. The overall objective of most projects is to effectively manage the aggressive invasive weeds thereby allowing desirable native plants to recolonize the site. Application techniques routinely used, include; hand-wicking; spot spraying (backpack); truck-mounted sprayer with 200 feet of hose; Airboat application and Amphibious Track Vehicles equipped with spray platforms.

In some situations, spraying followed by cutting and mulching, will hasten the recovery of native plants (from the “seed bank”) once the invasive plants are controlled. Aquatic Control has a variety of specialized amphibious and low ground pressure machinery at our disposal for such projects.

Experience

Aquatic Control has performed numerous aquatic and invasive plant projects in MA, CT, RI, NH, ME, VT and NY State. We are commercially licensed/certified in these states to perform herbicide applications. Our clients include MA DEP, VT DEP, CT DEP, ME DEP, US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, along with other state/federal agencies. Other wetlands management clientele include: The Nature Conservancy of CT, cities and towns, lake and watershed associations, private land owners along with environmental/engineering companies engaged in wetlands management and restoration.