Invasive Phragmites (continued)

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Government Directory>Charlevoix Conservation District>Invasive Phragmites (continued)

Introduced phragmites as far as the eye can see.... [Click here to view full size picture]

Detrimental Effects

Crowds out native plant species & animals;

Creates a monoculture, reducing wildlife habitat & diversity;

Erodes the taxable value on property, restricting shoreline views, reducing shoreline access for swimming, hunting, fishing, and potentially creating fire hazards from dry plant material.

While phragmites control can involve significant expenditure of resources, the environmental and social benefits derived from restoring native wetland communities to coastal and interior wetlands are even greater!

Methods of Control
Controlling the spread of invasive phragmites is crucial to the restoration of native wetland plant communities.

No biological control methods are currently available.

It can easily spread if improper control methods are used!

Initial herbicide treatment (fall application) followed by removal of plant material (mowing or cutting should not occur until at least 2-weeks after herbicide treatment to allow plant absorption of the herbicide), plus annual maintenance is the best method of control.

With large dense stands, prescribed burning after herbicide treatment can provide additional control & ecological benefits. WARNING: phragmites burns very hot and fast, and should only be performed by trained personnel.

Chemical control
Numerous methods may be used to apply herbicide depending on the size of the stand and existing site conditions. Methods for scattered plants or isolated plant stands include: injecting stems, hand swiping or selective hand spraying. Spot treating areas with scattered plants or isolated stands can prevent the establishment of large dense stands, and is more cost effective.
NOTE: The use of a licensed applicator certified in aquatic pest management is recommended!
Chemical Concerns: The effort to gain control of invasive phragmites is sponsored by a host of conservation organizations, local Conservancies, National Wildlife Federation, local, state and federal agencies, all of which are aware of the potential risks associated with using herbicides. All of which also understand using an approved aquatic herbicide applied according to label instructions & permit requirements, these chemicals pose minimal danger to public health and the environment when properly applied.
Informational fact sheets are available for download from the links below.

Mowing or cutting individual stands to remove dead plant material after herbicide treatment is an important step toward achieving phragmites control (this encourages native plant regrowth).

Mowing or cutting should not occur until at least 2-weeks following herbicide treatment, to allow adequate plant exposure to the herbicide.

DO NOT ATTEMPT REMOVAL:

through digging or hand pulling (ineffective due to the extensive root system)

disturbing the soil through mechanized disking or raking (it encourages rapid expansion)

by burning without herbicide treatment prior (it invigorates growth & spreading).

Removing material
IMMEDIATELY collect and bag the cut plant material to prevent seed spread.
It also allows sunlight to reach the soil surface to promote germination of native plants.
Proper disposal of plant material is important to prevent the spread of invasive phragmites to other areas.

Composting is NOT ADVISED as not all seeds may have been destroyed in the composting process.

Complete eradication is unlikely.
Phragmites control requires a commitment to an integrated and long-term management approach.

Permit information & technical assistance
Controlling phragmites may require one or more permits from local, state and federal authorities, as several environmental laws may be applicable. For local ordinances, contact your local municipality for information.

For federal permit information, contact:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Detroit District, 1-888-694-8313
A permit is required to remove phragmites mechanically, including cutting and mowing, below the ordinary high water mark of the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair.

For state permit information, contact:
Land & Water Management Division
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Environmental Assistance Center, 1-800-662-9278
eac@michigan.gov
A permit is also required to treat phragmites using herbicides if the plants are in standing water at the time of treatment or below the ordinary high water mark of the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair.

Aquatic Nuisance Control Program - Water Bureau
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
517-241-7734, deq-lwm-anc@michigan.gov
Application DEADLINE: August 15th

To find a licensed herbicide applicator in your area, please contact:
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division
517-373-1087

For more information, please visit the websites below.