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Saginaw Bay Phragmites Control and Restoration Demonstration Project

Learn about the invasive Phragmites plant and the efforts to control and restore wetland ecosystems in Saginaw Bay. Discover the results and next steps of the demonstration project.

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Saginaw Bay Phragmites Control and Restoration Demonstration Project

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  1. Saginaw Bay Phragmites Control and Restoration Demonstration Project Julie Sims MDEQ, Water Bureau SBCI Regional Update Meeting Bay City, MI June 5, 2009

  2. Presentation Overview • Background on Invasive Phragmites • Update on Demonstration Project • Results and Findings • Next Steps

  3. Understanding Phragmites • The aggressive non native variety of Phragmites, or common reed, is a wetland plant that is present in nearly all U.S. states • Phragmites is a perennial, warm season grass that can grow in dense stands, reach heights of 15 + feet and is long living. • Phragmites is capable of reproduction by seeds, but primarily does so asexually by rhizomes.

  4. The Problem • Threatens coastal and interior wetlands, which are Michigan’s most biologically diverse and productive ecosystems • Displaces desirable native plant species • Reduction of wildlife habitat diversity • Restriction of shoreline views • Creation of potentially serious fire hazard

  5. Successful Phragmites Control • Understand phragmites life cycle • Become familiar with herbicide types and application methods • Determine best sequence for secondary treatments • Mechanical • Burning • Flooding • Repeated herbicide treatments • Follow up with additional herbicide treatments as necessary

  6. SBCI Demonstration Project • Partners • DEQ’s Land and Water Management Division, Office of the Great Lakes, and Water Bureau • DNR • Ducks Unlimited • Funding • EPA Great Lakes National Program Office • National Fish and Wildlife Foundation • BASF • Cygnet Enterprises

  7. Saginaw Bay Demonstration Project • This project will attempt to eliminate or significantly reduce Phragmites in coastal shoreline locations to demonstrate to landowners: • effectiveness of the chemical treatment • option of mowing • benefit of treating early • benefits of controlling invasive phragmites in coastal wetlands

  8. Phragmites Management • Step 1: Chemical control - systemic herbicides, timing, dosage, techniques • Step 2: Follow-up chemical treatment, mechanical, prescribed burning, flooding • Step 3: Monitor, repeat! (long-term commitment)

  9. What Have We Been Up To? • Phragmites stakeholder workgroup • Develop information materials • Implement treatment at the demonstration project site • Evaluate control activities • Media event

  10. Available Resources to Assist Property Owners & Resource Managers www.michigan.gov/deqaquaticinvasives

  11. Interpretive Signage

  12. Treatment Methods

  13. Treatment Methods

  14. Treatment Methods

  15. Treatment Plots

  16. Mowing plot Photo monitoring Sept 2007 Photo monitoring Sept 2008 Vegetation monitoring- August 2008

  17. Glyphosate Plot Photo monitoring Sept 2007 Photo monitoring Sept 2008 Vegetation monitoring- August 2008

  18. Combo Plot Photo monitoring Sept 2008 Photo monitoring Sept 2008 Vegetation monitoring- August 2008

  19. Imazapyr Plot Photo monitoring Sept 2008 Photo monitoring Sept 2007 Vegetation monitoring- August 2008

  20. Control Plot Photo monitoring Sept 2007 Photo monitoring Sept 2008 Vegetation monitoring- August 2008

  21. Questions and Comments Julie Sims Michigan Department of Environmental Quality simsj@michigan.gov (517) 373-2732

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