Invasive vegetation being removed to preserve sensitive base wetlands

Published June 1, 2011
81st Mission Support Group

KEESLER AFB, Miss. -- This summer, Keesler is undertaking a 90-day project to remove invasive vegetation, shrubs and trees that threaten the health of the coastal marshlands along its northern border edging Biloxi's Back Bay.

Starting Monday, the project removes 588 scrub shrubs and woody vegetation, along with 165 mature trees. Of these, there are 472 Chinese Tallow and Chinaberry shrubs and trees which are invasive species and detrimental to Keesler's wetland areas and urban forest program, as well as the surrounding communities.

To promote dominant native species tree growth and eliminate unhealthy trees showing signs of decay, 48 trees are being removed. Eighty mature native species trees will remain.

"The salt water marshes at the northern perimeter of the base provide nursery, feeding and shelter habitats for many coastal species of fish, shellfish and other animals," said
Janet Lanier, Keesler's environmental/ planning program manager. "They create a buffer for the base from storm surges, filter storm water runoff from the base and provide recreational opportunities for fishermen and birdwatchers.

Ms. Lanier said the salt water marsh is primarily composed of black needlerush, salt cordgrass and salt meadow cordgrass. To prevent further deterioration, detrimental
vegetation that threatens native wetland marsh grasses is being removed.

"Although the project area may be brown and barelooking for the first few weeks, it will return to the lush green area in approximately one month and restore the panoramic views of the protected marsh grasses so vital to the Mississippi coastal waters," Ms. Lanier pointed out.

"Natural resource preservation is extremely important to Keesler and coastal Mississippi," she continued. As a National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City, Keesler has an active tree management program that monitors and maintains more than 11,000 trees.

"The base works with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain and other state and federal groups to assure the continued protection of all our natural resources," Ms. Lanier added.