For Immediate Release:  April 10, 2003
Contact:  Tim Pugh, USDA/APHIS at 605-224-8692

Cattail Management for Blackbird Control

(Pierre, SD) --- The USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services program is accepting applications from sunflower producers in North Dakota and South Dakota who are interested in participating in the 2003 cattail management program.  Through this program, Wildlife Services makes aerial applications of an EPA-approved aquatic herbicide to reduce cattail density.  The removal of cattails helps to disperses large concentrations of blackbirds which move from the cattails to feed in sunflower fields.  In addition to helping disperse blackbirds, removal of the cattails provides environmental benefits to other animals using the wetland.  The herbicide also helps eliminate noxious weeds, such as Canadian thistle and purple loosestrife, that grow on the wetland edges.

There is no charge to landowners who participate in this program.  Applications should be returned by May 15^th to be considered for the 2003 program.  Interested landowners can write or call the USDA Wildlife Services offices in Pierre, SD or Bismarck, ND for application materials.

            USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services                  USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services
            420 S. Garfield, Suite 300                           2110 Miriam Circle, Suite A
            Pierre, SD 57501                                         Bismarck, ND 58501
            605-224-8692                                               701-250-4405           

--- 30 ---