TestCopilotAgent

PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 1

Version 11 • 2025
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 2
Protect Your Privacy
Purpose: The principal purpose for collecting information (e.g., name, telephone numbers, email
address, mailing address, user-mapped boundary of Phragmites patch, organization, and title of
participant if applicable) is to contact and provide support to participants of
the Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework (PAMF) and learn
from Phragmites management actions completed by participants. Data will be accessible to Great
Lakes Commission staff directly involved in the PAMF program.
Routine Use: The information will be used by the PAMF team to manage communication among
program participants, characterize management units, inform quantitative models, indicate
optimal management action based on measured conditions, and conduct analyses that improve
the program and support decision making. Data may be shared with PAMF team members from
the U.S. Geological Survey and University of Georgia – Center for Invasive Species and
Ecosystem Health and (with special permission) with other participants in the PAMF program.
Disclosure: Participation in the program is completely voluntary. However, failure to furnish
information requested on the forms may delay or inhibit communication with participants, reduce
the effectiveness of the program, and limit the accuracy of the model outputs.
Note
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Geological Survey under
Grant/Cooperative Agreement No. G23AC00436. The views and conclusions contained in this
document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or
policies of the U.S. Geological Survey. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not
constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey.
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Table of Contents
Attention: AAMP Grant Recipients 5
Introduction 5
Adaptive Management 6
Getting Started with PAMF 7
How PAMF Works 8
Annual Steps 10
PAMF Data Package 11
Chapter 1: Enrolling a Management Unit 12
What is a Management Unit? 13
Field Equipment for Enrolling 14
Mapping a Management Unit Boundary 14
Enrollment Form 16
Chapter 2. Monitoring a Management Unit 18
When to Monitor 19
Field Equipment for Monitoring 19
Standardized Monitoring Protocol 19
Monitoring Locations 24
Reporting Monitoring Data 27
Invasion States 27
Optional monitoring: Invasive European Frog-bit 28
Chapter 3. Managing a Management Unit 30
PAMF Management Phases 31
PAMF Management Actions 34
More Information on Implementation Techniques 37
Management Combinations and Guidance 37
Alternative Guidance Options 39
Reporting Management Data 41
Management Timing 42
Summary 43
Moving Forward 45
Glossary 46
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Frequently Asked Questions 48
General 48
Enrolling 48
Monitoring 50
Managing 51
Appendix A. How-To Guides 54
A.1 The PAMF Field Maps App 54
A.2 Quick guides for the PAMF Field Maps App 58
A.3 Vernier Caliper 63
A.4 PAMF Quadrat 64
Appendix B. PAMF Enrollment Form 65
Appendix C. PAMF Monitoring Field Sheet 66
Appendix D. PAMF Management Reports 67
Appendix E. Annual Management Unit Summary Example 79
Our mascot, “Phraggy”
Welcome
to PAMF!
@GLPhrag
Keep up to date with
PAMF by following us on
social media!
@GLPhrag
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 5
Attention: AAMP Grant Recipients
Please note that if you are an PAMF Active Adaptive Management Program (AAMP) Grant
Recipient, all sections of this Participant Guide are relevant except those about receiving
guidance (i.e., the guidance portion of “Management Combinations and Guidance” and all of
“Alternative Guidance Options”). Also note that there are specific deadlines for performing
management actions and reporting those actions, and only 12 of the 16 PAMF management
combinations are accepted. For more information, refer to the Request for Proposals and the
AAMP-specific training course on pamf.moodlecloud.com (see “Getting started with PAMF”
below).
What is AAMP? In 2024, PAMF started a small-grants program called the Active Adaptive
Management Program to learn more about underutilized management combinations. For more
information about AAMP, visit https://www.greatlakesphragmites.net/pamf/aamp-funding/.
Introduction
Non-native Phragmites australis (hereafter Phragmites; Fig 0.1) is one of the most aggressive
plant species invading North America. It is already well-established in the Great Lakes basin,
along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coasts, and in wetlands across the interior of the continent.
More about Phragmites can be found at http://www.greatlakesphragmites.net/phragbasics/.
Non-native Phragmites is managed using a suite of conventional approaches (e.g., herbicides,
cutting/crushing, flooding, burning), but these strategies are not making a lasting impact at the
landscape scale. Additionally, these approaches are resource-intensive and differ in
effectiveness, largely because there are uncertainties about how the plant responds to
management given site-specific conditions and variations in implementation techniques.
Moreover, managers often disagree on what outcomes can be expected from Phragmites control
efforts. Lastly, it is difficult to coordinate management efforts across the landscape such that we
can learn from every action taken.
To address these challenges, the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative developed an adaptive
management strategy called the Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework (PAMF). This
framework is designed to reduce uncertainties in land managers’ control strategies throughout
the Great Lakes basin. Once implemented, PAMF will lead to approaches that maximize
effectiveness and efficiency and change the way Phragmites management is done regionally.
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Figure 0.1 Non-native Phragmites growing along the shores of a tributary flowing into Lake Erie near Stony Point, MI.
Adaptive Management
PAMF is the first basin-wide application of adaptive management to address the issue of nonnative Phragmites. In short, adaptive management is systematic learning from management
outcomes. More specifically, adaptive management refers to management that involves planning,
implementing, evaluating, and adjusting management activities as a repeating cycle. It also
includes predictions about how a resource is expected to change in response to management
efforts and compares observed outcomes to those predictions. Adaptive management is a useful
approach when the need to make repeated management decisions over time presents an ongoing
opportunity to learn from the results and continuously improve future management.
This definition of adaptive management is used by the U.S. Department of the Interior and is
based on the fundamentals of decision science where learning from management outcomes can
improve management over time. With the assistance of a predictive model, PAMF can learn
scientifically about Phragmites’ response as the order and timing of management combinations
change due to invasion status and/or management constraints. This sort of large-scale effort
benefits from many management activities taking place around the Great Lakes basin that speed
up the learning process. This means that management guidance is constantly improving and
leads to more effective and efficient control efforts.
More information on adaptive management can be found at:
● Adaptive Management: The U.S. Department of the Interior Technical Guide (PDF)
● Adaptive Management: The U.S. Department of the Interior Applications Guide (PDF)
● www.greatlakesphragmites.net/pamf/pamf-history/
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Getting Started with PAMF
Beyond this guide, there are a variety of resources to help you get started with PAMF that we
encourage you to engage with.
The PAMF Web Hub
www.pamf-portal.net (or https://www.ismtrack.org/pamf if you experience firewall issues)
Once you have enrolled in PAMF you will have access to the Web Hub (detailed in the next
section), where you will find all the materials you need to report your data and track your progress
with PAMF, as well as helpful how-to resources such as ‘quick guides’ and flow charts.
PAMF Interactive Online Courses
pamf.moodlecloud.com/
To become ‘PAMF Certified’ and learn all you need to know to get started, enroll in the full online
Moodle course titled “PAMF Participant Training,” or to get a refresher, try the short course,
“Refresher: An overview of PAMF.” We also have a course specifically for Active Adaptive
Management Program (AAMP) grant recipients, which should be taken instead of the standard
participant training. All courses follow this guide, walking you through all the steps involved in
PAMF while testing your knowledge along the way. To enroll in the courses, see the instructions
for how to register: bit.ly/PAMFtraining. Note that course participation is recommended but not
required to participate in PAMF; however, AAMP grant recipients must enroll in the AAMP PAMF
course.
PAMF Website
www.greatlakesphragmites.net/pamf/
The PAMF section of the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative website contains background
information about PAMF, links to PAMF’s animated videos and Strategic Plan, and additional
training resources. The rest of the Collaborative’s website has more resources related to
Phragmites management and research, including case studies, a contractor list, webinars, an
email listserv, and much more.
PAMF Field Maps app
https://arcg.is/XXbie
Optional: you may choose to collect your PAMF enrollment and monitoring data in the PAMF Field
Maps app. To use the app, you must join the ArcGIS Online PAMF group. For more information,
see the Appendix section A.1. A detailed how-to video on utilizing the PAMF App is available on
our YouTube channel.
Contact the Coordinator
You can always contact the PAMF coordinator at pamf@glc.org with questions or concerns!
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How PAMF Works
PAMF has three components: 1) a monitoring protocol, 2) a model that predicts how Phragmites
will respond to various management alternatives, and 3) a central database with an associated
Web Hub (www.pamf-portal.net) where results from control efforts are reported and management
guidance is shared. For more details about the PAMF program, view this short three-minute video:
www.greatlakesphragmites.net/pamf/pamf-history/.
PAMF’s version of adaptive management has five steps: 1) enroll a management unit, 2) monitor
and report the infestation, 3) model the data, 4) receive management guidance, and 5) manage
the invasion and report (Fig 0.2). As an adaptive management program, PAMF has an iterative
component, and after managing a site, the cycle begins again with monitoring the new status of
the invasion. A quick summary of each step is provided below, and the remainder of the Guide
goes into detail on how each step works. Figure 0.3 takes each of these five steps and arranges
them around the calendar year shown in the center of the gear. For an animated description of
the PAMF Participation Cycle, visit: youtu.be/UCHpKGaZN_M.
Figure 0.2 PAMF’s five steps that make up its adaptive management approach.
The key to PAMF’s success is long-term and widespread participation by you—our partners—
from around the Great Lakes basin. Beyond participation in PAMF’s Participation Cycle, there
may be ways you or your organization can help promote the goals and objectives of PAMF’s
Strategic plan (see the section Moving Forward for more information).
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Figure 0.3 The annual PAMF participation cycle helps to visualize the timing of PAMF’s five steps, which are based
on three temporal phases of Phragmites biology: translocating, dormant, and growing. Reporting is due August 1st so
that PAMF can provide management guidance by mid-August through the Web Hub based on the reported
information.
Register
To get started with PAMF, you will need to register for access to the Web Hub. (Access the Web
Hub at www.pamf-portal.net/. If you are experiencing firewall/security issues trying to access the
site, try the secure URL www.ismtrack.org/pamf.) The Web Hub is the communication portal
between you and the PAMF predictive model, and you will use it regularly throughout the annual
cycle. It is also the portal through which you submit data. PAMF is designed to work in conjunction
with EDDMapS, a system for invasive species tracking and management. To register, go to the
EDDMapS site (www.eddmaps.org/) and create an account with unique login information. Next,
return to the PAMF Web Hub and access the site using your EDDMapS username and password.
If you work for an organization with personnel turnover, we encourage you to select someone in
a consistent position as the administrator of your Web Hub account—this ensures the ability to
follow up with PAMF throughout the years. Multiple users can be added to a single management
unit – please email pamf@glc.org with the other users’ names to get them started!
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Annual Steps
Step 1: Enroll a Management Unit
After registering as a PAMF participant, you can enroll one or more management units (MU) into
the PAMF Web Hub. If you actively manage Phragmites, or are interested in doing so, you can
join at any time throughout the year. An MU is the area where Phragmites management actions
will occur. New MUs can be enrolled annually—this enrollment step is only done once for each
MU and can occur at any point during the year. Detailed instructions for how to enroll an MU are
in Chapter 1.
Step 2: Monitor and Report
Monitoring is an essential element of PAMF, as those data describe the level of Phragmites
infestation and are used to inform your management guidance (see Step 4) as well as feed the
basin-wide learning process. As a PAMF participant you agree to monitor your MU(s) once per
year during July. You are asked to follow the standardized monitoring protocol, making sure to
upload the data to the Web Hub by August 1st of each year. Please refer to Chapter 2 for detailed
instructions on how to monitor an MU.
Step 3: Model Data
PAMF utilizes a computer-based, predictive model that uses your data, along with data from other
participants, to learn about Phragmites management throughout the basin—what management
actions were taken and how well they worked. The model is run each August after all participant
data have been submitted. Since this step is completed entirely by the PAMF team, the Guide will
not provide much detail on the inner workings of the model. Watch this PAMF animation for
information about how the PAMF model works: youtu.be/z895Jtdk_QY.
Step 4: Receive Management Guidance
By combining the model’s quantitative learning regarding Phragmites management with expected
costs for various management actions, the model provides site-specific management guidance
that is optimized to reduce Phragmites in your MU and minimize costs. You will receive this
guidance by mid-August each year via the Web Hub. Please refer to Table 3.1 in Chapter 3 for
the list of potential management options you may receive. Flexibility on receiving earlier guidance
is available per request. Please see Alternative Guidance section in Chapter 3 for more detailed
information.
Step 5: Manage and Report
As a participant, you are asked to follow the data-driven management guidance provided by
PAMF, or one of the other management alternatives, in order to allow the PAMF model to learn
from your experience. In practice, you are free to implement any non-PAMF management action
that you choose; however, use of non-PAMF actions is discouraged because your data cannot
contribute to the learning process under PAMF. After managing, you are asked to complete at
least one report per management action (which is ideally one report per management phase; see
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Chapter 3. Managing a Management Unit) for each MU and upload the data to the Web Hub by
August 1st of each year. Be aware that applying herbicide and cutting Phragmites, especially in
coastal habitats, may require permits from regulatory agencies, and those permits can take
significant amounts of time to acquire. If you think you may employ one of these management
actions in the coming years, we suggest that you pursue those permits well in advance (they can
last several years). Detailed information on reporting management actions and reporting
procedures can be found in Chapter 3.
Repeat!
PAMF is an iterative cycle. You will repeat steps (above) 2–5 every year for each MU that is
enrolled in PAMF.
PAMF Data Package
To ensure PAMF can learn from your management efforts, you will upload through the Web Hub
a “data package” that consists of reports from Step 2 (Monitor and Report) and Step 5 (Manage
and Report). Thus, the annual data package for each MU includes at least four reports: one
monitoring report and three or more management reports (at least one report per management
phase—translocating, dormant, and growing; see Chapter 3). Monitoring reports follow a
standardized protocol to collect site data which informs the model about your MU’s invasion state
(Chapter 2), and they should be completed a month after the last management action performed
during the “growing” phase. The management reports ask a variety of questions about what
management action and technique you chose to implement (Chapter 3), and they can be
submitted immediately after completion of the management action in each phase or all at once
when the management is finished for the annual cycle. Monitoring and management reports
must be submitted before the August 1st reporting deadline. Once PAMF has received your
annual data package through the Web Hub, our staff will process it together with the data
packages of all other PAMF participants. Using a model adjusted by information gathered basinwide, we will provide you with management guidance tailored to your new observed conditions
by mid-August.
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Chapter 1: Enrolling a Management Unit
After reading this chapter, you will know how to:
● Define a management unit and how it fits into the participation cycle (Figure 1.1)
● Map the boundary of the MU(s) you want to enroll
● Complete an enrollment form
Figure 1.1 Enrolling an MU can occur at any time in the annual PAMF participation cycle.
Enrolling a management unit (MU) in PAMF establishes the boundaries of the area where you
will uniformly manage Phragmites and details the site characteristics. Enrolling is the first step for
every new MU in PAMF and can be done at any point in the year by visiting a site, collecting onthe-ground information, and uploading that information to the Web Hub (www.pamf-portal.net) by
clicking “Enroll a Management Unit” in the Home tab or by enrolling a management unit through
the PAMF Field Maps app (see Appendix A.1). If you have not already registered for PAMF’s
Web Hub, you can find instructions in the “Register” section of the introductory chapter.
PAMF Field Maps users will still need to register for a Web Hub account. You can enroll one
or more MUs, and this step is only required once for each MU. Filling in the enrollment form on
the Web Hub or in the Field Maps app can be done on site (i.e., in the field) using a tablet or
phone with an internet connection, or off site by uploading the information collected from the field
later (in this case, it is recommended to print off the Enrollment form from the Web Hub to take
notes on while at the MU). For specific instructions on how to fill in the enrollment form, visit the
“Resources” tab in the Web Hub and select Enrollment Quick Guide and Instructions or watch a
video: https://youtu.be/phUyHCKDNKI.
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What is a Management Unit?
For PAMF, a management unit (MU) is defined as the enrolled area where a PAMF participant
manages non-native Phragmites in a uniform manner. (Consult the Great Lakes Phragmites
Collaborative website www.greatlakesphragmites.net/phragbasics/ for resources about
determining whether your Phragmites is native or non-native.) Determining the size and shape of
the MU is left to each participant to decide, but we recommend defining your MU as the smallest
area surrounding the non-native Phragmites that you plan on managing and over which you are
able to apply the same management action at one time. Please keep this in mind as either (1) the
incomplete application of an action across the full extent of the Phragmites in the MU or (2) the
application of two or more actions within a single MU will reduce the appropriateness of your next
treatment recommendation and will ultimately produce data that cannot contribute to the learning
process under PAMF.
The following guidelines should be kept in mind when enrolling an MU:
1. Consider your ability to manage the unit as a whole. Any management action applied
to Phragmites should be applied consistently to all Phragmites within the MU—your
available resources may help you determine the appropriate MU size.
2. Consider whether you will use one management action per phase. The PAMF cycle
assumes that you use only one management action per management phase (e.g.,
Glyphosate OR Cut Underwater in the translocating phase, not both) to control Phragmites
in an MU. If you plan on using more than one management action on your land during the
same phase (e.g., testing different methods on different plots of land), you should enroll
separate MUs so they can be managed differently.
3. Keep the boundary consistent. MU boundaries will not change from year to year while
enrolled in PAMF regardless of changes in types and extent of vegetative cover, including
changes in the amount of Phragmites. Create your MU boundary knowing that your
management actions will be applied to all Phragmites within the same area annually—this
consistency will allow for the evaluation of long-term management success.
4. The MU should be at least 10 meters wide. PAMF does not have a minimum size
requirement for MUs, but we suggest that your MU has a minimum width of 10 meters,
preferably 20 meters. GPS devices have inherent spatial error; therefore, these suggested
dimensions will help ensure that as you navigate to monitoring locations, you will remain
within the boundaries of the MU. However, if a semi-permanent geographic feature (e.g.,
road, waterway, tree line) exists within or along your MU, the 10-m minimum dimension
may not be required as the geographic feature will assist with navigation and recalling the
boundary’s location. For example, a thin stretch (5 m wide, 50 m long) of Phragmites
between a road and fence would be an appropriate management unit.
5. Make the MU representative. If you or your organization manages many parcels of
Phragmites and do not plan to enroll all of them in PAMF, consider enrolling a patch(es)
that is representative of other Phragmites that you manage. To do this, consider the site’s
infestation level, management restrictions, size, and environmental characteristics.
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6. Split up a large unit. PAMF has no maximum size limit for MUs, but large MUs can be
difficult to monitor, especially as they are managed over the years and the resulting
Phragmites regrowth becomes varied and patchy. If you manage large patches of
Phragmites, you may consider enrolling a portion of the area you are trying to manage or
splitting up the larger area into multiple MUs based on existing boundaries (e.g., paths).
For example, if you are managing a 150-acre patch of Phragmites, you could either A)
enroll the entire area as one MU, B) enroll multiple MUs within the patch (e.g., enroll 10,
15-acre MUs), or C) enroll a subset of the larger area (e.g., enroll one, 5-acre MU).
Field Equipment for Enrolling
● Smartphone/tablet with access to the Web Hub or PAMF Field Maps app (see Appendix
A.1) OR clipboard with a paper copy of the enrollment form found in Appendix B
● Pencil, if using a paper form
● Handheld GPS*, smartphone, tablet with GPS navigation and recording capabilities, or
smartphone/tablet with access to the PAMF Field Maps app (see Appendix A.1)
*GPS units can now be borrowed for free! Email pamf@glc.org for more info.
Mapping a Management Unit Boundary
The first step in enrolling an MU into PAMF is to establish the boundary. There are three ways
you can do so: 1) importing a GPX (GPS Exchange Format) file of your MU into the Web Hub, 2)
drawing your MU in the Web Hub mapping interface, 3) mapping the MU in the PAMF Field Maps
app (see Appendix A.1). The preferred method is importing a GPX file of your MU or mapping the
MU in the Field Maps app because of their high degree of accuracy, but the option of drawing is
available when importing is not feasible.
Option 1: Importing a GPX
Use a handheld GPS or smartphone (with an app such as MyTracks or Outdooractive) to mark
the boundary of your MU. You may choose other methods with which you are more familiar—just
make sure that the coordinates of your MU boundary can be downloaded as a GPX file which
expresses points as latitude and longitude in decimal degrees and uses the WGS84 datum.
To record the boundary of your MU, start by walking or driving its perimeter while logging your
path with a GPS or smartphone. It may be a good idea to mark your starting spot with flagging
tape or another object that will help you remember where you started. We recommend navigating
as close as possible to the edge of the Phragmites patch you plan on managing (rather than
leaving a buffer of uninvaded area). Upon returning to the starting point, your file should be saved
as GPX to be uploaded in the Web Hub. In the Web Hub’s “Enroll a Management Unit” page,
select “Choose File” below the “Upload a GPX” option and select your GPX file. If you are
recording a track using MyTracks or Outdooractive, you can follow the guide in archived here. If
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 15
you are using a handheld GPS, obtain the boundary for your MU according to your device’s
instructions.
Note that the PAMF Web Hub cannot handle GPX files with multiple polygons or complex shapes
like ‘holes’ within a polygon. There are two solutions for this issue:
1. If your MU has multiple polygons, it can be uploaded to the Web Hub but send us
an email and we will correct the area and map on the backend. The MU will not
appear correctly on the Web Hub map but will appear correctly in summary
documents you receive.
2. Consider registering a smaller portion of the MU that is less complex.
If you are having trouble converting an ArcGIS shapefile or other spatial format to GPX or are
unable to get your file to appear as desired in the Web Hub, email us for assistance.
Option 2: Drawing a Map on the Web Hub
The PAMF Web Hub has a mapping interface built into the “Enroll a Management Unit” page that
allows you to draw your MU (Figure 1.2). You may zoom in to find your MU. In the top center of
the map, select the “Draw a Shape” button. Draw in your polygon by clicking on the boundary of
your MU and then trace the perimeter until you close the polygon by joining the last point with the
initial point. This option should only be chosen if you are unable to establish the perimeter of your
MU by importing a GPX file (e.g., you do not have a handheld GPS or smartphone, or you cannot
obtain good GPS signal) because of the lower degree of accuracy inherent within the process.
Note that only a single shape (polygon) can be drawn using the Web Hub mapping interface.
Figure 1.2 Enrolling an MU means establishing the boundaries of the area where you will manage the Phragmites
uniformly. In this figure, the boundaries were drawn in the map interface using the “Draw a Shape” button in the top
center of the map.
Option 3: Using the PAMF App
See Appendix A.1 for more information about how to use the PAMF app.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 16
Enrollment Form
The final step in enrolling an MU in PAMF is to answer a one-page series of questions about the
MU (Appendix B). These questions provide us with information about the land’s treatment history,
the MU’s borders, and what management actions will or will not be options for your MU. We
recommend reading Appendix B and familiarizing yourself with the enrollment form before
heading into the field so that these questions can be answered with the greatest accuracy. This
step will only occur once for each MU at the time of enrollment, although some of your form
answers can be edited in subsequent years if any conditions change. It is important that you let
us know of any changes, as they may impact the management recommendations we generate
yearly. To make updates, visit the Enrollment Information section of each MU in the Web Hub.
Enrollment questions regarding environmental gradients deserve specific attention as they are
used to set the alignment of your monitoring transect and could affect management efficacy. The
transect generated by the Web Hub is the line through your MU along which you are encouraged
to collect monitoring data regarding the MU’s Phragmites infestation. If an environmental gradient
exists, we want to capture that in the transect. The two specific gradients we will look for are a
stem density gradient, and if that does not exist, a hydrologic gradient. If neither of these gradients
are observed, then the transect should be designated along the longest axis through the MU.
Stem Density Gradient
When looking for gradients across your MU, look first for a live Phragmites stem density gradient,
where a section with more densely growing Phragmites clearly transitions to less dense live
Phragmites within the MU (Figure 1.3). If a live Phragmites stem density gradient is observed,
note the cardinal direction for this gradient: N/S, W/E, NW/SE, or SW/NE. (Note that reciprocal
directions—N/S vs. S/N gradients—are handled the same.)
Figure 1.3 The green boxes denote the boundaries of an MU encompassing a Phragmites patch. A stem density
gradient is where a section with more densely growing Phragmites transitions to less dense Phragmites within the MU.
Both A and B above have a stem-density gradient in a west—east direction.
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Hydrologic Gradient
If no stem density gradient is observed, look for a hydrologic gradient within the MU where a clear
transition occurs from drier to wetter soils, or even standing water. If this is observed, please note
the cardinal direction for the hydrologic gradient: N/S, W/E, NW/SE, or SW/NE (Figure 1.4).
Figure 1.4 A hydrologic gradient is a transition from drier to wetter conditions within the MU. Both A and B above have
a hydrologic gradient in a west—east direction.
Longest Transect
If neither environmental gradient is observed, the transect should be assigned to the cardinal
direction of the longest axis through the MU: N/S, W/E, NW/SE, or SW/NE. The Web Hub will
then randomly assign monitoring locations along the transect using a stratified random procedure.
This will be discussed further in Chapter 2.
Transect Approval Process
To ensure the quality of the transect (e.g., that the transect does not fall outside of the
management unit boundaries), PAMF staff will review the Web Hub generated transects and an
ideal transect will be sent to you within two business days. If a transect is needed sooner than the
two-day wait period, contact us at pamf@glc.org prior to enrolling and a PAMF staff member will
review your transects promptly. Otherwise, please see the Participant- Established Location
section in Chapter 2.
If you are using the PAMF Field Maps app, and you indicate that you have good device signal,
your transect will be generated within 10 minutes. If you are using the app offline/have low signal,
you will need to draw your own transect (see instructions in Appendix A.1).
Additional users
Do you work with a colleague who would also like access to your management unit on the PAMF
Web Hub? They will need to sign up for their own account on the Web Hub, and the management
unit’s creator will need to request access for that person by emailing pamf@glc.org.
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Chapter 2. Monitoring a Management Unit
After reading this chapter, you will know how to:
● Decide when to monitor (Figure 2.1)
● Navigate to monitoring locations
● Collect monitoring data following the standardized protocol
● Report monitoring data to the Web Hub
Figure 2.1 Monitoring occurs any time in July before the August 1st deadline each year.
Monitoring an MU captures the current state of the Phragmites infestation and is done by visiting
the site, collecting data on Phragmites growth parameters following the monitoring protocol, and
uploading those data through the Web Hub (www.pamf-portal.net) by clicking “View a
Management Unit” in the header. For specific instructions on how to fill in the monitoring reports,
visit the “Resources” tab in the Web Hub and select Monitoring Quick Guide and Instructions.
Filling in the monitoring report in the Web Hub can be done on site using a tablet or phone with
internet connection, or, if preferred, off site by printing a copy of the monitoring field sheet, filling
it out by hand, and uploading the data to the Web Hub later. Alternatively, you may use the PAMF
Field Maps app to collect and submit monitoring data while in the field (see Appendix A.1). In
either case, a field visit to the MU is always needed each year to collect monitoring data. A printout
version of the monitoring report can be found by navigating to your MU within the Web Hub and
selecting “Print Field Sheet.” Monitoring your MU will need to be done annually in July to update
the state of the Phragmites infestation and receive appropriate management guidance. To view
a video summarizing this section, visit this link: https://youtu.be/Bi4mVF3DgRM.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 19
When to Monitor
Monitoring occurs any time during the month of July each year. We recommend that monitoring
be done one month after the last management action of the growing phase in order to capture
management effectiveness. For example, if an herbicide treatment is conducted in mid-June, then
you should wait to monitor until at least mid-July. Thus, any growing phase management action
should be conducted by June 30 so there is adequate time to monitor one month later in July.
Monitoring reports are due on August 1st. This deadline ensures that the management
guidance you receive is based on the current state of the Phragmites growing in the unit.
Field Equipment for Monitoring
● Smartphone/tablet with access to the Web Hub or PAMF Field Maps app (see Appendix
A.1) OR clipboard with a paper copy of the monitoring field sheet found in Appendix C
● Pencil, if using a paper form
● 0.25-m2 quadrat (0.5 m x 0.5 m; for instructions, see A.4 PAMF Quadrat)*
● Vernier caliper*
● Handheld GPS**, smartphone, tablet with GPS navigation capabilities, or device with the
PAMF Field Maps app (see Appendix A.1)
*These items are available for free from PAMF! Email pamf@glc.org to receive a PAMF kit.
**GPS units can now be borrowed for free! Email pamf@glc.org for more info.
Standardized Monitoring Protocol
PAMF’s monitoring protocol is a standardized procedure for monitoring your MU’s Phragmites to
determine its current state, or level of infestation. The protocol consists of a) observing your MU
as a whole to estimate the Phragmites’ percent establishment and assess its spread, and b)
navigating to the five Web Hub- or participant-established monitoring locations where live
Phragmites is found and following the instructions to count live stems, measure stem diameters,
and observe plant stress. The state of your MU is determined by the average live stem density in
five 0.25-m2 quadrats and the percent establishment—additional data will be used by researchers
in later analyses. If your MU has standing water and it is safe to enter, do your best to monitor the
Phragmites as close to the substrate (ground) as possible, or at the water’s surface, if necessary.
Evaluating the Management Unit as a Whole
The first part of monitoring your MU is to make observations of the unit as a whole. This can be
done by walking the perimeter, determining the percent establishment, and assessing whether
the Phragmites has spread out of the originally established MU boundary.
Walk the Perimeter: Start by walking the perimeter of your MU. If you do not recall the boundary’s
path, you are able to download the GPX file from the Web Hub to assist with accurately retracing
your steps. Depending on the size of your MU, it may be necessary to weave through your MU to
better assess the establishment of Phragmites throughout.
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Determine Percent Establishment: Percent establishment is an estimate of the extent to which
live Phragmites exists throughout the entire MU. Establishment is selected from three percent
ranges of total area taken up by live Phragmites: 0-10%, 11-50%, and 51-100%. Consider these
values as you walk through and around your MU and select the most suitable range according to
your best judgment. This estimate should only be made for live Phragmites (stems that are still
green). Percent establishment is observed in relation to the total area of the MU—two patches of
Phragmites would have the same percent establishment (i.e., take up equal proportions of the
MU) if they cover the same area, even if one has a lower live stem density than the other (Figure
2.2). In most cases, MUs will begin with 51-100% establishment at the time they are enrolled, but
as management actions are implemented, the percent establishment will hopefully decrease with
each subsequent year.
Figure 2.2 Percent establishment refers to the proportion of the MU (green boxes) where Phragmites is growing,
regardless of stem density. Example A and B would both likely fall into the 51-100% category, even though there is a
clear difference in stem density between them.
Keep in mind that percent establishment is different from percent cover (a metric not collected in
this protocol). Percent establishment is an estimate of the extent to which live Phragmites is
growing aboveground within the MU—in other words, the proportion of the MU where live
aboveground Phragmites growth occurs. Therefore, we are only estimating the area of the MU
where live stems grow, regardless of their density. Conversely, when measuring percent cover in
other protocols you typically consider the percentage of incident light obscured by the plant’s
leaves, stems, and flowers.
There are a variety of methods to estimate percent establishment. You can use up-to-date aerial
imagery showing the MU during the current growing season as long as no management actions
have been made between image collection and the evaluation for percent establishment.
Alternatively, you can estimate the percent establishment of live Phragmites within your MU from
the ground, from the air (by using drone imagery or estimating from a helicopter), or by combining
these methods. Just as you did to establish the MU boundary, you may find it helpful to walk the
perimeter of all Phragmites patches to estimate the combined area coverage of all the patches.
Whichever method is used, it is important to remember that the percent establishment estimate
should be made in the growing phase, and like all monitoring data, no management should occur
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 21
within the MU between data collection and subsequent reporting to the Web Hub so that the
predictive model has the most up to date information about the current state of your MU.
Eradication: If you surveyed your entire MU and did not find a single living Phragmites stem,
PAMF considers Phragmites to be eradicated. After selecting 0-10% establishment in the
monitoring form, you will be able to note whether Phragmites has been eradicated from your MU.
If you select “Yes,” your stem counts will be automatically updated to zeroes. Note that if no live
stems were found, it does not mean that Phragmites will not reappear. PAMF encourages
repeating monitoring for several years after the initial eradication report to make sure Phragmites
has not re-sprouted from its underground rhizomes.
Assess for Spread Outside of the MU: The question on the monitoring report about Phragmites
spread addresses the potential for Phragmites to spread beyond the perimeter of the MU, even if
it is reduced within the MU. Only evaluate this question beginning the year after the MU is enrolled.
Note that the perimeter of the MU stays constant, so you will need to check “yes” if the Phragmites
has spread outside of the perimeter even if it has been diminished or eradicated within the MU
itself. If Phragmites was already present outside of the perimeter of the MU upon establishment,
only report that it has spread if the Phragmites starts growing in a new area just outside of the
boundary.
Pictures
You are encouraged to take pictures of your MU that capture the status of the Phragmites
infestation. The type of pictures taken is left to your discretion. You will be able to upload them
with your monitoring report and view them in subsequent years. These pictures will support the
data collected by providing a visual of how the Phragmites infestation and subsequent vegetation
growth are changing through time. Pictures may also help you keep track of where the boundary
of the MU was set.
Quadrat Measurements
Five 0.25-m2 quadrat (A.4 PAMF Quadrat) measurements are used to evaluate the status of the
Phragmites present within your MU, particularly the stem density (Figure 2.3). This is different
from the percent establishment that you previously estimated visually. To get the most accurate
representation of your site, be sure to collect data for all five quadrats whenever possible (i.e.,
when five quadrats fit in the remaining Phragmites without overlapping). For example, with
successful management, your MU will eventually be 0-10% established. In this case, the five
quadrat measurements should be placed in the remaining Phragmites to capture the status of
those plants that are still present. Failing to collect data for all five quadrats will result in a less
accurate representation of your MU.
Finding locations at which to place the quadrat involves navigating to monitoring locations and
placing the quadrat in an unbiased manner. For instructions on how to complete these two
important tasks, see the section below titled “Monitoring Locations.” At each quadrat, three
metrics are assessed: stem count, stem diameter, and stress.
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Stem Count: At each of the five monitoring locations where live
Phragmites is found, count the number of live Phragmites stems
within the quadrat. To be counted, a stem must emerge from the
ground inside the quadrat, not be leaning over into it (i.e.,
emerging from the ground outside the quadrat). This also includes
counting very short, recently emerged shoots within the quadrat.
Reporting “zero” is only recommended when you can no longer
include at least one stem in each of the five quadrats. Be careful
not to count the previous year’s dead stems, nor live stems of lookalike plants (e.g., reed canary grass). See Appendix A.4 for
instructions on how to properly create a quadrat.
Stem Diameter: Measure the diameter of three live Phragmites
stems to the nearest millimeter (mm). To minimize bias, measure
two live stems closest to opposite corners of your quadrat and the
live stem that is closest to the exact middle of the quadrat. The live
stem diameter measurements should be taken as close to the
ground as possible, even if under water. If the water is too deep to
take a measurement at ground level, measure the diameter at the
water’s surface and make a note on the data sheet. We
recommend using a manual Vernier caliper for measuring stem
diameter. See A.3 Vernier Caliper on how to use a caliper.
Stress: Assess the Phragmites growing within the quadrat for signs of stress not associated with
management actions. For the purposes of PAMF, there are three categories of non-management
stress: environmental, pathogen, and insect (descriptions below). If you observe any signs of
these stressors on the majority of live Phragmites growing within a quadrat, record “Yes” on the
field sheet. Otherwise, record “No” or “Uncertain.” For any quadrats where “Yes” is recorded,
indicate the type(s) of stress observed: “Environmental,” “Pathogen,” or “Insect.” If you observe
non-management stress, we encourage you to take a picture of the stressed Phragmites within
each quadrat where stress is observed. You will be able to upload these photos to the Web Hub
by selecting the “Choose File” button within the monitoring report.
Environmental stress: Determine if the majority of live
Phragmites growing inside the quadrat shows signs of
environmental stress, such as wilting, yellowing, or
fading leaves (Figure 2.4). Only record environmental
stress if the majority of live Phragmites growing inside
the quadrat shows signs of environmental stress. If
possible, take a picture of the stressed plants.
Figure 2.3 Quarter meter quadrats are
used to assess the status of the MU’s
Phragmites by evaluating the stem
count, stem diameter, and stress.
Figure 2.4 Broken Phragmites stems from wind
damage is an example of environmental stress.
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Pathogen stress: Determine if the majority of live Phragmites growing inside the quadrat shows
signs of disease, such as dark spots or other indications of fungal or bacterial growth (Figure 2.5).
Only record pathogen stress if the majority of live Phragmites growing inside the quadrat indicates
a pathogen is stressing the plant. If possible, take a picture of the stressed plants.
Figure 2.5 Black spots on Phragmites leaves can indicate a fungal infection, an example of pathogen stress.
Insect stress: Determine if the majority of live Phragmites growing inside the quadrat shows signs
of insect stress. Signs of insect stress include physical damage such as irregular holes in the
leaves or stem, torn or missing leaves, and leaf or stem galls (Figure 2.6). Keep in mind that the
presence of insects does not necessarily stress the Phragmites—if there are insects such as
aphids or ants present but there are no signs of physical damage to Phragmites, do not indicate
insect stress. Only record insect stress if the majority of live Phragmites growing inside the quadrat
is showing signs of being stressed by insects. If possible, take a picture of the stressed plants
within each quadrat where this is observed.
Figure 2.6 Examples of insect stress. (A) A cigar gall, a type of stem gall, gives live Phragmites irregular spacing
between new leaf growth and causes truncated vertical development. (B) Insect herbivory leaves small holes in the
leaves of live Phragmites. (C) Thrips are minute insects that puncture cells and suck out the contents, leaving discolored
flecking and black specks of excrement.
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Monitoring Locations
Web Hub-Established Locations
Monitoring locations are the spots where you will set the quadrat and perform the monitoring
protocol by collecting stem count, stem diameter, and Phragmites stress data (Figure 2.7). The
Web Hub generates five new monitoring locations for each MU every time a monitoring sheet is
created—we call these Web Hub-established locations. Navigate to each monitoring location by
entering the coordinates into a hand-held GPS device or an app on your smartphone or tablet.
Latitude and longitude coordinates will be provided in decimal degrees (WGS84) format. Because
GPS navigation often has an accuracy of five or more meters, we consider the five-meter radius
around the point to which you navigate to be the monitoring location, and thus, the quadrat should
be placed within five meters of the point of interest. Use the quadrat placement instructions below
to determine where to arrange the quadrat, and make sure that all five monitoring locations fall
within the MU.
Figure 2.7 Examples of monitoring locations within an MU. Each MU should have five locations at which the quadrats
are placed, and data are collected.
In some cases, Web Hub-established monitoring locations do not work (e.g., GPS error takes you
outside your MU boundary; no GPS signal; very patchy Phragmites distribution). If one or more
monitoring locations generated by the Web Hub does not work for you, use a “participantestablished” method to create the appropriate number of replacement monitoring locations within
the MU.
For users of the PAMF Field Maps app, see Appendix A.1 for additional information about
suggested and participant-established monitoring locations.
Participant-Established Locations
Whenever possible (i.e., if there is enough live Phragmites within the MU), data must be collected
at five monitoring locations within each MU. Preferably, these data are collected along the Web
Hub-generated transect. However, there are situations in which one or more of the Web Hub-
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 25
established monitoring locations will not work for monitoring an MU, and for those situations, we
offer the following methods for establishing what we call participant-established monitoring
locations. For step-by-step instructions on establishing your own monitoring locations, visit the
“Resources” tab the Web Hub and select Participant-Established Monitoring Locations Flow
Chart. If you need to use a participant-established monitoring location, please provide the GPS
coordinates of the new monitoring location if possible. In all cases, the most critical goal is to
collect unbiased data that are representative of the Phragmites infestation in the MU.
Replacing Individual Monitoring Locations
In some situations, only individual monitoring locations need to be replaced. Foreseeable
situations include monitoring locations where Phragmites is not currently growing within five
meters of your monitoring locations, or the Web Hub-established coordinates fall outside of the
MU due to the abnormal shape of the unit. In these cases, we encourage participants to navigate
to the Web Hub-established monitoring location, find the closest Phragmites stem (even if this
means stepping away from the transect), and walking a set number of steps into the patch of
which that nearest stem is a part. To randomize the distance you walk into each patch, think of
the nearest town and count how many letters make up that town’s name. Then walk that number
of steps into the nearest patch of Phragmites. For example, if the nearest town was Ann Arbor
(A-N-N-A-R-B-O-R), you would walk eight steps. In cases where the Web Hub-established
monitoring location is outside of the MU, be sure to step back into the MU before searching for
nearby Phragmites stems. In the rare case that two Phragmites patches are the same distance
from you, choose the one to your right as long as it falls within the MU.
Creating Your Own Transect and Monitoring Locations
In other situations, all five monitoring locations need to be replaced. These situations may include
a poor GPS signal, not having a GPS device, or not having access to the Web Hub-established
monitoring locations. When all five monitoring locations need to be replaced, it is preferable that
you establish a transect as close as possible to the longest axis through the unit while also trying
to capture any environmental gradients that exist—be sure to note this cardinal direction. To
randomly place five quadrats along the new transect, estimate the distance of the transect from
one edge of the MU to the other, divide by five to get the distance between monitoring locations,
and then adjust this distance according to your pace. If you do not know your pace, use your best
approximation. For example, if you estimate the transect to be 100 meters long, then you would
need to stop and monitor every 20 meters. You can decide whether to assign the first monitoring
location to the nearest end of the transect at the MU’s edge or the designated number of steps
into the MU based on the flip of a coin.
Monitoring When Phragmites is Patchy
In extreme cases where the Phragmites in the MU is very patchy and a linear transect will not
work for collecting monitoring data, you can establish your own monitoring locations based on the
different patches. In this case, we want to avoid collecting all of the data in one patch (unless that
is all the Phragmites that remains), and thus we strongly encourage you to monitor in different
areas of Phragmites growth to better characterize the entire MU (Figure 2.8).
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 26
Figure 2.8 Within the above MUs (green rectangles), the green clusters represent Phragmites patches, and each
monitoring location is marked with a white square. If possible, any needed participant-established monitoring locations
should be spread evenly among the Phragmites patches growing within an MU (A), rather than clustered in one
Phragmites patch (B). After locating Phragmites growth within the MU, participant-established monitoring locations
should be selected using an approximate random sampling methodology.
Establishing new monitoring locations in patchy Phragmites can be done in a few steps. First,
determine the number of monitoring locations there should be per patch by dividing five (number
of monitoring locations) by the estimated number of patches—this simply helps determine
whether any patches will need more than one monitoring location. For example, 5 monitoring
locations ÷ 3 patches > 1, which indicates the need for more than one monitoring location in at
least one patch. Second, decide which patches will be monitored by spreading the monitoring
locations across the MU as much as possible, all the while doing your best to account for any
environmental variation across the MU (e.g., a stem density gradient). Third, upon arriving at a
patch to be monitored, use the “nearest town” method described above to establish the monitoring
location—use the number of letters in the name of the nearest town to determine the number of
steps to take into the patch. Lastly, when you arrive at the new monitoring location, use the
quadrat placement instructions below to determine where to arrange the quadrat. Repeat this
process as needed for a total of five monitoring locations.
Remember, the main goal is to collect high quality, unbiased data that accurately
characterize the state of the Phragmites infestation within your MU. The above guidance for
establishing your own monitoring locations can help ensure high quality data collection takes
place.
Quadrat Placement
Upon arriving at a monitoring location, you will have to place the quadrat in an unbiased manner.
The goal is to have quadrats that are representative of the Phragmites’ stem density, not biased
towards especially dense or sparse patches. We suggest that you partially construct the quadrat
but leave at least one side off. Then toss or drop the quadrat away from yourself in the same
direction you approached the monitoring location. If no Phragmites stems exist within five meters
in that direction, continue looking within five meters in a clockwise direction. If no Phragmites is
found within five meters in any direction, use a participant-established method to select a new
location (remember to record the new coordinates if possible). Make sure that your monitoring
locations are as undisturbed as possible, and do not place the quadrat where you have been
walking or where there is clear disturbance from other factors (e.g., muskrat holes). Once the
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 27
quadrat is placed on the ground, finish constructing it and remove any bent Phragmites stems
that are not rooted within the quadrat.
Reporting Monitoring Data
Monitoring data for each MU are part of your data package and need to be submitted to the Web
Hub or through the PAMF Field Maps app in a monitoring report by August 1st. In the Web Hub,
click “View a Management Unit” in the Home tab, select the MU for which you want to report, and
select “Report Monitoring.” These data indicate your MU’s current state and help inform the
predictive model as it generates your management guidance for the next annual cycle. Remember
to upload any photos (as JPG) when entering monitoring data to the Web Hub. Visit here to view
a video summarizing how to submit a monitoring report: https://youtu.be/9_hV79LKgB8.
Invasion States
PAMF uses your monitoring data to assign an ‘invasion state’ to your MU for use in the PAMF
Model. Invasion states range from 1 to 6 and represent a combination of one of the three percent
establishment categories and one stem density category to capture both the extent and density
of the infestation within the MU (Figure 2.9). Your Annual Management Unit Summary (AMUS;
see Appendix E) will summarize your MU’s invasion state over time.
Figure 2.9 Numbered bubbles indicate the invasion state of a management unit (1-6). Invasion state is a combination
of percent establishment and stem density collected during monitoring.
Stem density (per 0.25 m2)
Percent establishment
0-10%
11-50%
51-100%
Low (≤10) High (>10)
1 2
3 4
5 6
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It is important to note that these six states do not represent linear changes in Phragmites
infestation within an MU. For instance, the range of stem density and percent establishment
values that fall into state 6 is much greater than the range of possible values in states 1 or 3.
Therefore, state 6 is a much “larger” state than any other invasion state and transitioning out of
state 6 may take more time than transitioning out of other states.
Optional monitoring: Invasive European Frog-bit
Although PAMF’s primary focus is management of nonnative Phragmites, there is evidence to suggest that
secondary invasion may occur in wet sites where
Phragmites is removed by another invasive species,
European frog-bit (EFB; Hydrocharis morsus-ranae).
European frog-bit is a relatively new invader in the Great
Lakes, and to aid in tracking the spread of invasion,
PAMF is collaborating with the European Frog-bit
Collaborative (www.efbcollaborative.net) by providing
presence/absence and qualitative density estimates of
EFB within PAMF management units. This monitoring
consists of only two questions on the monitoring sheet
and are optional to complete:
1. Is European frog-bit present / absent within or
adjacent to the management unit?
2. If present, is it: sparse, patchy, dense, or
monoculture?
We encourage submitting any notes or photos with the
PAMF monitoring form if EFB is present within your MU.
Background
European frog-bit is a perennial herbaceous aquatic plant that was introduced to Canada from
Eurasia in the early 1900s and made its way to the US in the 1970s. It grows in slow-moving water
and often co-occurs with emergent plants like cattails and Phragmites. The plant grows quickly,
forming dense floating mats that can block light for submerged aquatic vegetation and deplete
oxygen levels, block off areas intended for navigation or recreational activities (such as kayaking),
and can slow water flow even further. It uses seeds, turions, and stolons to reproduce, all of which
can be spread to new areas by boats, equipment, and wildlife. Observations of EFB have been
made across much of the Great Lakes but more data are needed to track the spread of this
species. Because of the high likelihood of co-occurrence with Phragmites and/or post-secondary
invasion of EFB after Phragmites is managed, Phragmites managers are in a unique position to
provide timely information about new invasions.
Christian Fischer
Wikipedia Commons
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 29
The European Frog-bit Collaborative aims to improve interjurisdictional coordination and
collaboration among stakeholders, establish communication networks for the EFB community,
and build consensus on next steps for EFB management and research. A broad membership
base of states, provinces, Tribal, and other entities, and a well-organized communication network
facilitates the exchange of information between scientists, managers, and stakeholders, and
provides ongoing guidance and feedback within an adaptive management framework. The EFB
Collaborative will use the data collected by PAMF monitoring activities to inform regional
management activities. Anonymized presence data will be submitted yearly to the Midwest
Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) for inclusion in their database.
Identification
Luckily, EFB is easy to identify! It looks like a lily pad, but the floating heart-shaped leaves are
only 1.2–6 cm across. When in bloom from June to September, it has small white flowers (3
petals) with a yellow center. Tangled roots hang below the plant in the water and can be up to 50
cm long. There are few plants EFB can be confused with; water lilies (Nymphaea and Nuphar
spp.) have much bigger leaves, and the water-shield (Brasenia schreberi) has maroon flowers
and oval-shaped leaves. While similar in appearance, American frog-bit (Limnobium spongia) is
native to the southern and eastern US and is rarely found in the Great Lakes basin.
More info
• See where in the Great Lakes basin EFB has been found
• European Frog-bit Lookalikes
• Get in contact with the EFB Collaborative (email: efb@glc.org)
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 30
Chapter 3. Managing a Management Unit
After reading this chapter you will know how to:
● Recognize each biological phase of Phragmites (Figure 3.1)
● Identify PAMF’s management actions and combinations (Table 3.1)
● Obtain management guidance
● Collect management action data and report it to the Web Hub
● Undertake timely management actions with the proper phase of the PAMF cycle
Figure 3.1 PAMF management guidance is provided for each of the distinct phases based on the annual biological
cycle of Phragmites: translocating, dormant, and growing. Annual management guidance provided for each MU will
consist of three management actions, one for each phase.
You will receive management guidance for each MU enrolled in PAMF by mid-August every year.
This guidance is designed to be applied the year following its receipt. For example, guidance
provided on August 15th, 2019 would be considered for the period of August 15th, 2019 through
July 31st, 2020. Receipt of updated management guidance for each MU is dependent upon timely
entry of monitoring information (before the August 1st deadline). Management guidance can be
accessed through the Web Hub by visiting the “View Management Guidance” tab.
Should the timing of mid-August guidance not align with your needs for any reason, we offer two
alternative guidance schedules: mid-cycle forecasting guidance and lag-year guidance. These
scheduling options will be described in greater detail in the section “Alternative Guidance.”
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PAMF Management Phases
PAMF has three management phases based on Phragmites’ annual biological cycle during which
management actions are employed. The three management phases in PAMF are: translocating,
dormant, and growing (Figure 3.1 ). Since natural latitudinal and meteorological differences make
it difficult to specify exact calendar dates demarcating management phases, it is important to
know how to recognize the management phases PAMF uses for Phragmites.
Translocating Phase (August – October)
Translocation in plants refers to the movement of soluble materials from one tissue to another—
often this is photosynthetic products moving from leaves to roots. While the direction and intensity
of the translocation varies with the season, the predominantly downward flow from the leaves to
the roots occurs from late summer through mid-fall in preparation for dormancy and the next year
of growth, although the timing can vary annually and geographically.
We strongly encourage you to hold off on managing your MU until after receiving guidance in midAugust. The reasoning is that the monitoring data used to inform site-specific management
guidance would be out of date if management is carried out after monitoring an MU but before
guidance is distributed. In addition, for logistical reasons PAMF considers any Phragmites
management activities after monitoring in July to be translocating management actions
(for more information, see the section about the growing phase below). To determine the proper
timing for beginning your translocating phase management actions, we encourage you to keep
an eye on your MU for signs that pre-senescence translocation has begun.
What to Look For: An early sign of pre-senescence translocation for Phragmites in your MU (or in
a nearby patch) is that its inflorescences (i.e., flower) will be in full bloom (Figure 3.2.A). Once
flowers have emerged, the plant’s upward growth becomes limited and downward translocation
takes over. As the translocating phase progresses, the inflorescences will mature and set seed,
making them look more “white and fluffy” (Figure 3.2.B). A sign that pre-senescence translocation
is coming to an end, and full senescence is beginning to set in, is that primary leaves on
Phragmites plants will start yellowing. Once the green tissue is completely gone, the translocation
phase is complete.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 32
Figure 3.2 A) An early sign of late-summer translocation is that inflorescences will be in full bloom. Color variation can
be due to inflorescence maturity (especially within a single patch) or genetic variability. B) As the translocating phase
progresses, Phragmites leaves and stems will begin to turn from green to yellow-brown. The inflorescence will begin
to set seed and become “fluffy.”
Dormant Phase (November – March)
The dormant phase refers to the period when Phragmites’
aboveground tissues are decomposing and belowground
tissues are mostly inactive. This management phase typically
begins in late fall and lasts into mid- to late spring. However,
the start and end dates will vary annually and geographically.
What to Look For: Previously growing Phragmites within your
MU is mostly or completely brown (Figure 3.3), and green
Phragmites shoots have not yet begun emerging from the
ground.
Figure 3.3 The aboveground portions
of Phragmites will be mostly to
entirely brown during the dormant
phase, and there will be no new
growth emerging from the ground.
A B
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 33
Growing Phase (April – June)
The growing phase refers to the period when Phragmites aboveground tissues are growing and
new shoots are emerging from the ground. This management phase typically begins in mid-to late
spring and lasts into late summer or early fall, but the start and end dates will vary. We encourage
you to carry out the growing phase management action by June 30th. This allows the
Phragmites to regrow and reveal its post-management invasion state before monitoring (in July)
and reporting (by August 1st), thereby ensuring management guidance is appropriate for your
unit’s new state. While it may feel like it is still the growing season, all management actions
completed after monitoring are considered translocating phase management actions, even if they
take place in July before the start of the translocating phase. This is because the PAMF model
uses the monitoring date as a benchmark for the end of the previous cycle and the start of the
next. Thus, actions taken after monitoring must be treated as if they are part of the new cycle.
What to Look For: Phragmites within your MU will emerge from the ground as green shoots.
During the growing phase, live Phragmites will be mostly to completely green (though last year’s
dead shoots may still be present; Figure 3.5). As the growing phase progresses, Phragmites’
aboveground tissue will continue to grow until the translocating phase begins.
Figure 3.4 During the growing phase, new stems emerge from the soil (A), and live Phragmites is mostly to entirely
green (B). There may or may not be immature inflorescences, as these typically start later in the growing phase, and
last year’s dead shoots may still be present.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 34
PAMF Management Actions
For the purposes of PAMF, “management actions” are the various types of Phragmites control
efforts (e.g., Glyphosate, Rest, etc.), and “implementation techniques” are the specific ways in
which a management action can be employed (e.g., Glyphosate applied using a backpack sprayer
or hand wicking). Annual guidance provided to you will consist of one management action for
each of the three phases (Table 3.1), but the specific implementation technique is left to your
discretion and established best practices. There are three specific guidelines you should keep in
mind when considering PAMF management guidance:
1. Any management action applied to Phragmites within an MU should be applied
consistently to all Phragmites within the MU.
Example: A “Remove Biomass” recommendation during the dormant phase means that
the aboveground Phragmites biomass should be removed from the entire MU, whether
that be raking, excavating, burning, etc.
2. Multiple applications of the same management action are allowed within each
management phase as long as they are applied consistently to all Phragmites within the
MU each time.
Example: A recommended herbicide may be applied multiple times during the
translocating phase, or spading could occur multiple times within the growing phase, as
long as each application is made to all the live Phragmites within the MU. For reporting
these actions, you will only fill in one report per management phase, but you are
encouraged to mention the number of times they applied the same management action.
3. It is possible for the same management action to be applied in different ways, with the
decision regarding implementation technique left up to the PAMF participant.
Example: “Remove Biomass” could be accomplished with a controlled burn or by cutting
and removing Phragmites. “Glyphosate” could be applied by helicopter and/or by hand
wicking.
Next, we provide a brief overview of all the management actions that may be recommended for
an MU involved in PAMF. Our goal is not to give professional guidance on how to carry out these
various management actions, but rather to ensure that you understand how each management
action is defined under PAMF’s standards. For more information on these management actions,
please refer to the document on the Web Hub titled Management Actions – Details and
Descriptions by clicking on the “Resources” tab.
Glyphosate
This management action involves the application of any chemical product approved for aquatic
use that contains the active ingredient glyphosate. Choose a preferred glyphosate product and
follow the label instructions for suggested rate of application and safety considerations. Be sure
to add a surfactant if one is recommended on the product label. It is imperative to only use
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 35
products labeled for aquatic use if your MU has standing water or is near a water body and/or
wetland. For obtaining herbicide application permits, contact your regulatory agency well before
you plan to use this method. This management action should be applied to all live Phragmites
within the MU, and we leave the implementation technique entirely to your judgment and the best
practices used by your organization or appropriate to your area.
Imazapyr
This management action involves the application of any chemical product approved for aquatic
use that contains the active ingredient imazapyr. Choose a preferred imazapyr product and follow
the label instructions for suggested rate of application and safety considerations. Be sure to add
a surfactant if one is recommended on the product label. It is imperative to only use products
labeled for aquatic use if your MU has standing water or is near a water body and/or wetland. For
obtaining herbicide application permits, contact your regulatory agency well before you plan to
use this method. This management action should be applied to all live Phragmites within the MU,
and we leave the implementation technique entirely to your judgment and the best practices used
by your organization or appropriate to your area.
Glyphosate +
This management action involves the application of any chemical product approved for aquatic
use that contains both glyphosate and imazapyr as the active ingredients. Choose one of the
available products and follow the label instructions for the suggested rate of application and safety
considerations. Be sure to add a surfactant if one is recommended on the products’ labels. It is
imperative to only use products labeled for aquatic use if your MU has standing water or is near
a water body and/or wetland. For obtaining herbicide application permits, contact your regulatory
agency well before you plan to use this method. This management action should be applied to all
live Phragmites within the MU, and we leave the implementation technique entirely to your
judgment and the best practices used by your organization or appropriate to your area.
Remove Biomass
This management action involves removing all aboveground Phragmites from an MU. Biomass
can be removed either physically by cutting and removing Phragmites or through a controlled
burn throughout the MU. Natural phenomena (e.g., ice scouring) can also result in a Remove
Biomass action if most of the aboveground biomass is removed from the unit. For permits to cut
or burn Phragmites, especially in coastal areas, we encourage you to contact your regulatory
agency. It is up to you to determine the best technique for your MU based on best practices
employed by your organization and appropriate for your area.
Mechanical (and Leave Biomass)
This management action involves cutting or crushing all aboveground Phragmites within an MU
and then leaving the Phragmites material inside the MU. Natural phenomena (e.g., ice storm) can
also result in a Mechanical (and Leave Biomass) action if most of the aboveground biomass is
cut or crushed and remains within the unit. For permits to cut Phragmites, especially in coastal
areas, we encourage you to contact your regulatory agency. This action can be accomplished
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 36
through a variety of techniques, so it is up to you to determine the best method for your MU based
on best practices employed by your organization and appropriate for your area.
Spading
This management action refers to cutting Phragmites stems below ground and removing the cut
Phragmites from the MU. Spading is done by using a sharpened spade to sever the stem from
the rhizomes just beneath the soil surface. If done correctly, the stem can be easily lifted from its
position and the surrounding soil will fill the hole. Remove all the live stems from within the MU
by either bagging and removing them from the site or burning them.
Visit https://www.greatlakesphragmites.net/management/techniques/ for more information on
spading. For permits to cut Phragmites, especially in coastal areas, we encourage you to contact
your regulatory agency.
Pre-Flood Clearing
This management action involves mechanically managing Phragmites in an MU in preparation for
a flood. It can be carried out in one of two general techniques: leaving or removing the biomass.
In the first case, managers can cut or crush as much of the aboveground biomass as possible
and leave this material inside the MU. In the second case, managers can cut or burn as much of
the aboveground biomass as possible and remove any remaining material from the MU. In either
case, managers will be asked to report which they did on their management report. Natural
phenomena (e.g., ice scouring) can also result in a Pre-Flood Clearing action if most of the
aboveground biomass within the unit is levelled prior to a flood. For permits to cut Phragmites,
especially in coastal areas, we encourage you to contact your regulatory agency. We leave the
implementation technique to your judgment and the best practices used by your organization or
appropriate to your area.
Flood
This management action refers to allowing water to cover all live Phragmites within the whole
MU for at least one month. A controlled flood can be accomplished by using water-control
structures. A natural flood is flooding that occurs naturally (e.g., high water levels on the Great
Lakes) and can be reported as such in the management report, as long as the flood achieves
complete coverage of all live Phragmites within the MU for a whole month. Flooding an MU can
take weeks, so make sure you plan ahead and start your flood early enough to maximize the
amount of time within the associated management phase that the live Phragmites in your MU is
covered by water.
Cut Underwater
This management action refers to cutting Phragmites stems beneath the water level and as close
to the substrate as possible. The water should cover all live and dead stems at the time of cutting
in order to cut off the plant’s oxygen supply. We recommend that the cut Phragmites be removed
from within the MU as the cuttings remain viable and can spread, but you may choose not to do
so. For permits to cut Phragmites, especially in coastal areas, we encourage you to contact your
regulatory agency. Many techniques can be used to accomplish this management action, and it
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 37
is up to you to determine the best method for your MU based on best practices employed by your
organization and appropriate for your area.
Rest
In a “rest” management action, no Phragmites management is done within the MU for the entire
phase. Despite a lack of management activities, a Rest management report should still be
submitted to confirm you rested the unit and comment on any other notable events.
More Information on Implementation Techniques
If you think you will be managing Phragmites with herbicide, we encourage you to become familiar
with the regulations from the local to federal level. You should work to obtain required herbicide
application permits well in advance of your planned application, as it can take a significant amount
of time to acquire them. A good starting place for finding local regulations is found on the Great
Lakes Phragmites Collaborative’s website at https://www.greatlakesphragmites.net/herbicide/.
Cutting wetland plants, especially in coastal areas, may also require permits—check with your
regulatory agency.
Additional information on state and province ordinances, as well as details on some of the
effective techniques for PAMF management actions, can be found by referring to the
Management Actions – Details and Descriptions document under the “Resources” tab of the Web
Hub, visiting the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative website at
https://www.greatlakesphragmites.net/, or contacting the agencies and organizations tasked with
invasive plant management near you.
Management Combinations and Guidance
The PAMF Technical Working Group identified 16 potential management combinations that are
intended to reflect current management practices throughout different phases of the plant’s life
cycle (Table 3.1). Each combination consists of three management actions (e.g., Combo #2 has
Glyphosate, Remove Biomass, Rest) with one action for each management phase (i.e.,
translocating, dormant, and growing). You are asked to carefully employ one of these
management combinations on your MU(s) in accordance with the management action
descriptions above and properly timed with the plants’ observed management phase. In addition
to receiving management guidance in mid-August, you will receive an Annual Management Unit
Summary (AMUS) for each MU at the end of August. These documents track your MU’s progress
in PAMF by summarizing most of the data submitted in the reports detailed above (enrollment,
monitoring, management). See Appendix E for an example of what your reports may look like.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 38
Table 3.1. PAMF’s management alternatives are a collection of 16 management combinations identified by PAMF. You
will receive guidance suggesting the optimal combination. Each combination is made up of separate management
actions, one for each phase.
Translocating
August – October
Dormant
November – March
Growing
April – June
1 Glyphosate Pre-Flood Clearing Flood
2 Glyphosate Remove Biomass Rest
3 Glyphosate Flood Flood
4 Glyphosate Mechanical (and Leave Biomass) Rest
5 Glyphosate Rest Glyphosate
6 Glyphosate Rest Rest
7 Glyphosate + Remove Biomass Rest
8 Glyphosate + Flood Flood
9 Glyphosate + Mechanical (and Leave Biomass) Rest
10 Glyphosate + Pre-Flood Clearing Flood
11 Glyphosate + Rest Rest
12 Imazapyr Rest Rest
13 Rest Pre-Flood Clearing Flood
14 Cut Underwater Rest Cut Underwater
15 Spading Rest Spading
16 Rest Rest Rest
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 39
Management guidance includes model-generated recommendations of how to manage the
Phragmites in your MU and will be provided annually in mid-August. This guidance will consist of
an optimal management combination that you are encouraged to follow (e.g., Combo #1:
Glyphosate in the translocating phase, Pre-Flood Clearing in the dormant phase, and Flood in the
growing phase), as well as a few near-optimal combinations that may also perform well for your
MU. The optimal management combination will be determined by evaluating the tradeoff between
anticipated management action efficacy over time and expected accumulated costs. Thus, the
optimal combination may not necessarily be the combo that we think would reduce your MU’s
Phragmites the most, but rather the combo that the model identifies as striking the best balance
between reducing Phragmites AND minimizing costs over a period of time. To view your MU’s
management guidance, visit the “View Management Guidance” tab in the Web Hub. You can
choose to implement the recommendation provided by PAMF or choose another combination
from Table 3.1. Once you begin to implement one of the combinations, it is important to do your
best to implement all three actions in the presented order within the specified phase. If you do not
follow one of the 16 management combinations, you can still participate in PAMF, and the
information you collect will still be valuable for later analyses. However, your MU’s data will not
be used to update our model, as it is designed to evaluate only the 16 management combinations
PAMF is considering. For a summary of management guidance, check out this video:
https://youtu.be/s5aVri496XE.
Alternative Guidance Options
We understand that receiving management guidance by mid-August might be too late for some
participants to implement the management guidance they receive due to the short planning
window. For this reason, we offer two additional options for guidance: 1) request mid-cycle
forecasting guidance, or 2) implement guidance on a lag-year schedule. While we are
pleased to be able to offer these additional options, it is important to note that not all guidance is
created equal (Table 3.2). PAMF’s August guidance is based on the most up-to-date
understanding of Phragmites management outcomes at the beginning of the subsequent cycle.
This is the best option for those that have flexibility in their planning and decision-making timing.
The next best option is requesting “mid-cycle forecasting guidance” (MCFG), which anticipates in
February what your optimal guidance in August is most likely to be. While MCFG has more
uncertainty than August guidance regarding the effectiveness of management actions, it
incorporates more information than the third option, “lag-year guidance” (LYG). Lag-year
guidance is simply the previous cycle’s guidance applied one year out and should only be
considered if you require more than 6 months of planning to be able to implement PAMF guidance.
Participants needing to utilize the MCFG or LYG option will continue to receive the best predictive
guidance in August. A video summary of alternative guidance can be found here:
https://youtu.be/G_4iStDMmf8.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 40
Table 3.2. Comparative summary of PAMF guidance options.
August Guidance Mid-cycle Forecasting
Guidance Lag-Year Guidance
Predicted efficacy and
efficiency Best Good Okay
Month received August (current year) February August (previous year)
Provided by request only No Yes No
Lag time between invasion
state determination and
implementation
Low High High
Lag time between
management reporting and
implementation
Low Moderate High
Lag time between model
update and implementation Low Moderate High
Please contact us (pamf@glc.org) with any questions or concerns that may arise about the time
frame.
Mid-Cycle Forecasting Guidance (MCFG)
Under the MCFG option, you can request a forecast of your next round of management guidance
in February of each year. MUs are eligible to receive MCFG if they were monitored the previous
July and are currently being managed according to one of the 16 PAMF management
combinations. Participants can submit MCFG requests for eligible units on the PAMF Web Hub.
Requests must be submitted prior to January 7 in order to receive MCFG by February 1.
MCFG is generated through the same model that provides guidance each August and
recommends the management combination that is the most likely to be the optimal August
guidance. PAMF makes this determination by predicting the chance of occurrence of each
invasion state following your current management actions.
Figure 3.6. Mid-cycle Forecasting Guidance timeline.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 41
Lag-year Guidance (LYG)
To implement lag-year guidance, you would monitor your management units in July prior to the
start of next PAMF cycle (we will refer to it as the start of year 1 for this scenario), save the August
guidance you receive for year 2, and apply a PAMF management combination of your choice in
year 1 (the Rest-Rest-Rest combination will likely lead to your MU being in a similar state as in
year 1). After monitoring in July of year 2, you can carry out the management guidance received
in August of year 1. Following lag-year guidance (LYG) allows you a full year to plan for
management actions, apply for funding, and bid for associated contracts.
Figure 3.7. Lag-year guidance timeline.
Reporting Management Data
Management reports are the records submitted through the Web Hub (www.pamf-portal.net)
detailing the management actions you carried out in your MU and the costs you incurred during
a particular management phase. Management reports cannot be submitted through the
PAMF Field Maps app. For specific instructions on how to fill in the management reports, visit
the “Resources” tab in the Web Hub and select Management Report Quick Guide and
Instructions, or view this video (https://youtu.be/MotJFAZ2n9M) for a walkthrough on how to
submit a management report through the Web Hub.
An enrolled MU will need at least three management reports for every year involved in PAMF—
one each for the translocating, dormant, and growing phases. Make sure that by August 1st, 2025
you report all management actions used between the time management guidance was received
in mid-August 2024 and July 31st, 2025. If you carried out the same management action more
than once during the same phase (e.g., spading multiple times, or using broadcast herbicide
followed by a spot treatment later in the same phase), you are encouraged to submit one
management report detailing all these activities, but you may submit more than one report if you
choose. If you used more than one management action within your MU during the same phase
(e.g., both Glyphosate AND Cut Underwater in the translocating phase), you should submit a
separate management report for each additional management action. Although using more than
one action within the same phase does not align with PAMF’s structure, it is important that we
know all the management that took place within an MU. The three (or more) management reports
that you submit are part of your data package for that cycle.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 42
Management reports are completed by answering questions about the specific management
action used and the associated costs incurred during each phase (Appendix D). We recommend
reading through the report’s questions before management occurs to anticipate what details will
be requested. You could also print management reports prior to managing to easily track the
information once in the field. You can find printable management reports in the Web Hub’s
“Resources” tab.
Management report data must be uploaded to the Web Hub before the August 1st deadline,
although you can submit the reports anytime throughout the year. To fill in a management report
in the Web Hub, visit the “View a Management Unit” section, select the MU for which you want to
report, and click “Report Management.”
Management Timing
It is important that you properly time management activities with PAMF’s annual cycle. Because
monitoring happens during July, we ask you to keep three factors in mind:
1. Finish growing phase management actions one month before monitoring. This means that
to meet the August 1st reporting deadline, you should carry out growing phase
management actions in June.
2. Postpone management activities after monitoring until you receive new guidance in midAugust. After receiving guidance, you can proceed with management actions based on
the plants’ observed management phase, starting with the translocating phase
management action.
3. If the timing of the management guidance does not fit with your management plans (e.g.,
you need to make contract and other planning decisions prior to August of each year),
PAMF offers two alternate guidance schedules: mid-cycle forecasting guidance and lagyear guidance. If you need help deciding which is right for you, please contact the PAMF
Coordinator at pamf@glc.org.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 43
Summary
PAMF’s goal is to improve Phragmites management effectiveness and efficiency across the Great
Lakes basin by reducing uncertainty in land managers’ control strategies. We aim to do this by
tracking management action effectiveness, progress towards preferable states of Phragmites
infestation, and associated costs. However, without participants and their cooperation, realizing
this goal is not possible. That makes you PAMF’s most important asset!
Data collection and submission for a complete PAMF cycle follows the timeline below. Monitoring
is performed in July of calendar year 1, and management is performed during the translocating,
dormant, and growing phases. The cycle ends with a second monitoring report completed in July
of calendar year 2. Management must be performed in the time between the two monitoring
reports to be included in the PAMF cycle. Monitoring and management reports are due in the
PAMF Web Hub in August of calendar year 2.
Figure 3.8. Timeline of PAMF activities.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 44
Table 4.1 PAMF’s Annual Cycle Summary showing the deadlines associated with each action needed in the field and
on the Web Hub.
PAMF’s Annual Cycle Summary
Step In the Field On the Web Hub Deadlines
1. Enroll a
management unit
• Visit the site you want to
enroll.
• Determine the boundaries
of your MU and name it.
• Fill in the enrollment form.
• Upload the GPX file of
the MU’s perimeter or
draw it in the map
provided.
• Answer questions and
enroll.
• Update enrollment
information if necessary.
• No deadlines. You can
enroll MUs any time of
the year.
• Enrollment is a onetime step unless
enrolling a new MU or
updating an MU’s
information.
2. Monitor and
report
• Observe the MU’s percent
establishment and spread.
Take pictures.
• Navigate to Web Hubestablished monitoring
locations or to alternative
participant-established
locations.
• Collect information on stem
count, stem diameter, and
stress.
• Submit a monitoring report
if you have a device with
internet.
• If needed, print out a
field sheet for your
MU(s).
• Fill out the monitoring
report with the fieldcollected data.
• Submit.
• Monitoring happens
annually in July.
• Upload monitoring
reports by August 1st.
3. Receive
management
guidance
N/A
• Find management
guidance in the “View
Management Guidance”
tab.
• Management guidance
will be available by midAugust each year.
• Expect to receive your
Annual Management
Unit Summary shortly
after this mid-August
guidance.
4. Manage
and report
• Implement one
management action per
management phase using
your favored technique.
• If desired, fill out a paper
copy of the management
report.
• Fill out one management
report per management
phase.
• Provide information
about the management
actions and costs.
• Submit.
• Manage your MU in
each phase.
• Upload management
reports annually by
August 1st.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 45
Moving Forward
PAMF Strategic Plan 2020–2026
The PAMF Core Science Team (representatives from the Great Lakes Commission, U.S.
Geological Survey, and University of Georgia) developed a strategic plan to guide successful
implementation of PAMF by setting program-specific goals, objectives, and measures for the next
five years (Figure 5.1). PAMF staff will evaluate the status of PAMF annually against this strategic
plan. Unless otherwise stated, the plan goals, objectives, and measures are designed to be
achieved at the end of the five-year plan period, and overall progress will be measured at the end
of the 2025/26 PAMF cycle. The full Strategic Plan can be downloaded from:
https://www.greatlakesphragmites.net/about-pamf/
If you or your organization would like to help promote the goals and objectives of the PAMF
Strategic Plan, contact us at pamf@glc.org.
Figure 5.1 Overview of the 2020-2026 PAMF Strategic Plan’s focus areas, goals, and objectives.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 46
Glossary
Adaptive Management (pg. 6) – Management that involves planning, implementing, evaluating,
and adjusting management activities as a repeating cycle, considering predictions about how a
resource is expected to change in response to management efforts.
Data Package (pg. 11) – A set of data uploaded to the Web Hub for each MU that includes one
monitoring report and at least three management reports, one for each phase—due August 1st.
Dormant Phase (pg. 32) – Period when Phragmites aboveground tissues are decomposing and
belowground tissues are mostly inactive, normally from late fall through mid-spring.
EDDMapS (pg. 9) – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System; a system for invasive
species management with which PAMF coordinates (https://www.eddmaps.org/).
Enroll (pg. 12) – Establishing the boundaries of the area where you will uniformly manage
Phragmites, collecting on-the-ground site characteristics, and uploading the information to the
Web Hub.
Enrollment Form (pg. 16) – Series of questions about your MU that provide the land’s history,
unit borders, and information about what management actions will or will not be options.
GPX File (pg. 14) – GPS Exchange Format (GPX) files express points as latitude and longitude
in decimal degrees and always use the WGS84 datum. We use this format to import the
coordinates of your MU boundary into the Web Hub.
Growing Phase (pg. 33) – Period when Phragmites aboveground tissues are growing and new
shoots are emerging from the ground, normally from mid-spring through late summer.
Implementation Technique (pg. 34) – Specific way in which a management action can be
employed (e.g., Glyphosate applied using a backpack sprayer or hand wicking).
Management Action (pg. 34) – Various types of Phragmites control efforts (e.g., Glyphosate,
Rest, etc.), of which the actual implementation techniques are left to your discretion and
established best practices.
Management Guidance (pg. Error! Bookmark not defined.) – Model-generated, data-driven
recommendations of how to manage the Phragmites in your MU; consists of an optimal
management combination as well as a few near-optimal combinations that may also perform well
for your MU; received annually in mid-August.
Management Phases (pg. 31) – Three different phases of Phragmites’ biological cycle—
translocating, dormant, growing—during which management actions are employed.
Management Report (pg. 41) – A record submitted through the Web Hub detailing the
management actions you carried out in your MU during a particular management phase and the
costs you accrued.
Management Unit (MU, pg. 13) – The enrolled area where you manage non-native Phragmites
in a uniform manner.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 47
Monitor (pg. 18) – Determining the current state of Phragmites infestation in your MU by visiting
the site, collecting data on Phragmites growth parameters following the monitoring protocol, and
uploading that data through the Web Hub.
Monitoring Location (pg. 24) – Spots where you will set the quadrat and collect stem diameter,
stem count, and Phragmites stress data.
Monitoring Protocol (pg. 19) – Standardized protocol for monitoring your MU’s Phragmites to
determine its level of infestation by recording live stem count, measuring three stem diameters,
observing plant stress, and determining percent establishment.
Monitoring Report (pg. 27) – A report submitted through the Web Hub detailing the current state
of the Phragmites infestation in your MU; part of your data package that is due August 1st.
Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework (PAMF, pg. 8) – An adaptive management
strategy designed to reduce uncertainties in land managers’ control strategies for Phragmites,
lead to approaches that maximize effectiveness and efficiency, and change the way Phragmites
management is done throughout the Great Lakes basin.
Participant-Established Locations (pg. 24) – Representative monitoring locations selected by
you through an in-field heuristic technique and at which you carry out the monitoring protocol.
Participation Cycle (pg. 9, Fig. 0.3) – PAMF’s annual cycle that follows the three temporal
phases of Phragmites biology (translocating, dormant, and growing) and includes enrolling,
monitoring, and managing your MU.
Percent Establishment (pg. 20) – Estimate of the extent to which live Phragmites exists
throughout the entire MU; categories are 0-10%, 11-50%, and 51-100%.
Register (pg. 9) – Signing up to participate in PAMF by creating an EDDMapS account and then
requesting access to the PAMF Web Hub using your EDDMapS credentials.
State (pg. 19) – Level of Phragmites infestation; determined by average live stem count in five
0.25-m2 quadrats and your MUs percent establishment.
Translocating Phase (pg. 31) – Period when soluble materials, often photosynthetic products,
primarily flow downward from leaves to the roots in preparation for dormancy, normally during late
summer through mid-fall.
Web Hub-Established Location (pg. 24) – Random monitoring locations in your MU generated
by the Web Hub and at which you perform the monitoring protocol; provided in latitude and
longitude coordinates.
Web Hub (pg. 9) – PAMF’s website that acts as a communication portal between you and the
predictive model; website where participants can access their MU information, upload reports,
receive management guidance, and find resources; www.pamfportal.net.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 48
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Who can I contact for further information about PAMF?
For any questions, concerns, or comments, contact us at pamf@glc.org.
I am unsure the Phragmites on my land is non-native. What should I do?
It is important to determine whether your stand is native or non-native before even enrolling. There
are plenty of resources that can help you distinguish between the two strains. For more
information visit: https://www.greatlakesphragmites.net/phragbasics/native-vs-nonnative/
How do I switch accounts with a coworker who will take over the PAMF project in our
organization?
We always encourage organizations to choose a long-term employee to manage their agency’s
PAMF account in the Web Hub (i.e., do not create an account with a temporal/seasonal
employee). However, you can change the owner of an account by sending an email that details
your request to pamf@glc.org.
What happens if I manage Phragmites and get another invasive instead of native plants?
We recognize the need to plan for site conditions after Phragmites removal, but PAMF is designed
to provide site-specific management guidance for reducing the impact of non-native Phragmites
and cannot aid in restoration or management of other invasive species.
If I am not able to treat, monitor, and report information about my MU this year, do I have
to re-enroll my MU?
If for some reason you were unable to treat, report, and monitor your MU this year, you will not
need to enroll your MU again next year. We encourage you to submit “Rest” management reports
for each phase during this time frame. Then you may resume monitoring in July, and you will
receive up-to-date management guidance.
Enrolling
Can we enroll a unit that has been managed before?
Yes, in fact we have a question related to this issue in our enrollment form. The goal of PAMF is
to provide the best management guidance possible for any land that has Phragmites. Unless the
unit does not currently contain Phragmites, we encourage its enrollment.
What should I do if I consider my Phragmites patch to be too small for enrolling?
If you plan on managing an area of non-native Phragmites but think it is too small to enroll, we
encourage you to enroll it anyway. PAMF will provide site-specific management guidance and
use your control efforts to improve guidance for everyone within the Great Lakes basin. Even
small patches warrant attention!
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 49
My MU’s conditions have changed since I enrolled it. Can I edit those conditions?
Yes, there are some conditions on the enrollment form that are editable after initial enrollment.
We encourage you to update questions in the “Enrollment Information” section of the Web Hub
each year so that PAMF can provide you with the best management recommendations for your
current conditions. To make these edits, navigate to your MU, select “View,” select “View
Enrollment Information,” and then select “Edit.”
I manage a plot of land that has multiple patches of very spread out Phragmites. Where
should I establish the perimeter of my MU?
We always suggest defining your MU as the smallest area surrounding the Phragmites that you
plan to manage. If these patches are very spread out (e.g., more than 10 meters apart with no
shoots in between), then we suggest you enroll multiple small MUs for each Phragmites patch.
However, in some instances, you may prefer enrolling a large MU around all Phragmites patches
you plan to manage. Keep in mind the following guidelines when establishing an MU:
1. Consider your ability to manage the whole unit. Any management applied to
Phragmites within an MU should be applied consistently to all Phragmites growing within
the MU. Therefore, your available resources may help determine MU size.
2. Consider whether you will use one management action per phase. The PAMF cycle
requires that you only use one management action (e.g., Glyphosate, Cut Underwater,
Flood) to manage Phragmites in a given MU per management phase (i.e., translocating,
dormant, and growing). If you plan on using more than one management action on your
land during the same phase, that may not be the best site to enroll, or you should enroll
more than one MU.
3. Keep the boundary consistent. The boundary of each MU will not change while enrolled
in PAMF regardless of landscape changes from year to year. Create your MU boundary
knowing that your management action will be applied in the same location every year. This
consistency will allow us to evaluate long-term management success.
I use a Garmin GPS. Does that make GPX files?
GPS Exchange Format (GPX) files express points as latitude and longitude in decimal degrees
and always use the WGS84 datum. Most Garmin GPS devices can export routes and points of
interest as GPX files. Additionally, the monitoring locations that the Web Hub generates can be
loaded onto a Garmin device from a computer. For more information, visit
http://www.garmin.com/us/maps/poiloader.
I do not have a GPX file to upload (e.g., do not have a GPS device or a smartphone, and/or
unable to get good GPS signal). Can I still enroll an MU?
No problem! You are always able to enroll an MU by drawing the boundary in the Web Hub. While
the preferred method is uploading an accurate GPX file of the MU’s perimeter, we understand
that this is challenging in some cases. If you need to draw the boundary using the Web Hub,
please do your best to draw the perimeter of your MU tightly around the Phragmites you plan on
managing (rather than leaving a buffer of uninvaded area). You can also map your MU using the
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 50
PAMF app (see Appendix A.1). It is also now possible to request to borrow a GPS unit! Contact
us at pamf@glc.org for more information.
Why don’t I see my transect and monitoring locations for this year immediately after
enrolling a management unit on the PAMF Web Hub?
PAMF staff conduct a manual quality check on each enrolled management unit to ensure the
transect and subsequent monitoring locations do not fall outside of the MUs boundaries.
I want to enroll and monitor my management unit on the same day. Can I still do that
without the Web Hub generated monitoring locations?
Yes, but you will need to use the participant-established locations to establish your own random
monitoring locations OR use the PAMF Field Maps app (see Appendix A.1). If you are planning
to enroll and monitor on the same day and will enroll your management unit using the Web Hub,
contact the PAMF Coordinator (pamf@glc.org) ahead of time and we can plan to review your
transect as soon as your new MU is enrolled.
Monitoring
Should I always try to monitor on the same date (in July) every year, or can I monitor at
any time during July?
While we recommend that you try to monitor at the same time every year, you can monitor on any
day during July as long as you are able to upload data before the August 1st deadline, and
preferably about a month after your last management action. Growing conditions are never
exactly the same from year to year, so a calendar date should serve as a guideline rather than a
rule for knowing when to monitor.
I just finished my growing phase management action. How long should I wait to monitor?
We suggest you wait around a month after applying management actions (i.e., Flood, Glyphosate,
Cut Underwater, Spade) during the growing season before monitoring. A good timeline to follow
is (a); make sure all management action is completed by the end of June; (b) allow a full month
to pass and monitor in July; (c) upload monitoring report by the August 1st deadline.
What happens if I forget to monitor or miss the August 1st deadline?
If you do not monitor your MU at all, we cannot provide updated management guidance. The Web
Hub will not be able to generate management recommendations that best suit your MU without
data on the current state of your unit. In this case, you can still manage your MU however you
wish, and as long as you monitor and report during the next growing season, you will receive new
management guidance. If you miss the deadline by just a few days, you may or may not receive
management guidance—contact the PAMF Coordinator at pamf@glc.org.
How accurate do I have to be in navigating to my monitoring locations?
As GPS and smartphone directions may only be accurate to 5 meters, we do not expect great
accuracy in navigating to the monitoring locations. However, all your monitoring locations need to
fall within the MU.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 51
Is percent establishment the same as percent cover?
Percent establishment is different from percent cover. Percent establishment is an estimate of the
extent to which live Phragmites is growing above ground within the MU (i.e., the proportion of the
MU where live aboveground Phragmites growth occurs). Therefore, we are only estimating the
area of the MU where live stems grow, regardless of their density (which is captured by stem
counts). Conversely, when measuring percent cover, you consider the percentage of incident light
obscured by the plant’s leaves, stems, and flowers. PAMF’s monitoring protocol requires data on
establishment, not cover. To best understand the percent establishment concept, please refer to
Figure 2.2 in Chapter 2.
Do I need to collect data about other plants (native and non-native) growing in my MU?
No. PAMF is a program designed to learn from every non-native Phragmites management action
in the Great Lakes basin and to ensure efficient efforts for landowners. For the purposes of PAMF,
you are not required to record any information unrelated to the monitoring protocol and
management actions targeting non-native Phragmites.
When do you recommend that I stop monitoring?
As PAMF is a program based on learning, we do not have a set number of years after which we
can guarantee you will no longer find Phragmites in your MU. After a five to six-year period of not
seeing Phragmites, you may want to consider no longer monitoring. However, you should know
that non-native Phragmites is a very persistent and pervasive grass and may come back later.
We suggest you keep visiting the site to make sure there are no reappearances.
I could not find my MU’s borders, so I do not know if Phragmites has spread outside the
border. What should I do?
We are aware that it could be very difficult to keep track of the MU’s borders year after year. We
recommend that you take your MU’s enrollment pictures, map, and/or GPX file loaded in your
GPS device in the field with you to help locate the borders. These resources should help you be
more accurate when replying to the question about whether Phragmites has spread outside the
MU’s border.
Managing
I have a large MU and want to treat half with glyphosate and half with imazapyr to see what
works best. Can I do that, or do I always have to use one management action for each MU?
For the purposes of PAMF, each MU must always be treated with only one management action
during each management phase. We understand the desire to test different management
strategies (that’s what PAMF is all about!), and to do so, you should enroll two separate MUs and
manage them individually.
I applied two different management actions within the same MU in a given management
phase. How do I report that?
We suggest you use one management action over the entirety of each MU during a given
management phase. If you have already applied different management actions within the same
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 52
MU in a given phase, you should submit separate management reports for each action. As the
PAMF management guidance is only a suggestion, this will not exclude you from continuing to
participate in PAMF. You may continue to monitor your MU and receive management guidance
each year, even if you never apply the exact management combination recommended by PAMF.
I monitored my MU in July and then carried out more management actions after monitoring
but before getting mid-August guidance. How do I report those activities?
We recommend that you monitor in July, report by August 1st, and wait on further management
until you get guidance by mid-August to ensure you are getting the most out of your participation
in PAMF. Because management guidance is based on your unit’s state at the time of monitoring,
all post-monitoring management actions will be counted as having occurred in the translocating
phase and should be reported as such and then submitted as part of your data package for the
following annual cycle.
My MU is in a wetland habitat, and a natural flood event (e.g., rising water levels)
contributed to Phragmites mortality after I applied another management action. Can I
report two management actions in the same time period? How do I communicate that the
water levels assisted with management?
For a natural flood to be considered a “Flood” under PAMF’s definition, the water must completely
cover all live Phragmites plants within your MU for at least one month. If that is the case, you
should submit a report for a Natural Flood in addition to submitting a report for your original
management action. If the water did NOT cover all live Phragmites within your MU, or the high
water did not last a month, you should only submit one management report for the original
management action. In that case, you can note on the report that there was “wet” hydrology and
that the natural flood event seemed to contribute to Phragmites control in the “Additional
Notes/Details” section.
I was performing a flood during the growing phase and now I am prescribed to Rest during
the translocating phase. Should I drain my MU?
You do not have to actively drain your MU after a flood to count it as Rest in the translocating
phase. When submitting your Rest management report, please tell us (in the “Additional
Notes/Details” section) whether the flood continued throughout the phase. Remember that for
PAMF, wet conditions are only considered to be a Flood if the water covers all live Phragmites
plants within your MU.
I do not wish to follow the management combination the Web Hub recommended. What
can I do?
You may have a number of reasons for not following the management combination the Web Hub
recommends, and we understand that. If that is the case, please use the associated question on
the management report to explain why. However, PAMF is designed to contribute to collective
learning and management guidance based on the effectiveness and efficiency of 16 management
combinations (Table 3.1) that were carefully vetted by Phragmites management experts. We
recommend trying to use one of these 16 management combinations as MUs that do so will
contribute greatly to collective learning. MUs that do not use one of the 16 management
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 53
combinations can still be monitored and reported but will not directly contribute to the development
of the predictive model for Phragmites management.
What happens if I cannot manage an MU in one of the management phases or an entire
year?
If you are unable to do any Phragmites management within your MU during one or more of the
management phases (translocation, dormant, or growing), you should report a “Rest” for the
associated phase(s). This can be done for any phase in which no action could be taken. As long
as you continue to conduct monitoring in July and report your monitoring data before the August
1st deadline, you will receive management guidance by mid-August.
Can I manage an MU that has both native and non-native Phragmites?
We suggest you prioritize the management of non-native Phragmites over the survival of native.
You can manage an MU that has both native and non-native Phragmites, as long as you are very
careful not to kill the native plants.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 54
Appendix A. How-To Guides
Table of Contents:
A.1 The PAMF Field Maps App
A.2 Quick guides for the PAMF Field Maps App
A.3 Vernier Caliper
A.4 PAMF Quadrat
A.1 The PAMF Field Maps App
Beginning in summer 2025, PAMF participants can use a ArcGIS Field Maps application to
assist with PAMF data collection. This app replaces the need for a GPS or other smartphone
app to map the boundaries of your management unit (MU) or collect the latitude/longitude of
your monitoring quadrats. If you use this app, you still need to follow and understand all of the
instructions in the enrollment and monitoring sections above, as all of this information still
applies to data collected in the app; it is just an alternative to using the Web Hub to submit data.
What does the app do?
This Field Maps app allows you to collect and submit enrollment and monitoring data from your
mobile device without using the PAMF Web Hub.
Important:
• You will still need a Web Hub account and will need to submit your management
report data through the Web Hub.
• The app does not connect directly to the Web Hub, and the data you collect in the
app will not be reflected in the Web Hub until August of the upcoming PAMF cycle.
Do I have to use this app?
No! Using the app is optional and you can still perform all normal PAMF reporting activities
using the Web Hub if you choose. The app just simplifies the process of enrolling and
monitoring management units. If you would like to use a different app to map your management
Data privacy note: Due to limitations of ArcGIS Online, data shared in the PAMF app will
be visible to other users of the PAMF app to allow flexibility in how teams manage their
data, and to accommodate import of MUs from the Web Hub. By using the app, you
acknowledge that you will only edit data of MUs belonging to you, and that your data may
be visible to others accepted into the private PAMF ArcGIS Online group. Data will be
backed up daily during the field season to prevent data loss. If you have data privacy
concerns, please submit all reports through the PAMF Web Hub.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 55
unit’s boundaries as a GPX file or navigate to points, see our guide with suggested apps here
(note: these instructions are no longer being updated and may be out of date).
Getting started
All data are collected on the “PAMF for Field Maps” map in the ArcGIS Field Maps app. The
Field Maps app is available for Apple and Android devices (search your app store for “Field
Maps”). Both an ArcGIS Online account and a PAMF Web Hub account are required for using
this application. You must also have permission to access the app; request to join the PAMF
ArcGIS online group here: https://forms.office.com/r/X9R3ihaXL8. Don’t have access to an
ArcGIS account? PAMF offers free access upon request by granting an ‘ArcGIS Community’
account to a limited number of eligible organizations. Request a free ArcGIS Community
account using this form: https://forms.office.com/r/QEstgWd3tE (once you have done this, you
do not need to request access using the link above).
Step-by-step guides for using the app on Apple or Android devices can be found in Appendix
A.1 The PAMF Field Maps App and in this tutorial video: https://youtu.be/MqMZ2XPNfYs. See
these two resources for the particulars of using the app for PAMF enrollment and monitoring.
The next few sections explain some additional nuances. Have a question? Email us at
pamf@glc.org.
Map layers
There are five possible layers to view in the web map on the app:
• Suggested monitoring locations
o These are the five randomly generated points per MU where it is suggested that
you place your monitoring quadrats, if you had them generated for you (see
“Enrollment” below). These are just suggestions – feel free to establish your own
locations based on the instructions in the Participant Guide. This layer is not
editable.
• Suggested transects
o This is the suggested transect line for your MU, if you had one generated for you
(see “Enrollment” below). This layer is not editable.
• User Monitoring Locations
o This is where you will create points to submit your quadrat data for monitoring.
Your points may or may not line up with the suggested monitoring locations,
depending on the placement of live Phragmites in the MU and following the
instructions in the Participant Guide.
• User Transects
o This is where, when enrolling your MU, you will create a custom transect if you
are offline or need to create a custom transect (see “Enrollment” section below).
You do not need to create your own transect if one is being generated for
you!
• Enroll management unit
o Polygon layer containing the MUs.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 56
Enrollment
Already have MUs enrolled in the Web Hub that you would like to use in the app?
No problem, just submit this form (https://forms.office.com/r/hBSE5BKb5p) and ask us to add
them to the app. This must be done before March 7 of each year you’d like to monitor– we
cannot add existing MUs after this point until after monitoring has concluded in August.
For example, if you want to submit data for the 2026 monitoring season, you can submit a
request to add your Web-Hub-only MUs to the app between August 1, 2025 and March 7, 2026.
We will also include the associated suggested monitoring locations and transects from the Web
Hub. This process may take up to several business days. Please do not self-enroll duplicate
versions of your Web Hub MUs.
Want to enroll a new MU?
As in the Web Hub, all PAMF app data collection revolves around the establishment of an MU,
represented by a yellow polygon in the app. See Appendix A.2 for details about how to draw an
MU polygon in the app, either by manually drawing it on a map or by streaming your location as
you walk around the perimeter of your MU.
⚠ Important points!⚠
1. Establishing the MU must happen before any other data collection can occur; the MU
polygon will serve as a repository for your associated monitoring records.
2. If you enroll your MU in the app, you must also submit monitoring data through the app
(not the Web Hub) for at least the first monitoring period, as data will not be added to the
Web Hub until August of each year.
3. Your MU must not overlap with any other MUs! This will disrupt the ability of the quadrat
points to pick up the correct monitoring report underlying them.
You will fill out much of the enrollment form in the app as you would on the Web Hub, with a few
exceptions detailed below.
Dealing with transect lines
Working on or offline
If you are working in the field and have a bad data connection or are working in an offline area,
toggle the question “How are your transects and quadrats being generated?” to “I am working in
an offline area generating my own transects and quadrats.” See the next section (“Creating
custom transects”) on how to draw your own transect in these situations. Otherwise, your
suggested monitoring locations and transects will be generated automatically in the app in
approximately 10 minutes or less (you will need to toggle these layers on to see them). You may
need to refresh the app to see the auto-generated transect and monitoring locations.
Irregularly-shaped MUs
If your MU’s shape is irregular and a simple monitoring transect following a standard cardinal
direction does not accommodate the MU’s shape (see Figure A.1.1), when completing the
questions about transect gradients, select the following options:
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 57
1. “Is there a gradient of stem density through the MU?”➡No
2. “Is there a gradient in the hydrology of your MU?” ➡ No
3. “Please select the direction for the longest possible transect
across the MU” ➡ “I have an irregularly shaped MU.”
If you asked the app to autogenerate your transects/quadrats, it will
generate a transect that follows the shape of your MU. If you said
that you are working offline OR if you found the autogenerated
transect’s shape to be unsatisfactory, you will need to draw your
own transect following the instructions in the next section.
Finalizing the enrollment form
On the enrollment form, you will also need to submit the email address associated with your
PAMF Web Hub account so we know how to link your MU(s) to your Web Hub account. Finally,
submit up to three photos of your MU and provide any notes about the photos in the appropriate
section.
Creating custom transects
During enrollment if you indicated that you were offline, you will need to draw your own transect
following the instructions in Appendix A.2. You can also create your own transect if the one
generated for you by the PAMF app does not accurately reflect the shape of your management
unit.
IMPORTANT: do not create your own transect if one is being generated for you AND it
appears to be appropriately shaped!
If you are drawing your own transect because you are offline:
1. If your polygon is simply shaped (e.g., Figure A.1.2.A below), choose the option “I am
working offline manually drawing my own transect” in the User Transects form and draw
your transect as a single straight line (with a single beginning and end point) within the
bounds of the management unit following the transect directionality (e.g., east/west) you
chose in your enrollment form.
2. If your polygon has an irregular shape (e.g., Figure A.1.2.B below), choose the option “I
need to manually draw my own transect because my management unit is an irregular
polygon” in the User Transects form, and then draw the transect as a multipart line
(i.e., having more than two vertices) to fit the shape of your management unit, following
any possible stem/hydrology gradients if possible. Make sure that in your Enrollment
form you chose the option “I have an irregularly shaped MU” under the question about
the longest transect axis.
If you are drawing your own transect because the transect generated for you does not reflect
the shape of your management unit:
1. In the User Transects form, select the option: “I need to manually draw my own transect
because my management unit is an irregular polygon.”
2. Draw the transect as a multipart line (i.e., having more than two vertices) following the
shape of the MU and any gradients, if possible (e.g., Figure A.1.2.B below). Keep the
transect line within the bounds of the MU.
Figure A.1.1. An irregularly
shaped MU with a N/S
transect that doesn’t
represent it very well.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 58
Figure A.1.2. A. A management unit (MU) polygon with a fairly standard shape with a transect going East/West.
Transect line has only two vertices (start and end). B. An MU with an irregular shape with a custom transect following
the shape of the MU. Transect line is multipart and has >2 vertices.
Monitoring
The first step is to submit a monitoring report by tapping on your MU in the app, scrolling down
the form or clicking on the link ( ) button, and clicking on “Monitoring records” (see Appendix
A.2 for more detailed instructions). This will provide a form to fill out some data relevant to the
entire MU, including your percent establishment of live Phragmites. You may attach up to three
photos to the entry, but they are not required. Important: this form MUST be filled out before
you can add monitoring quadrat points. Quadrat points will pull in data from the lastsubmitted monitoring record, so one must first exist!
Next, you will create five points where you will place your monitoring quadrats. You can use the
layer “Suggested monitoring locations” (if it was generated) or your transect (suggested or
custom) to determine where to place your quadrat monitoring locations, or you can follow the
steps in the Participant Guide to establish your own locations. See Appendix A.2 for more
detailed instructions on creating the quadrat points in the app. The quadrat locations MUST be
within the boundaries of your MU. For each quadrat, fill out the associated form in the app,
including stem counts, stem diameters, stress, etc. Attach up to two photos of stressed plants to
a single quadrat record.
Data management
All enrollment and monitoring data MUST be submitted to the PAMF Field Maps app prior to
August 1 each year. As mentioned above, your data will not automatically be transferred to the
Web Hub – this data transfer will occur after August 1. If you do not submit data by August 1,
your data will not be transferred! If you need to make any changes to your enrollment form or
monitoring form, please edit them before August 1 as well.
A.2 Quick guides for the PAMF Field Maps App
See following pages for easily-printable quick guides. For a tutorial video see:
https://youtu.be/MqMZ2XPNfYs.
ArcGIS Field Maps Reference Sheet –
PAMF App Guide
For iPhone and iPad
Getting Started – Sign in
Open the Field Maps app. Sign into your ArcGIS
Online Account.
1. Tap Sign in with ArcGIS Online
2. Enter your credentials.
3. Tap Sign in.
Online Data Collection: In the list of maps, open:
PAMF for Field Maps
Offline Data Collection
1. In the list of maps, select the Overflow
on the right of the map name: PAMF for
Field Maps
2. Select Add Offline Area to download your
sample area.
3. Click Room to adjust level of detail
4. Choose Download Area once you pick
your offline are in the map.
Enroll Management Unit
1. Tap Add (on the map).
2. Select Enroll Management Unit to create a
polygon covering your MU area.
3. Manually draw the polygon by adding
vertices on the map. Or use Streaming.
4. To stream your polygon, select the Overflow
menu and select Start Streaming.
5. To delete any points, click the Delete Selected
Point button.
6. Please complete all the required questions in
the enrollment form.
7. Make sure to properly identify the type of
gradient present in your MU (if any). Look for
the compass direction of the stem gradient in
your MU. If there is no stem gradient, then
look for a hydrology gradient. If there is no hydrology
gradient, then look for the longest transect across
your management unit. See the example shown
below:
8. If you are working in the field and have a bad data
connection or are working in an offline area in
Field Maps, make sure to toggle the question,
“How are your transects and quadrats being
generated?” to “I am working in an offline area
generating my own transects and quadrats”.
9. If you are working in an area with a good data
connection, you can generate suggested
locations for your transects and monitoring
locations on the fly by selecting the top option in
the image above. They will take up to 10
minutes to be generated. The suggested
transects and locations are for your reference.
10. Taking Photos: Tap Take Photo to take and add
a photo or tap Attach if attaching an existing
item. Long press and attachment to rename it,
save it to your device, or remove it from the
asset.
11. Tap Submit to confirm edits.
Example Transect
Stem gradient direction: W/E
APPENDIX A. PAMF App Quick Guide (Apple Products)
Add Monitoring Records
1. On the map, select the MU you want to add a
monitoring record to.
2. Click the button in the bottom left
corner to get the list of monitoring records for
that MU.
3. Click the ADD button to add a record.
4. Please complete all the required questions in
the monitoring records form.
5. Taking Photos: Tap Take Photo to take and
add a photo or tap Attach if attaching an
existing item. Long press an attachment to
rename it, save it to your device, or remove it
from the asset.
6. Tap Submit to confirm your edits.
Create a Custom Transect
1. Tap Add (on the map).
2. Select Transects to create your own transect.
3. Manually draw your transect by adding
vertices on the map in the direction of the
stem gradient, hydrology gradient, or longest
transect.
4. If you have a good data connection and chose
to generate transects and monitoring
locations on the fly, then you can simply trace
the suggested transect that was generated.
5. Tap Submit to confirm edits.
Create 5 Monitoring Locations
1. Tap Add (on the map).
2. Choose the Quadrats option under
Monitoring Locations.
3. Try to place your monitoring locations in the
same spots as the suggested monitoring
locations, unless they are unreachable.
NOTE: If working offline, make sure to randomly
place 5 monitoring locations along the MU transect
at varying distances following the PAMF Guide.

4. Please complete all the required questions in
the monitoring locations form.
5. Tap Submit to confirm edits.
Editing Data – Point, Lines, or Polygons
1. Tap the record you’d like to edit on the map.
2. If you click the Link button, it will take
you to the Monitoring Records (this button
will only appear when an MU is selected).
3. Tap Edit in the available actions.
4. Editing Data: Update the form by tapping an
entry to edit it.
5. You can duplicate the item you selected by
clicking the Duplicate button.
6. Tap the Overflow button (or scroll
down) to Favorite the location, turn on the
Compass, or get Directions to that location.
7. Taking Photos: Add a photo to an existing
item by tapping on the item and hitting the
button in the bottom left-corner of the screen
and then tap Take Photo to take and add a
photo or tap Attach if attaching an existing
item. While in the editing window, you can
long press an attachment to rename it, save it
to your device, or remove it from the asset.
8. Tap Submit to confirm edits.
Sync – If working offline
You should sync when you have good connectivity.
It’s recommended that you sync whenever you can,
and that you enable auto-sync.
1. Tap Sync to open the Sync panel. (If
there is no dot in the icon you have no
edits to sync).
2. Review the edits you made (if any) and tap
Sync.
3. Wait for it to be completed.
Quick Reference – Asset Location Tools
While creating or editing a feature
you can edit its location. You’ll see
a location target. The target is blue
when at your location and the GPS
meets the required accuracy. When red, the GPS
doesn’t meet the required accuracy. A grey target is
positioned manually (by moving the map).
Quick Reference – Map Tools

6
1 2 3 4 5
1. Go back to the list of maps.
2. Sync
3. Layers (Visibility, errors, tracking)
4. Search (address, place, coordinate)
5. Overflow – Change Basemap, view
Legend, create Markup, Measure on
the map, or Share Map.
6. See GPS info. Tap for details.
7. Go to your GPS location. Tap again
to change map orientation.
8. Add a new point, line, or polygon.
7
8
Phragmites Adaptive
Management Framework
pamf@glc.org
www.greatlakesphragmites.net/pamf/
Sam Tank, project manager
734-396-6055
6
APPENDIX A. PAMF App Quick Guide (Apple Products)
ArcGIS Field Maps Reference Sheet –
PAMF App Guide
For Android phones and tablets
Getting Started – Sign in
Open the Field Maps app. Sign into your ArcGIS
Online Account.
1. Tap Sign in with ArcGIS Online
2. Enter your credentials.
3. Tap Sign in.
Online Data Collection: In the list of maps, open:
PAMF for Field Maps
Offline Data Collection
1. In the list of maps, select the Overflow
on the right of the map name: PAMF for
Field Maps
2. Select Add Offline Area to download your
sample area.
3. Click Room to adjust level of detail
4. Choose Download Area once you pick
your offline are in the map.
Enroll Management Unit
1. Tap Add (on the map).
2. Select Enroll Management Unit to create a
polygon covering your MU area.
3. Manually draw the polygon by adding vertices
on the map. Or use Streaming.
4. To stream your polygon, select the Overflow
menu and select Start Streaming.
5. To delete any points, click the Delete Selected
Point button.
6. Please complete all the required questions in
the enrollment form.
7. Make sure to properly identify the type of
gradient present in your MU (if any). Look for
the compass direction of the stem gradient in
your MU. If there is no stem gradient, then
look for a hydrology gradient. If there is no hydrology
gradient, then look for the longest transect across your
management unit. See the example shown below:
8. If you are working in the field and have a bad
data connection or are working in an offline
area in Field Maps, make sure to toggle the
question, “How are your transects and
quadrats being generated?” to “I am working
in an offline area generating my own transects
and quadrats.”
9. If you are working in an area with a good data
connection you can generate suggested locations
for your transects and monitoring locations on
the fly by selecting the top option in the image
above. They will take up to 10 minutes to be
generated. The suggested transects and locations
are for your reference.
10. Taking Photos: Tap Take Photo to take and add a
photo or tap Attach if attaching an existing item.
Long press an attachment to rename it, save it to
your device, or remove it from the asset. Long
press an attachment to rename it, save it to your
device, or remove it from the asset.
11. Tap Submit to confirm edits
Example Transect
Stem gradient direction: W/E
APPENDIX A. PAMF App Quick Guide (Android Products)
Add Monitoring Records
1. On the map, select the MU you want to add a
monitoring record to.
2. Click the button in the bottom left corner
to get the list of monitoring records for that
MU.
3. Click the ADD button to add a record.
4. Please complete all the required questions in
the monitoring records form.
5. Taking Photos: Tap Take Photo to take and
add a photo or tap Attach if attaching an
existing item. Long press an attachment to
rename it, save it to your device, or remove it
from the asset.
6. Tap Submit to confirm your edits.
Create a Custom Transect
1. Tap Add (on the map).
2. Select Transects to create your own transect.
3. Manually draw your transect by adding
vertices on the map in the direction of the
stem gradient, hydrology gradient, or longest
transect.
4. If you have a good data connection and chose
to generate transects and monitoring locations
on the fly, then you can simply trace the
suggested transect that was generated.
5. Tap Submit to confirm edits.
Create 5 Monitoring Locations
1. Tap Add (on the map).
2. Choose the Quadrats option under Monitoring
Locations.
3. Try to place your monitoring locations in the
same spots as the suggested monitoring
locations, unless they are unreachable.
NOTE: If working offline, make sure to randomly
place 5 monitoring locations along the MU transect
at varying distances following the PAMF Guide.

3. Please complete all the required questions in
the monitoring locations form.
4. Tap Submit to confirm edits.
Editing Data – Point, Lines, or Polygons
1. Tap the record you’d like to edit on the map.
2. If you click the Link button, it will take
you to the Monitoring Records (this button will
only appear when an MU is selected).
3. Tap Edit in the available actions.
4. Editing Data: Update the form by tapping an
entry to edit it.
5. You can duplicate the item you selected by
clicking the Duplicate button.
6. Tap the Overflow button (or scroll down)
to Favorite the location, turn on the Compass,
or get Directions to that location.
7. Taking Photos: Add a photo to an existing item
by tapping on the item and hitting the button
in the bottom left-corner of the screen and
then tap Take Photo to take and add a photo
or tap Attach if attaching an existing item.
While in the editing window, you can long
press an attachment to rename it, save it to
your device, or remove it from the asset.
8. Tap Submit to confirm edits.
Sync – If working offline
You should sync when you have good connectivity.
It’s recommended that you sync whenever you can,
and that you enable auto-sync.
1. Tap Sync to open the Sync panel. (If there
is no dot in the icon you have no edits to
sync).
2. Review the edits you made (if any) and tap
Sync.
3. Wait for it to be completed.
Quick Reference – Asset Location Tools
While creating or editing a feature
you can edit its location. You’ll see
a location target. The target is blue
when at your location and the GPS
meets the required accuracy. When red, the GPS
doesn’t meet the required accuracy. A grey target is
positioned manually (by moving the map).
Quick Reference – Map Tools

8
6
Phragmites Adaptive
Management Framework
pamf@glc.org
www.greatlakesphragmites.net/pamf/
Sam Tank, project manager
734-396-6055
1 2 3 5
7
4
1. Go back to the list of maps.
2. Sync
3. Layers (Visibility, errors, tracking)
4. Search (address, coordinate)
5. Overflow – view the Legend,
Measure on the map, Create
Markup, or Share Map
6. See GPS info. Tap for details.
7. Go to your GPS location. Tap again to
change map orientation.
8. Add a new point, line, or polygon.
APPENDIX A. PAMF App Quick Guide (Android Products)
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 63
A.3 Vernier Caliper
A manual Vernier caliper will help you collect an accurate stem diameter measurement (Figure
A.3.1). When looking directly at the main scale, this caliper has two main “jaws” pointing down,
and two small jaws pointing up. For A manual Vernier caliper will help you collect an accurate
stem diameter measurement (Figure A.3.1). When looking directly at the main scale, this caliper
has two main “jaws” pointing down, and two small jaws pointing up. For measuring the stem
diameter, we will use the main jaws, the main scale, and the Vernier scale (smaller on the lower
side of the main scale).
For taking a measurement, follow the next steps:
1. Select the lowest, yet accessible section of the plant’s stem.
2. Clean the stem of any debris.
3. Open the main jaws of the caliper and fit them snuggly around the stem. Readjust the jaws
if needed but do not apply pressure on the stem. Maintain the caliper in a horizontal
position while measuring.
4. Find the last number on the main scale before the “0” hash mark on the Vernier scale.
5. Record the main scale’s number. This number is the stem diameter in millimeters. Note:
We will not be using the Vernier scale to record fractional numbers of stem diameter.
Figure A.3.1 Correct positioning of the stem in between the main jaws of the caliper. Note that the diameter of this stem
is 11 mm based on the positioning of the “0’s” hash mark on the main scale.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 64
A.4 PAMF Quadrat
To have a PAMF kit (that includes a quadrat and Vernier calipers) mailed to you, email the PAMF
coordinator at pamf@glc.org. Alternatively, we recommend using PVC to make your quadrat,
although other materials are acceptable. Cut four pieces of PVC into 0.5 m (50 cm) pieces and
attach them in a square using connecting elbows. Be sure not to affix the pieces permanently so
that the quadrat can be constructed onsite around the stems. To facilitate following PAMF’s
procedures, mark opposite elbows in a distinguishable way (e.g., different color PVC, permanent
marker, or tape; Figure A.4.1). These corners will be used in the stem diameter measurement.
Figure A.4.1 PAMF’s 0.25 m2 quadrat. Notice the two opposite elbows are clearly marked and the individual pieces are
kept separate so they can be constructed onsite around the Phragmites stems.
To ensure that you only measure the Phragmites whose stems are within the bounds of the
quadrat, you will need to place it as close to the earth as possible (Figure A.4.2). To do this,
disconnect one side of the quadrat and slide your quadrat into position on the ground around the
Phragmites. Once you have laid the quadrat on the ground, reconnect the two quadrat sides to
enclose the stems within your quadrat.
Figure A.4.2. Quadrat around Phragmites stems. Notice that it is placed close to the ground and encompasses all
stems that emerge within the quadrat’s frame.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 65
Appendix B. PAMF Enrollment Form
Management Unit Name: ______________________________ Date: ___________
Is there a gradient of stem density throughout the management unit (MU)? If so, note the
cardinal direction and skip the follow-up questions below.
If NO, is there a gradient in the hydrology of your MU? If so, note the direction.
If NO, please select the direction for the longest possible transect across the MU.
N/S
W/E
NW/SE
SW/NE
Is there Phragmites present immediately outside the MU border at any point? YES / NO
Is any portion of the MU boundary shared with a neighboring land manager or landowner?
If NO, proceed to the next question.
If YES, do you observe non-native Phragmites growing on the property that borders your
MU?
If YES, does Phragmites grow immediately across the border of your MU and onto a
neighbor’s property?
YES / NO
YES / NO
YES / NO
Has this MU been treated within the past 5 years using herbicide that contained
glyphosate or imazapyr as the active ingredient?
If NO or Uncertain, proceed to the next question.
For how many years was this MU treated with a glyphosate herbicide?
For how many years was this MU treated with an imazapyr herbicide?
YES / NO
Uncertain
___ years
___ years
Select the habitat type that most closely resembles that of your MU. Check all that apply.
○ Agricultural Land
○ Beach
○ Pond/Lake
○ Prairie/Grassland
○ Riparian
○ Roadway/Ditch
○ Urban/Developed
○ Wetland ○ Woodland
Which of the following hydrologic regime types would you classify your MU as?
Wet: standing water present over the majority of the MU for most of the year
Moist: occasional standing water, but for less than 50% of the year over the MU
Dry: never any observed standing water over any of the MU
WET
MOIST
DRY
Can you control the water level over the entirety of your MU? YES / NO
Is herbicide a treatment option for this MU? NOTE: PAMF participants are responsible for
obtaining required permits. YES / NO
Are the conditions ever appropriate to allow for cutting the Phragmites under water
throughout all of your MU? YES / NO
Reminder: Take Pictures!
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 66
Appendix C. PAMF Monitoring Field Sheet
Participant Name: _________________________ Date: _____________ Management Unit (MU): ___________________________
Part 1: Management Unit Observations Optional
Percent Phragmites Establishment
(Circle one) 0-10% 11-50% 51-100% Is European Frog-bit present
at this site? (Circle one) Yes / No
Has Phragmites spread
from your MU?1 (circle one) Yes No If present, estimate density
(Circle one)
Sparse / Patchy /
Has Phragmites been eradicated Dense / Monoculture
from your management unit? 2 Yes No
Remember: Take Pictures! Pictures can be emailed to pamf@glc.org
1 Only answer after Year 1
2 If “Yes”, then all stem counts must equal = 0 and no Phragmites stems can be found anywhere in the unit
3 If known
4 3 measurements per quadrat – closest live Phragmites stem to the center of the quadrat and two opposite corners
Notes:
Part 2: Quadrats 1 2 3 4 5
GPS Coordinates3
(decimal degrees, WGS 1984)
Live Stem Count (#)
Live Stem Diameters4 (mm)
Visible stress on the majority of
live Phragmites in quadrat?
(Circle one)
Yes / No / Unsure Yes / No / Unsure Yes / No / Unsure Yes / No / Unsure Yes / No / Unsure
If “Yes,” indicate cause of stress
(Circle one or more)
Environmental
Pathogen
Insect
Environmental
Pathogen
Insect
Environmental
Pathogen
Insect
Environmental
Pathogen
Insect
Environmental
Pathogen
Insect
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 67
Appendix D. PAMF Management Reports
You should complete at least one report per management phase for each management unit (MU). Each
report will consist of Section 1 (general information) in its entirety and one page/management action from
Section 2 (management action information). You will enter this information in the Web Hub either at the end
of each management phase (translocating, dormant, and growing) or at the end of the PAMF cycle by the
August 1st deadline.
Section 1: General Information
Notice: You will be asked to report costs for managing this MU during one phase. PAMF will use
this information to recommend the most cost-effective annual management combination for your
MU. PAMF will not share the specific costs you or your contractor incurred while managing this or
any MU you have enrolled. If you are willing and able to provide cost-related information, please
answer all questions in the fourth box in Section 1 as well as the cost-related questions on the
Section 2 page that corresponds with the management action you implemented (i.e., all questions
preceded by an asterisk). If you are not providing cost information, skip questions preceded by an
asterisk.
Management Unit: __________________________ Date of Management Action Completion: ________
Phase (choose one): ○ Translocating ○ Dormant ○ Growing
Did you treat your MU following the management guidance you received? ○ Yes ○ No ○ None Received
If NO, please select the main reason why the management guidance was not followed and describe
the circumstances. Please check only one box.
I intended to follow the management guidance, but…
 Site or environmental conditions prevented access to the MU.
Examples: Impassable roads, obstructed canals, etc.
 Site or environmental conditions prevented application of the management action.
Examples: Too dry, too windy, standing water, occurrence of species of concern, etc.
 Site or environmental conditions would have reduced efficacy of the management action.
Examples: Insufficient litter to carry fire evenly, unable to flood for intended duration, etc.
 A critical resource was not available.
Examples: Lack of funds or personnel, broken equipment, unable to find contractor, etc.
 A logistical constraint related to timing could not be resolved.
Examples: Too late to change plans, renegotiate contracts, make critical purchases, etc.
 A logistical constraint related to clearances could not be resolved.
Examples: Unable to obtain permits, access, exemptions from institutional policy, etc.
I never intended to follow the management guidance because…
 I did not have sufficient experience or comfort with applying the recommended
management action.
 I did not agree that the recommendation provided was best for my circumstances.
Other
 I did not have previous management guidance for this MU.
 There was another reason that is not listed above.
Describe the reason not listed above:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 68
Which management action did you use? (Choose one)
○ Glyphosate
○ Imazapyr
○ Glyphosate +
○ Rest
○ Cut Underwater
○ Other
○ Spading
○ Pre-Flood Clearing
○ Remove Biomass
○ Flood
○ Mechanical and Leave Biomass
Reminder: Take a Picture!
* I am willing and able to provide cost-related values. ○ Yes ○ No
* Will you be reporting the costs of managing only your MU or will you be reporting the costs
for the total land area managed?
o I’ll be reporting for the exact area of this MU.
o I’ll be reporting for the total area I managed (smaller or larger than size of this MU).
What is the total area you managed, if different from MU (acres): _________
Whether you choose to report for the MU or for all land that you treated, please ensure
that your responses consistently apply to that land area throughout this report. Please
respond in U.S. dollars.
* Did you hire a contractor to do this management for you? ○ Yes ○ No
* If yes, how much did the contractor services cost? Please exclude travel costs. _______
If you did NOT hire a contractor…
* Please tell us the total number of hours for each labor category during management of
the MU or total area. Please exclude travel time.
Category # hours
Students
Volunteers
Part time/seasonal
Full time
Other
* Did you rent equipment? ○ Yes ○ No
* If yes, how much did the rental service cost for all the equipment used to manage
Phragmites in this MU? _________
* How many hours did you use the rented or personally owned equipment? _________
Section 2: Management Action Information
Fill out ONLY the page from Section 2 that corresponds with the management action you applied.
Whether reporting for just your MU or the total area you managed, be consistent with your
responses. If providing cost-related information, be sure to answer all questions preceded by an
asterisk. Please report fuel use in US gallons (1 US gal = 1.2 imp gal).
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 69
Glyphosate
Trade name of product used: _________________ % Active ingredient (from label): _______
Trade name of surfactant used: _________________
There are two options for reporting herbicide use:
1. If the concentration and volume of herbicide mix are known (PAMF’s most preferred option):
% Concentration of product (by volume): _______
% Concentration of surfactant (by volume): _______
Volume of the mix applied to the Phragmites (gal): ________
Acres volume of mix was applied to (if larger or smaller than your MU): ________
2. If only the application rate (volume/acre) is known (PAMF’s second best option):
Volume of herbicide (quarts) per acre: _______
Volume of surfactant (quarts) per acre: _______
Number of applications to all Phragmites in this MU during management phase: ________
Application date(s): ______________________________________________________________
What percent coverage did you achieve when applying herbicide to the live Phragmites in the MU?
○ 0-25% ○ 26-50% ○ 51-75% ○ 76-100%
What equipment and machinery did you use for applying herbicide? (Choose all the options that
most closely resemble your equipment.)
o Hand tools (e.g., injection tool,
dauber, wand, hand wicking)
o Backpack sprayer
o Boom sprayer
o Wheeled vehicle (e.g., tractor, ATV)
o Tracked vehicle (e.g., Marsh Master,
Truxor)
o Aerial vehicle (e.g., helicopter, drone)
o Watercraft (e.g., motorboat, air boat)
o Equipment or machinery not listed above
Model of equipment used (optional): _____________________________________________
Did you do a broadcast or spot treatment? (Choose all that apply.) ○ Broadcast ○ Spot Treatment
* How much fuel did you use in all machinery and equipment used for this management action?
Answer for all fuel types and provide a range if exact amount is not known and give an answer for
all fuel types (0 to 0 is acceptable).
Gas: ____ to _____ (gal) Jet Fuel: ____ to ____ (gal)
Diesel: ____ to ____ (gal) Avgas: ____ to ____ (gal)
To the best of your knowledge, what was the hydrologic condition of your management unit during
this management phase?
o Wet (standing water present over the majority of the MU for most of the management phase,
but below the height of the live Phragmites stems)
o Moist (occasional standing water over the majority of the MU, but for less than 50% of the
management phase)
o Dry (never any observed standing water over any of the MU)
Additional Notes/Details:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 70
Imazapyr
Trade name of product used: _________________ % Active ingredient (from label): _______
Trade name surfactant used: _________________
There are two options for reporting herbicide use:
1. If the concentration and volume of herbicide mix are known (PAMF’s most preferred option):
% Concentration of product (by volume): _______
% Concentration of surfactant (by volume): _______
Volume of the mix applied to the Phragmites (gal): ________
Acres volume of mix was applied to (if larger or smaller than your MU): ________
2. If only the application rate (volume/acre) is known (PAMF’s second best option):
Volume of herbicide (quarts) per acre: _______
Volume of surfactant (quarts) per acre: _______
Number of applications to all Phragmites in this MU during management phase: ________
Application date(s): ______________________________________________________________
What percent coverage did you achieve when applying herbicide to the live Phragmites in the MU?
○ 0-25% ○ 26-50% ○ 51-75% ○ 76-100%
What equipment and machinery did you use for applying herbicide? (Choose all the options that
most closely resemble your equipment.)
o Hand tools (e.g., injection tool,
dauber, wand, hand wicking)
o Backpack sprayer
o Boom sprayer
o Wheeled vehicle (e.g., tractor, ATV)
o Tracked vehicle (e.g., Marsh Master,
Truxor)
o Aerial vehicle (e.g., helicopter, drone)
o Watercraft (e.g., motorboat, air boat)
o Equipment or machinery not listed above
Model of equipment used (optional): _____________________
Did you do a broadcast or spot treatment? (Choose all that apply.)
○ Broadcast ○ Spot Treatment
* How much fuel did you use in all machinery and equipment used for this management action?
Provide a range if exact amount is not known and give an answer for all fuel types (0 to 0 is
acceptable).
Gas: ____ to _____ (gal) Jet Fuel: ____ to ____ (gal)
Diesel: ____ to ____ (gal) Avgas: ____ to ____ (gal)
To the best of your knowledge, what was the hydrologic condition of your management unit during
this management phase?
o Wet (standing water present over the majority of the MU for most of the management phase,
but below the height of the live Phragmites stems)
o Moist (occasional standing water over the majority of the MU, but for less than 50% of the
management phase)
o Dry (never any observed standing water over any of the MU)
Additional Notes/Details:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 71
Glyphosate +
Trade name of glyphosate product used: _________________ % active ingredient: _______
Trade name of product added to glyphosate: _________________
Trade name surfactant used: _________________
There are two options for reporting herbicide use:
1. If the concentration and volume of herbicide mix are known (PAMF’s most preferred option):
% Concentration of glyphosate product (by volume): _______
% Concentration of added product (by volume): _______
% Concentration of surfactant (by volume): _______
Volume of the mix applied to the Phragmites (gal): ________
Acres volume of mix was applied to (if larger or smaller than your MU): ________
2. If only the application rate (volume/acre) is known (PAMF’s second best option):
Volume of glyphosate product (quarts) per acre: _______
Volume of added product (quarts) per acre: _______
Volume of surfactant (quarts) per acre: _______
Number of applications to all Phragmites in this MU during management phase: ________
Application date(s): ______________________________________________________________
What percent coverage did you achieve when applying herbicide to the live Phragmites in the MU?
○ 0-25% ○ 26-50% ○ 51-75% ○ 76-100%
What equipment and machinery did you use for applying herbicide? (Choose all the options that
most closely resemble your equipment.)
o Hand tools (e.g., injection tool,
dauber, wand, hand wicking)
o Backpack sprayer
o Boom sprayer
o Wheeled vehicle (e.g., tractor, ATV)
o Tracked vehicle (e.g., Marsh Master,
Truxor)
o Aerial vehicle (e.g., helicopter, drone)
o Watercraft (e.g., motorboat, air boat)
o Equipment or machinery not listed above
Model of equipment used (optional): _____________________________________________
Did you do a broadcast or spot treatment? (Choose all that apply.)○ Broadcast ○ Spot Treatment
* How much fuel did you use in all machinery and equipment used for this management action?
Provide a range if exact amount is not known and give an answer for all fuel types (0 to 0 is
acceptable).
Gas: ____ to _____ (gal) Jet Fuel: ____ to ____ (gal)
Diesel: ____ to ____ (gal) Avgas: ____ to ____ (gal)
To the best of your knowledge, what was the hydrologic condition of your management unit during
this management phase?
o Wet (standing water present over the majority of the MU for most of the management phase,
but below the height of the live Phragmites stems)
o Moist (occasional standing water over the majority of the MU, but for less than 50% of the
management phase)
o Dry (never any observed standing water over any of the MU)
Additional Notes/Details:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 72
Remove Biomass
What technique did you use? (choose one)
○ Burn ○ Mechanical ○ Mechanical then Burn
If mechanical (or mechanical then burn), what technique? (choose one)
○ Mow/Cut and Rake ○ Digging/Excavation ○ Technique not listed
What percentage of live Phragmites in your MU did you manage at least once during this phase?
○ 0-25% ○ 26-50% ○ 51-75% ○ 76-100%
What equipment did you use for the process? (Choose all the options that most closely resemble
your equipment.)
o Torches (e.g., drip torch, propane torch)
o Hand tools (e.g., scythe, stirrup hoe, weed whip, hedge shears)
o Hand-held gas-powered tools (e.g., weed whacker, string trimmer, brush cutter)
o Push/Pull gas-powered mower (e.g., brush hog, rotary cutter)
o Vehicle attachment (e.g., mulcher, tiller, field roller)
o Wheeled vehicle (e.g., tractor, ATV)
o Tracked vehicle (e.g., Marsh Master, Truxor)
o Watercraft (e.g., motorboat, air boat)
o Equipment or machinery not listed above
Model of equipment used (optional): _____________________________________________
* How much fuel did you use in all machinery and equipment used for this management action?
Provide a range if exact amount is not known and answer for all fuel types used in this MU (0 to 0 is
acceptable).
Gas: ____ to _____ (gal)
Diesel: ____ to ____ (gal)
Number of times this management action was applied to all Phragmites in the MU during this
phase. ___________________
Application date(s): ______________________________________________________________
To the best of your knowledge, what was the hydrologic condition of your management unit during
this management phase?
o Wet (standing water present over the majority of the MU for most of the management phase,
but below the height of the live Phragmites stems)
o Moist (occasional standing water over the majority of the MU, but for less than 50% of the
management phase)
o Dry (never any observed standing water over any of the MU)
Additional Notes/Details:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 73
Mechanical (and Leave Biomass)
What technique did you use? (choose one)
○ Mow ○ Crush/Roll ○ Till ○ Mulch ○ Technique not listed
What equipment did you use for the process? (Choose all the options that most closely resemble
your equipment.)
o Torches (e.g., drip torch, propane torch)
o Hand tools (e.g., scythe, stirrup hoe, weed whip, hedge shears)
o Hand-held gas-powered tools (e.g., weed whacker, string trimmer, brush cutter)
o Push/Pull gas-powered mower (e.g., brush hog, rotary cutter)
o Vehicle attachment (e.g., mulcher, tiller, field roller)
o Wheeled vehicle (e.g., tractor, ATV)
o Tracked vehicle (e.g., Marsh Master, Truxor)
o Watercraft (e.g., motorboat, air boat)
o Equipment or machinery not listed above
Model of equipment used (optional): _____________________________________________
* How much fuel did you use in all machinery and equipment used for this management action?
Provide a range if exact amount is not known and answer for all the fuel types used in this MU (0
to 0 is acceptable).
Gas: ____ to _____ (gal)
Diesel: ____ to ____ (gal)
Number of times this management action was applied to all Phragmites in the MU during this
phase. ___________________
Application date(s): ______________________________________________________________
What percentage of live Phragmites in your MU did you manage at least once during this phase?
○ 0-25% ○ 26-50% ○ 51-75% ○ 76-100%
To the best of your knowledge, what was the hydrologic condition of your management unit during
this management phase?
o Wet (standing water present over the majority of the MU for most of the management
phase, but below the height of the live Phragmites stems)
o Moist (occasional standing water over the majority of the MU, but for less than 50% of the
management phase)
Dry (never any observed standing water over any of the MU)
Additional Notes/Details:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 74
Spading
How many times did you spade the entire unit? ___________
Application date(s): ___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
What percentage of live Phragmites in your MU did you manage at least once during this phase?
○ 0-25% ○ 26-50% ○ 51-75% ○ 76-100%
To the best of your knowledge, what was the hydrologic condition of your MU during this
management phase?
o Wet (standing water present over the majority of the MU for most of the management phase,
but below the height of the live Phragmites stems)
o Moist (occasional standing water over the majority of the MU, but for less than 50% of the
management phase)
Dry (never any observed standing water over any of the MU)
Additional Notes/Details:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 75
Pre-Flood Clearing
What clearing method did you use? (choose one)
○ Burn ○ Mechanical ○ Mechanical then burn
If mechanical (or mechanical then burn), what technique did you use? (choose one)
○ Mow/Cut ○ Crush/Roll ○ Till ○ Mulch ○ Technique not listed
What percentage of live Phragmites in your MU did you manage at least once during this phase?
○ 0-25% ○ 26-50% ○ 51-75% ○ 76-100%
What equipment did you use for the process? (Choose all the options that most closely resemble
your equipment.)
o Torches (e.g., drip torch, propane torch)
o Hand tools (e.g., scythe, stirrup hoe, weed whip, hedge shears)
o Hand-held gas-powered tools (e.g., weed whacker, string trimmer, brush cutter)
o Push/Pull gas-powered mower (e.g., brush hog, rotary cutter)
o Vehicle attachment (e.g., mulcher, tiller, field roller)
o Wheeled vehicle (e.g., tractor, ATV)
o Tracked vehicle (e.g., Marsh Master, Truxor)
o Equipment or machinery not listed above
Model of equipment used (optional): _____________________________________________
* How much fuel did you use in all machinery and equipment used for this management action?
Provide a range if exact amount is not known and give an answer for all fuel types (0 to 0 is
acceptable).
Gas: ____ to _____ (gal)
Diesel: ____ to ____ (gal)
Did you remove the biomass from the MU after mechanically leveling the plant? ○ Yes ○ No
If yes, please describe how you removed the Phragmites from the MU:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Number of times this management action was applied to all Phragmites in the MU during this
phase. ___________________
Application date(s): ______________________________________________________________
To the best of your knowledge, what was the hydrologic condition of your management unit during
this management phase?
o Wet (standing water present over the majority of the MU for most of the management
phase, but below the height of the live Phragmites stems)
o Moist (occasional standing water over the majority of the MU, but for less than 50% of the
management phase)
o Dry (never any observed standing water over any of the MU)
Additional notes/details about the MU, or the management action itself, that may impact
management effectiveness:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 76
Flood
Type of flood (choose one): ○ Controlled (pumps, dikes, etc.)
○ Natural (coastal wetlands, riparian areas, etc.)
* If controlled, what did you do? (choose one)
o Gates (passive)
o Fuel-Powered Pump
o Electric Pump
* If fuel-powered, how much fuel did you use in the pump? Provide a range if exact
amount is not known and give an answer for all fuel types (0 to 0 is acceptable).
Gas: ____ to _____ (gal)
Diesel: ____ to ____ (gal)
* If electric, what is the wattage of your pump (kW)? If the value is not shown in
specifications, multiply the voltage by the lower amperage rating and divide by 1000 to
obtain kW. Provide a range if wattage is not exactly known (0 to 0 is acceptable):
Electric: ____ to _____ (kW)
* How long was the pump operating? _______ (hours)
What percentage of live Phragmites in your MU did you manage at least once during this phase?
○ 0-25% ○ 26-50% ○ 51-75% ○ 76-100%
To the best of your knowledge, how long was water sustained over the top of all live Phragmites
within the MU? Please give an approximation in months: ________________
To the best of your knowledge, what was the hydrologic condition of your management unit during
this management phase?
o Wet (standing water present over the majority of the MU for most of the management
phase, but below the height of the live Phragmites stems)
o Moist (occasional standing water over the majority of the MU, but for less than 50% of the
management phase)
o Dry (never any observed standing water over any of the MU)
Additional Notes/Details:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 77
Cut Underwater
What equipment did you use for cutting? (Choose all the options that most closely resemble your
equipment.)
o Hand tools (e.g., scythe, stirrup hoe, weed whip, hedge shears, cane cutter, spade)
o Hand-held gas-powered tools (e.g., weed whacker, brush cutter)
o Vehicle attachment (e.g., trimmer)
o Tracked vehicle (e.g., Truxor)
o Watercraft (e.g., motorboat, air boat)
o Equipment or machinery not listed above
Model of equipment used (optional): _____________________________________________
* How much fuel did you use in all machinery, pumps, and equipment used for this management
action? Provide a range if exact amount is not known and give an answer for all fuel types (0 to 0
is acceptable).
Gas: ____ to _____ (gal)
Diesel: ____ to ____ (gal)
Did you remove the biomass from the MU after cutting? ○ Yes ○ No
If yes, please describe how you removed the cut Phragmites from the MU:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Number of times this management action was applied to all Phragmites in the MU during this
phase. ___________________
What percentage of live Phragmites in your MU did you manage at least once during this phase?
○ 0-25% ○ 26-50% ○ 51-75% ○ 76-100%
To the best of your knowledge, what was the hydrologic condition of your MU during this
management phase?
o Wet (standing water present over the majority of the MU for most of the management phase,
but below the height of the live Phragmites stems)
o Moist (occasional standing water over the majority of the MU, but for less than 50% of the
management phase)
o Dry (never any observed standing water over any of the MU)
Additional Notes/Details:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 78
Rest
To the best of your knowledge, what was the hydrologic condition of your MU during this
management phase?
o Wet (standing water present over the majority of the MU, for most of the management
phase, but below the height of the live Phragmites stems)
o Moist (occasional standing water over the majority of the MU, but for less than 50% of the
management phase)
o Dry (never any observed standing water over any of the MU)
Additional Notes/Details:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Other
If other, please explain:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Number of times this management action was applied to all Phragmites in the MU during this
phase. ___________________
What percentage of live Phragmites in your MU did you manage at least once during this phase?
○ 0-25% ○ 26-50% ○ 51-75% ○ 76-100%
To the best of your knowledge, what was the hydrologic condition of your MU during this
management phase?
o Wet (standing water present over the majority of the MU, for most of the management
phase, but below the height of the live Phragmites stems)
o Moist (occasional standing water over the majority of the MU, but for less than 50% of the
management phase)
o Dry (never any observed standing water over any of the MU)
Additional Notes/Details:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 79
Appendix E. Annual Management Unit Summary
Example
Below is an example of an AMUS for a participant who submitted their monitoring reports and all
three management reports for the 2018/2019 PAMF cycle. Your summary may look different if
you were recently enrolled or did not submit a full data package.
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 80
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 81
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 82
PAMF PARTICIPANT GUIDE | PAGE 83

 

1
Management Actions: Details and Descriptions
March 2023
PAMF makes use of ten different management actions, or various types of Phragmites control
efforts, that have been combined into 16 different management combinations. These ten
management actions are intended to be general in nature, leaving significant leeway for you to
determine the specific implementation technique you will use to carry out the management action.
Below are brief descriptions of how PAMF defines each management action, a list of various
techniques often used, and some issues that should be considered before implementation. Rather
than wading through all ten management actions below, you are encouraged to refer to the
relevant management action(s) found in the guidance for your management unit (MU).
Glyphosate
Description
The Glyphosate management action involves the application of any chemical product approved
for aquatic use that contains glyphosate as the active ingredient. Glyphosate controls weeds by
disrupting the synthesis of essential aromatic amino acids after being absorbed by foliage.
Choose a preferred glyphosate product and follow the label instructions for suggested rate of
application and safety considerations.
Techniques
Glyphosate can be applied to an MU using many different techniques including aerial broadcast
(helicopter), ground-based broadcast (boom sprayer, backpack sprayer, etc.) or spot treatment
(backpack sprayer, hand wicking, etc.). Each of these techniques is in compliance with PAMF,
and others may comply as well. It is up to you and established best practices to determine the
best technique for your MU.
Considerations
• Herbicides should only be applied by licensed professionals using appropriate personal
protective equipment.
• Applicable permits should be acquired before applying herbicide to your MU. It can take
up to a month to receive permits—check with your permitting agency. For more
information, check out permitting information on the Great Lakes Phragmites
Collaborative’s website.
• It is imperative to only use products labeled for aquatic use if your MU has standing water
or is near a water body or wetland.
• Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide. Thus, depending on application technique, there
can be a high risk of killing non-target plants.
• Herbicides can be applied anytime from early summer through first frost, although most
managers wait until the plants have flowered and begun to senesce, indicating the plants
are translocating energy stores, and the herbicide, to belowground roots.
2
• Keep track of all fuel, herbicide, and labor hours used in managing your MU to the best of
your ability. This information is for your management report.
• This management action should be applied to all live Phragmites within the MU.
• Be sure to add a surfactant if one is recommended on the product label.
• Refer to the Phragmites Treatment Herbicide Quick Guide for more information.
Imazapyr
Description
The Imazapyr management action involves the application of any chemical product approved for
aquatic use that contains imazapyr as the active ingredient. Imazapyr is absorbed by both foliage
and roots and kills plants by disrupting protein synthesis. Choose a preferred imazapyr product
and follow the label instructions for suggested rate of application and safety considerations.
Techniques
Imazapyr can be applied to an MU using many different techniques including aerial broadcast
(helicopter), ground-based broadcast (boom sprayer, backpack sprayer, etc.) or spot treatment
(backpack sprayer, hand wicking, etc.). Each of these techniques is in compliance with PAMF,
and others may comply as well. It is up to you and established best practices to determine the
best technique for your MU.
Considerations
• Herbicides should only be applied by licensed professionals using appropriate personal
protective equipment.
• Applicable permits should be acquired before applying herbicide to your MU. It can take
up to a month to receive permits—check with your permitting agency. For more
information, check out permitting information on the Great Lakes Phragmites
Collaborative’s website.
• It is imperative to only use products labeled for aquatic use if your MU has standing water
or is near a water body or wetland.
• Imazapyr is a non-selective herbicide. Thus, depending on application technique, there
can be a high risk of killing non-target plants.
• Imazapyr’s active residuals last longer in the soil than glyphosate and continue to impact
post-treatment regrowth of native and invasive plants.
• Herbicides can be applied anytime from early summer through first frost, although most
managers wait until the plants have flowered and begun to senesce, indicating the plants
are translocating energy stores, and the herbicide, to belowground roots.
• Keep track of all fuel, herbicide, and labor hours used in managing your MU to the best of
your ability. This information is for your management report.
• This management action should be applied to all live Phragmites within the MU.
• Be sure to add a surfactant if one is recommended on the product label.
• Refer to the Phragmites Treatment Herbicide Quick Guide for more information.
3
Glyphosate +
Description
The Glyphosate + management action involves the application of any chemical product approved
for aquatic use that contains both glyphosate and imazapyr (or imazamox) as the active
ingredients. Glyphosate controls weeds by disrupting the synthesis of essential aromatic amino
acids after being absorbed by foliage. Imazapyr is absorbed by both foliage and roots and kills
plants by disrupting protein synthesis. Imazamox kills plants by preventing a necessary enzyme’s
production. Choose available products and follow the label instructions for suggested rate of
application and safety considerations.
Techniques
Glyphosate + can be applied to an MU using many different techniques including aerial broadcast
(helicopter), ground-based broadcast (boom sprayer, backpack sprayer, etc.) or spot treatment
(backpack sprayer, hand wicking, etc.). Each of these techniques is in compliance with PAMF,
and others may comply as well. It is up to you and established best practices to determine the
best technique for your MU.
Considerations
• Herbicides should only be applied by licensed professionals using appropriate personal
protective equipment.
• Applicable permits should be acquired before applying herbicide to your MU. It can take
up to a month to receive permits—check with your permitting agency. For more
information, check out permitting information on the Great Lakes Phragmites
Collaborative’s website.
• It is imperative to only use products labeled for aquatic use if your MU has standing water
or is near a water body or wetland.
• Glyphosate, imazamox, and imazapyr are non-selective herbicides. Thus, depending on
application technique, there can be a high risk of killing non-target plants.
• Imazapyr’s active residuals last longer in the soil than glyphosate and imazamox and
continue to impact post-management regrowth of native and invasive plants.
• Herbicides can be applied anytime from early summer through first frost, although most
managers wait until the plants have flowered and begun to senesce, indicating the plants
are translocating energy stores, and the herbicide, to belowground roots.
• Keep track of all fuel, herbicide, and labor hours used in managing your MU to the best of
your ability. This information is for your management report.
• This management should be applied to all live Phragmites within the MU.
• Be sure to add a surfactant if one is recommended on the product label.
• Refer to the Phragmites Treatment Herbicide Quick Guide for more information.
4
Remove Biomass
Description
The Remove Biomass management action involves removing all aboveground Phragmites from
within an MU. This means that upon completing this management action, there should be very
little Phragmites biomass left aboveground in your unit. Removing dormant biomass is typically
done in conjunction with an herbicide application in a later season because it enables higher
herbicide coverage on the live Phragmites stems that regrow. Removing biomass also allows
sunlight to reach other plants, giving them a better opportunity to compete.
Techniques
Biomass can be removed either by physically cutting and removing Phragmites (mowing,
excavating, etc.) or through the use of a controlled burn throughout the MU. The end result of
each technique should result in Phragmites biomass being removed from the bounds of your MU.
Each of these techniques follows PAMF, and others may comply as well. It is up to you and
established best practices to determine the best technique for your MU.
Considerations
• Burning should only be done by trained professionals. Make careful note of weather
conditions as well as local structures and inhabitants as Phragmites burns can be very
difficult to contain.
• Cutting vegetation may require a permit, especially in coastal zones. It can take a few
months to receive permits. Controlled burns may also require permits from the local fire
chief. Check with your permitting agency for more information.
• Natural phenomena (e.g., ice scouring, burns) can also comply with the Remove Biomass
management action. If a natural incident leads to the removal of most of the aboveground
Phragmites biomass within your unit, please report it as a Remove Biomass action, and
use the Notes section of the management report to tell us what happened.
• Keep track of all fuel and labor hours used in managing your MU to the best of your ability.
If you burn, note the percent coverage (proportion of area burned) you achieved when
burning the Phragmites in your MU. This information is for your management report.
• This management action should be applied to all Phragmites within the MU.
• The Removing Biomass management action may involve transporting Phragmites off site
for disposal. The transportation of invasive species is strictly regulated. Check with your
state/provincial government, local municipality, and waste management organization to
ensure you are abiding by all regulations.
5
Mechanical (and Leave Biomass)
Description
The Mechanical (and Leave Biomass) management action involves cutting or crushing all
aboveground Phragmites within an MU and then leaving the plant material inside the MU.
Mechanically managing dormant Phragmites is typically done in conjunction with an herbicide
application in a later season because it enables higher herbicide coverage on live Phragmites
stems that regrow. Mechanical management also allows sunlight to reach other plants, giving
them a better opportunity to compete.
Techniques
Biomass can be mechanically cut (mowing, tilling, mulching, etc.) or crushed (rolling, etc.) using
various techniques. Many kinds of equipment can be used to accomplish these approaches. Each
of these techniques follows PAMF, and others may comply as well. It is up to you and established
best practices to determine the best technique for your MU.
Considerations
• Cutting vegetation may require a permit, especially in coastal zones. It can take a few
months to receive permits. Check with your permitting agency for more information.
• Natural phenomena (e.g., ice storm) can also comply with the Mechanical (and Leave
Biomass) management action. If a natural incident leads to the cutting or crushing of most
of the aboveground Phragmites biomass within your unit, and the material largely remains
within the boundaries, please report it as a Mechanical (and Leave Biomass) action, and
use the Notes section of the management report to tell us what happened.
• Keep track of all fuel and labor hours used in managing your MU to the best of your ability.
This information is for your management report.
• This management action should be applied to all Phragmites within the MU.
Spading
Description
The Spading management action refers to cutting Phragmites stems below ground and removing
the cut Phragmites from the MU. This method is done by using a sharpened spade to sever the
stem from the rhizomes just beneath the soil surface. If done correctly, the stem can be easily
lifted from its position and the surrounding soil will fill the hole. Remove all live stems from within
the MU by either bagging and removing them from the site or placing them in a pile to burn.
Spading limits Phragmites’ ability to photosynthesize by severing the aboveground tissue from
the belowground roots, however, it usually takes multiple years for impacts to be noticeable.
Spading also allows sunlight to reach other plants, giving them a better opportunity to compete.
Techniques
Spading is a straightforward technique that can be accomplished using various kinds of
equipment (shovel, spade, weeder, etc.) as long as the basic tenets of the method are met: cut
6
the stem below the soil surface and remove the biomass from the unit. It is up to you to determine
the best technique for your MU.
Considerations
• Cutting vegetation may require a permit, especially in coastal zones. It can take a few
months to receive permits. Check with your permitting agency for more information.
• Spading is a time and energy intensive management action, but it can be carried out with
little non-target impact. It is best done on small units with many hands.
• Spading can be repeated in an MU multiple times within the same management phase.
This can be especially helpful in removing stems missed during the first round of spading.
• Soil substrate is important in spading as it affects the ease with which you can cut the
stems. For example, MU’s with sandy soil are prime candidates for spading.
• Be sure to remove all cut stems as these can re-sprout new growth.
• Keep track of all labor hours used in managing your MU to the best of your ability. This
information is for your management report.
• This management action should be applied to all live Phragmites within the MU.
Pre-Flood Clearing
Description
The Pre-Flood Clearing management action involves mechanically levelling (e.g., cutting,
burning) Phragmites in an MU in preparation for a flood. Pre-Flood Clearing reduces Phragmites’
competitive ability in two ways. First, levelling the dried stalks hampers Phragmites’ access to
oxygen once the live and dead stems are covered by water. Second, clearing the dead
aboveground plant matter allows sunlight to reach other plants, giving them a better opportunity
to compete.
Techniques
Pre-Flood Clearing can be carried out in one of two general strategies: leaving or removing the
biomass. In the first case, managers can cut or crush as much of the aboveground biomass as
possible using any technique/equipment (mow, roll, clip, etc.) and leave this material inside the
MU. In the second case, managers can cut or burn as much of the aboveground biomass as
possible using any technique/equipment (mow, excavate, clip, etc.) and remove any remaining
material from the MU. Both strategies follow PAMF, and others may comply as well. It is up to you
and established best practices to determine the best technique for your MU.
Considerations
• Cutting vegetation may require a permit, especially in coastal zones. It can take a few
months to receive permits. Check with your permitting agency for more information.
• Burning can be used as a Pre-Flood Clearing management action. Burning should only
be done by trained professionals. Make careful note of weather conditions as well as local
structures and inhabitants as Phragmites burns can be very difficult to contain.
• Natural phenomena (e.g., ice storm, fire, ice scouring) can also comply with the Pre-Flood
Clearing management action. If a natural incident leads to the leveling of most of the
7
aboveground Phragmites biomass within your unit prior to a flood (whether or not the
material is removed from the boundaries) please report it as a Pre-Flood Clearing action,
and use the Notes section of the management report to tell us what happened.
• Pre-Flood Clearing is a dormant phase management action that is always followed by
Flood in the growing phase.
• Keep track of all fuel and labor hours used in managing your MU to the best of your ability.
If you burn, note the percent coverage (proportion of area burned) you achieved when
burning the Phragmites in your MU. This information is for your management report.
• This management action should be applied to all Phragmites within the MU.
• This management action may involve transporting Phragmites off site for disposal. The
transportation of invasive species is strictly regulated. Check with your state/provincial
government, local municipality, and waste management organization to ensure you are
abiding by all of the regulations.
Flood
Description
The Flood management action refers to allowing water to cover all live Phragmites within the
whole MU for at least one month. A controlled flood can be accomplished by using water-control
structures. A natural flood is flooding that occurs naturally and can be reported as such in the
management report, as long as the flood achieves complete coverage of all live Phragmites within
the MU for a month. Flooding can limit Phragmites’ competitive ability by reducing the plant’s
oxygen supply while all live tissues are covered by water.
Techniques
Both controlled (pumping, gates, etc.) and natural floods can fulfill the Flood management action
as long as all live Phragmites in the MU are covered by water for at least a month. Each of these
techniques follows PAMF, and others may comply as well. It is up to you and established best
practices to determine the best technique for your MU.
Considerations
• Flooding an MU can take weeks, but it is a management action that can treat large areas
at once while also providing increased habitat for waterfowl. Make sure you plan ahead
and start your flood early enough to maximize the amount of time within the associated
management phase that the live Phragmites in your MU is covered by water.
• Keep track of all fuel/electricity, and labor hours used in managing your MU to the best of
your ability. Additionally, please try to keep track of how many months the live Phragmites
plants are under water. This information is for your management report.
• This management action should be applied to all live Phragmites within the MU.
8
Cut Underwater
Description
The Cut Underwater management action refers to cutting Phragmites stems beneath the water
level and as close to the substrate as possible. The water should cover all live and dead stems at
the time of cutting in order to cut off the plant’s oxygen supply. Cut Underwater reduces
Phragmites’ competitive ability in two ways. First, the management action limits its photosynthetic
capacity by severing the aboveground tissue from the belowground roots. Second, the method
hampers Phragmites’ access to oxygen since the live stems are covered by water.
Techniques
Cut Underwater management actions can be accomplished using many techniques ranging from
hand tools (hedge shears, etc.) to gas-operated cutters (trimmer mounted on an amphibious
vehicle, etc.). We recommend that you remove the cut Phragmites stems from the MU as the
cuttings remain viable and can spread, although you may choose not to do so. Each of these
techniques follows PAMF, and others may comply as well. It is up to you and established best
practices to determine the best technique for your MU.
Considerations
• Cutting vegetation may require a permit, especially in coastal zones. It can take a few
months to receive permits. Check with your permitting agency for more information.
• Cut underwater management actions are sometimes used in lieu of herbicide.
• Some managers who cut underwater suggest that the plants be cut one meter below the
water level as this helps ensure the plants will continue to drown even as they re-grow.
• Managers cutting underwater are encouraged to collect and remove cut biomass as
cuttings can spread to new areas and establish new Phragmites patches.
• Keep track of all fuel and labor hours used in managing your MU to the best of your ability.
This information is for your management report.
• This management action should be applied to all Phragmites within the MU.
Rest
Description
In a Rest management action, no Phragmites control efforts take place within the MU for the entire
management phase. In other words, the MU is allowed to grow naturally for the entire phase.
Resting typically is not expected to control Phragmites plants. Sometimes rest treatments are
advised when there is little Phragmites present or in conjunction with other management actions
(e.g., Glyphosate, etc.) in a later season. Rest management actions are sometimes also advised
when threatened and endangered species are present.
Techniques
Resting an MU may vary depending on local environmental conditions (wet or dry season, etc.).
As long as you do not actively manage the Phragmites plants in your MU throughout the entire
phase, we consider this a Rest management action with few exceptions (see below).
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Considerations
• Resting an MU on its own is generally considered to be a poor management action as the
Phragmites typically continues to expand.
• An unplanned natural flood that covers all live Phragmites should be reported as a Flood
management action, even if it was intended to be a Rest.
• This management action should be applied to all Phragmites within the MU.