Spring Cattail Burns in Voyageurs National Park 

Voyageurs National Park staff will conduct prescribed burns throughout park wetlands to treat areas of invasive hybrid cattails from March through May 2022. Activities include burning floating and rooted cattails as well as other wetland areas to remove dead vegetation, rejuvenate wetland plant communities, and reduce woody plant encroachment. 

Hybrid cattails have invaded approximately 500-acres of wetlands in Voyageurs, displacing native communities of plants such as wild rice, sedges, rushes, and native cattail. This long-term project will improve habitat for wildlife, provide enhanced opportunities for fishing, and help restore wetlands to a more diverse, natural state. More information on the project can be found at: www.nps.gov/voya/learn/nature/cattails.  

Prescribed burns will take place in selected wetlands on Rainy and Kabetogama Lakes. Burning operations will only occur during daylight hours. Visitors are reminded that smoke will be generated by the burning operations and to avoid areas of active burning.  

This project is funded by a variety of organizations including the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Outdoor Heritage Fund as part of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment, Voyageurs Conservancy, National Park Foundation, and the National Park Service.