This morning I talked with Leo Rebetsky, park manager at Cromwell, about the herbiciding we observed around the Lime Kilns yesterday morning. Here's what I learned:

The Lime Kilns are slated for stabilization and restoration, which will be a project with federal, state, and local components, ultimately resulting in refurbished kilns with interpretive signage. Prior to this work, archaeological studies will be performed. 

The plant control effort is for two reasons, to prepare the site for the archaeological work, and also for the simple reason that plant roots in brickwork contribute to its destabilization.

This work was scheduled to begin in 2009, but as of now is not formally scheduled. I have asked Mr. Rebetsky to consider delaying the plant control until there is a start date for the initial efforts, in order to maintain the habitat at least through migration and possibly into the winter, so the plants will continue to provide food and cover for migrating and resident birds. 

Leslie Starr
Baltimore