SOUTHEAST – The State Department of Environmental Conservation is will conduct a controlled burn at Bog Brook Unique area in the towns of Southeast and Patterson. The procedure will encompass 14.5 acres and is tentatively scheduled for the week of April 13, depending on the weather. The burn will continue DEC’s efforts to restore the area’s native wetlands communities and wildlife habitat.
In 1981 when acquired, Bog Brook contained one of the state’s best examples of a unique type of wetland. Over the years, the habitat has been gradually degraded by an expanding infestation of common reed, an invasive, non-native plant species that grows in wetlands. When they become dominant in a wetland, they displace native plant species, slowing converting habitat into a single plant type makeup. That creates poorer habitat for many native wildlife species including secretive marsh birds, turtles and waterfowl.
The controlled burn will remove dead common reed biomass, allowing sunlight to reach the marsh’s surface and promoting the germination of native plant species seeds now lying dormant.
DEC will monitor the recovery of the area’s vegetation and, if necessary, supplement natural regrowth with native planting.
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