This page was created to help educate the public on invasive phragmites. Many thanks to the Beaver Island Association for altering us of the problem, sharing information and advice.
With water levels down, Invasive Phragmites is primed for an explosion. The invasive, non-native variety of Phragmites australis, commonly known as phragmites, is a perennial wetland grass that can exceed 15 feet tall. It grows rapidly creating dense stands (monocultures) which degrade wetlands and coastal areas by crowding out native plants and animals, blocking shoreline views, reducing access for swimming, fishing, and hunting, and potentially creating fire hazards from dry plant material.
It can generally be found growing in coastal and interior wetlands, lake margins, roadside ditches, and other low, wet areas, although it can also be found in dry areas.
Education is key to controlling this plant. It can easily spread if improper control methods are used!!!!
Please review the information provided here. Be sure to continue to the next page - where you will find important information on methods of control, chemical concerns, etc.
Also, take some time to visit the sites below!

If you don't want your shoreline to look like this - please don't ignore the invasive phragmites stands you see now.

This photo is from the Phragmented Phragmites powerpoint (to view, click link above). It's a very informative document, you should take a few moments and look through it.

Contact the Charlevoix Conservation District for more information or assistance.

Stakeholders Meeting - January 27, 2009
The Charlevoix Conservation District hosted an Invasive Phragmites Stakeholders meeting at the First Presbyterian Church in Boyne City. Over 50 people attended, anxious to learn more about the threat invasive phragmites poses to the natural resources of Charlevoix County.
Presentors from Michigan Sea Grant, Michigan State University Extension, M. Department of Natural Resources, M. Department of Environmental Quality, Beaver Island Property Owners Association, and JFNew explained: the problem with invasives in the Great Lakes Basin; how invasive phragmites has been identified as one of the HIGHEST threat species in the state; how to make applying for a permit easier; how to work as a community to address the problem; and how to properly treat invasive phragmites by a business providing those services. A steering committee was formed to begin development of a coordinated, countywide approach to invasive phragmites control.
Each of the presentations from the meeting are available below. Again we want to thank all the presentors and everyone else involved in making this such a successful event!

Lake Charlevoix Association - Community Alert meetings
For more information about the Lake Charlevoix Association and its efforts to fight phragmites including upcoming meetings & times, visit their website using the link below.