Due to an expansive Roseau cane die-off in some of Louisiana’s coastal parishes, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), along with several of its partners, are asking for the public’s assistance to limit the transport of Roseau cane and report suspected die-offs.
 
In addition to LDWF, the LSU AgCenter, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) and the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) are requesting aid from the public.
 
The Roseau cane scale, a non-native tiny insect that consumes the plant, may be contributing to the die-off that has been found in 11 Louisiana coastal parishes, including Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Jefferson, Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Mary, St. Charles, Orleans, St. John the Baptist, Tangipahoa and in southern Mississippi. Waterfowl hunters and fishermen are encouraged to do the following:
 
·             Do not transport Roseau cane.
·             Do not tie boats up to Roseau cane.
·             Remove all Roseau cane debris from boats prior to leaving local marinas.
·             Wash and drain boats at or near marinas with soapy water.
 
These measures will limit the spread of the scale or other vectors that could be the source of the die-off. The public is also encouraged to report areas of stressed cane and the presence of the Roseau cane scale.  A short web-based survey is the best way to report those observations. To participate in the survey, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PhragmitesSurvey .
 
The survey is short and asks for the location of the Roseau cane as well as a picture of the infected Roseau cane and scale (if present).
 
Roseau cane is a tall wetland grass that helps protect the Mississippi River’s bird foot delta and Louisiana’s coastal region. Unlike some marsh vegetation, Roseau cane stands up well to tropical storm events. It is one of the most erosion-resistant marsh plants along the Louisiana coast.  The spread of the scale could have severe impacts on the health of our coastal marshes as well as valuable agricultural crops throughout the state. For more information on Roseau cane, go to http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/roseau-cane-scale-delta .
 
For more information, contact LDWF biologist director Todd Baker at tbaker@wlf.la.gov or 225-765-2814.