March 13, 2008

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that $804,000 in federal funding has been awarded to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for a program to restore sensitive tidal wetlands in the state.

The funding from the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) will be used by the DEP to restore 726 acres of tidal wetlands degraded by the invasive exotic plant Phragmites at three Wildlife Management Areas along the lower Connecticut River and at two state parks on Connecticut's coast.

"Connecticut has been awarded one of the highest levels of funding in the nation for this program," Governor Rell said. "The DEP will now be able to perform much needed wetland restoration at key locations in Connecticut. These dollars will go a long way toward restoring tidal marshes that have been degraded by this invasive plant species. In addition to direct ecological benefits, tidal marshes are a critical buffer from severe storms and it is important to protect them."

This award money will be used to restore tidal wetlands at Silver Sands State Park in Milford, Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Plum Bank Wildlife Management Area in Old Saybrook and the Back River and Upper Island portions of Great Island Wildlife Management Area in Old Lyme.

DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy said, "Through the reduction of Phragmites in tidal marshes, the end result will be better protection and preservation of the valuable ecosystem and biological diversity at all these sites. Native vegetation and a wide diversity of bird populations will be allowed to flourish and become re-established. Another benefit of wetland restoration will be the creation of scenic vistas and increased wildlife viewing opportunities for all visitors to enjoy."

Dr. Nels Barrett, an Ecologist with NRCS said, "Tidal marshes are dynamic ecosystems, subject to constant shifts in elevation and vegetation patterns in response to natural events and human influences. In spite of such changes, non-native invasive Phragmites is ubiquitous and monopolizing large portions of wetlands. To restore the former ecological integrity of these once exemplary marshes, the dominance of Phragmites must be checked which will allow for the re-establishment of the native biota."

Phragmites is an aggressive, invasive plant species that has taken over thousands of acres of marsh in Connecticut. Since 1997, the DEP's Wildlife Division, Wetlands Habitat and Mosquito Management (WHAMM) Program has been conducting Phragmites control at over sixty-six sites.

Non-native Phragmites is a tall, perennial grass that grows in brackish, tidal fresh water and non-tidal freshwater wetlands. In the last 30-50 years, Phragmites has begun spreading at very high rates in areas such as the lower Connecticut River. Scientists, environmental managers, and conservationists are increasingly concerned about the potential threat that the spread of Phragmites poses to tidal wetlands throughout Connecticut. The rapid spread and shade from Phragmites hinders the growth of native plant species and also prevents the movement of animals and large birds such as ducks, shorebirds, and wading birds.