What You Can Do
Chemical Treatment
Mechanical Treatment
Federal Permits
Local Permits and Ordinances
Workshops
Ongoing Efforts

Phragmites australis       (frag-MY-teez), also known as common reed, is a perennial, wetland grass that can grow to 15 feet in height. While Phragmites australis is native to MIchigan, an invasive, non-native, variety of phragmites is becoming widespread and is threatening the ecological health of wetlands and the Great Lakes coastal shoreline. Invasive phragmites creates tall, dense stands which degrade wetlands and coastal areas by crowding out native plants and animals, blocking shoreline views, reducing access for swimming, fishing, and hunting and can create fire hazards from dry plant material.                                                                                                             

Phragmites can be controlled using an integrated pest management approach which includes an initial herbicide treatment followed by mechanical removal (e.g., cutting, mowing) and annual maintenance. For large areas with dense stands of phragmites, prescribed burning used after herbicide treatment can provide additional control and ecological benefits over mechanical removal. Early detection is key to preventing large dense stands and is also more cost efficient.

What You Can Do   

1.  Determine whether the plants are native or invasive Phragmites.   Useful websites for indentification include: 

          Cornell University 
         U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service
2.  Read the following publications to better understand the management issues and control options:

Information for Landowners - A Landowner's Guide to Phragmites Control.  For hard copies of the brochure contact the Office of the Great Lakes at 517-335-4056.

Information for Resource and Land Managers -  A Guide to the Control and Management of Invasive Phragmites.

Phragmites Video: Invasive Phragmites: What It Is, What You Can Do 

3.  Controlling Phragmites may require one or more permits from local, state and federal authorities, as several environmental laws may be applicable. If necessary, apply for and obtain the appropriate permit(s):

State of Michigan Permits

Chemical Treatment: For inland areas (including lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, ditches, wetlands, etc.), a permit is required to treat Phragmites using herbicides if the plants are in standing water at the time of treatment.  Some small backyard ponds may be exempt from permitting requirements, depending on their characteristics.  For shoreline areas along the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair, a permit is required to chemically treat any plant located below the ordinary high water mark, regardless of whether there is standing water or not.  The MDEQ's Water Bureau has created a general permit category for this type of activity, which allows property owners to request authorization for control of invasive or non-native species through a simplified permit process for a reduced application fee. 

For chemical treatment information including blank permit application forms visit  www.michigan.gov/deqinlandlakes (Click on Aquatic Nuisance Control) or contact the Aquatic Nuisance Control Program , Water Bureau, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality at 517-241-7734.

Applications for single-season Aquatic Nuisance Control permits must be postmarked before August 15 in the year of the proposed chemical treatment.  Applications received after this date must be denied or withdrawn, pursuant to the administrative rules.

Additional Useful Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Control of Phragmites using Herbicides
Pesticide Application Businesses Licensed by the State of Michigan  (For inland areas, search under Category 5, Aquatics; for Great Lakes shoreline, search by Category 5 for wet areas and Category 6, Right-of-Way, for dry areas)

Mechanical Treatment: A separate permit is required to mechanically remove Phragmites (cutting and mowing) below the ordinary high water mark of the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair.  The MDEQ's Land and Water Management Division has created a general permit category for this type of activity, which allows property owners to request authorization for control of invasive or non-native species through a simplified permit process for a reduced application fee.  These permits are effective for up to five years.  For mechanical treatment information, including blank permit application forms visit www.michigan.gov/deqwetlands (Click on Great Lakes Shoreline Management).

For required criteria to qualify for the General Permit Category for Limited Great Lakes Shoreline Management Activities   or for help determining the location of the ordinary high water mark, contact the MDEQ's Land and Water Management Division at 1- 800-662-9278. 
 
Additional Useful Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Control of Phragmites Under the General Permit for Limited Great Lakes Shoreline Management Activities

Federal Permits - A permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is required for most activities that alter Great Lakes coastal areas. Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District at 1-888-694-8313.

Local Permits and Ordinances -Some municipalities require additional approvals for certain activities, such as controlled burns.  Contact your local municipality for information.

5.  Conduct treatment
6.  Monitor impacts of the treatment(s)
7.  Fulfill any permit reporting requirements
8.  Repeat the process in future years

Workshops on Phragmites Control and Permitting Process

Boyne City - January 27, 2009 (contact: Kelly Martin, Charlevoix Conservation District)
Leelanau, Grand Traverse, and Antrim counties - March 18, 2009, (contact: DNR - Landowner Incentive Program) 
Traverse City - June 6, 2009 (contact: contact: Denise Baker at The Watershed Center, Grand Traverse Bay to register) 
Tawas  - June 10, 2009 Tawas Bay Beach Resort. Space is limited for the event. Part of the training will be held outdoors so be prepared to head outside. For more information and or to RSVP contact Tim Engelhardt at 989-344-0753 x14
Emmet County - June 19, 2009 (contact Nancy Salar, Emmet County Planning, Zoning, & Construction Resources)

Ongoing Efforts
Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative, Saginaw Bay Phragmites Control and Restoration Demonstration Project

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Photo Credit: Michigan Sea Grant