In this webinar, presenter Bob Williams will focus on the practical aspects of small scale, cost efficient, invasive Phragmites control for property owners and land stewards. He makes recommendations considering methods, products, and equipment that are easily available to homeowners and land stewards – no helicopters, no contractors, no prescribed burning, no grant money.
Invasive Phragmites is a common problem for natural areas, whether it is in a state parks or your own backyard. When invasive Phragmites become established, they out compete the native plants and create a monoculture. They reduce biodiversity, limit views, limit access to lakes, rivers and canals for recreational purposes, reduce property values and tourism, create a navigational hazard on roads and waterways, can hinder search and rescue operations, and can pose a fire hazard. Williams, has over ten years of invasive Phragmites management experience, serves as a volunteer for MSU Extension, founded www.Phragmites.org, and has presented dozens of public workshops and in-field trainings. Topics covered in the webinar will include treatment options, when to treat, supplies and tools needed, basic herbicide safety, permits, and protecting native plants. Control recommendations are based on MDEQ and DNR publications as well as experience from the field.
In conjunction with this webinar, the GLPC published three blogs from Williams that focused on taking advantage of opportunities specific to small scale control programs. These include pre-cutting the invasive Phragmites prior to the first year of chemical treatment and conducting multiple herbicide treatments in a single season. Williams will also showcase management methods and their applicability to homeowners or small scale programs as compared to government agencies or large scale projects. Links to these blogs are in the video or can be found at www.greatlakesphragmites.net