Phragmites australis on Wallops Island: An update of control and monitoring done by Virginia Natural Heritage Program

Author: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Year: 2011
Digital Object Identifier:
Type: Case study
Topic: Case study, Guidance Document, Management, Monitoring

DCR has worked with the invasive non-native Phragmites on the Eastern Shore for many years including work to map, monitor, educate landowners about Phragmites control, directly control Phragmites and to support partnering agencies and private landowners with control of this noxious weed. Wallops Island Flight Facility (WFF) has been involved with DCR’s effort since 2004, when DCR first mapped most of the facility’s Phragmites. Since then, DCR has worked with WFF to conduct three aerial herbicide applications (2006, 2007 and 2008), and to establish and sample monitoring plots (2007, 2008 & 2009). DCR conducted a second census of Wallops Island along with the rest of the Eastern Shore seaside in 2008. As they pertain to Wallops Island, this document outlines DCR’s activities and summarizes findings broken down into the three major categories of Phragmites Census, Phragmites Control and Phragmites Monitoring. Associated management recommendations are also included.