Shredding

Shredding of dense stands of river bulrush and cattail are done to create small open water areas in wetlands.  Equipment used in the past was a tracked, skid steer machine with shredder.  The tracked skid steer has low ground pressure which allows operation on wet soils.  Shredding is done to accomplish a couple of objectives: open up small areas for waterfowl and sever the aerial stems from the underground rhizomes.  Without the erect stem to provide oxygen to the rhizomes, the plants "drown", leaving open areas for annual plants to grow.  

Shredding today is done on a limited amount due to the high cost of fuel.  Our goal is to apply enough grazing and prescribed burning to reduce the dense stands of wetland vegetation.  Grazing livestock on shredded areas provide access for cattle to graze, increasing the size of open areas and decreasing the perennial plants. 

Currently, shredding is done with a large rotary mower pulled behind a track-tractor.  This equipment allows us to cut down dense stands of new tree seedlings.  It is not a preferred management action because it does not kill the seedling and it leaves sharp tree stems that can puncture tires.  We are forced to use it to retard tree growth until a prescribed fire can be done.  Each year, we have more need for fire than we are able to accomplish.

Posi-trac and shredder in wetland

Last updated: September 23, 2008

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