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Text Box: Hello, I own a 2 acre bay attached to a public lake. The bay is full of a Scrub/Shrub that is about 6 feet tall and sits on a 2 foot boglike root system. Nothing seems to grow or live in this area other then the shrub, the beavers wont even touch it. I would like to clear them out for other wildlife and fish along with some of the deep muck. What can I Do? Thanks, Paul

ILMS Answer:

Paul,

If the Shrub is woody it may be Buttonbush, (see below) or one of several other wetland shrubs we have in Indiana. Look for spherical seed clusters hanging off the bush. This plant actually is utilized by wildlife for food and cover, especially waterfowl. By this time of year there may not be many seeds left but you should be able to see at least a few. Take a look and let us know, there’s a chance you may also have something undesirable and invasive in there that can be controlled but it’s hard to say without more information. Pictures will help. Modification of riparian wetlands is regulated through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers via the Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and probably also through the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Dredging in freshwater lakes is also regulated. There may be situations where you can cut or spray plants on wetlands, or dredge portions of wetlands without being in violation, however prospects for being able to legally remove muck spoils and native wetland shrubs from a cove that adjoins a larger lake are not too good. When the project adjoins a lake, you would definitely need to inquire with the above agencies and probably also add the IDNR Division of Water, and Division of Fish and Wildlife to the list. Because riparian wetlands typically function as runoff filters which improve and protect lake water quality they are afforded a degree of protection.

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