From Phragmites to Zebra Mussels to Eurasian Milfoil, the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay undertakes public education and advocacy to protect Grand Traverse Bay from invasive species. 

What is Phragmites? 

Phragmites is one of the highest-threat invasive species in Michigan.  A recent DNR aerial survey of the Grand Traverse Bay shoreline shows that Phragmites is quickly establishing itself in the region.  Phragmites grows up to 14 feet tall, forms extensive dense stands, and harms native habitat by crowding out native vegetation.  It also limits water access, damages property values, blocks viewsheds, and is very expensive and difficult to control once well-established.  Studies show that detecting invasives early and responding quickly to their spread provide the best opportunities for control.

There is a native variety of Phragmites that is not aggressive.  It is important that we protect this native variety and all other shoreline vegetation to help protect water quality.  Disturbing shorelines, such as by beach grooming, only facilitates invasion of the aggressive variety of Phragmites.

How Can I Learn More about Phragmites? 

Please see our Publications and Reports page if you would like to download power point presentations from our public Phragmites workshop on June 6, 2009.  Scroll down to the Phragmites section.

You can also download the publications below from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality or listen to an Interlochen Public Radio feature.

What Do I Do if I Suspect Phragmites on My Property?

If you are unsure whether Phragmites on your property is native or invasive, Grand Traverse Baykeeper John Nelson can visit to provide identification.  He can be reached at 935~1514. 

If you want to know how to begin the process of treating Phragmites on your property in conjunction with your neighborhood association or township, please contact Policy Specialist Ellen Kohler at ekohler@gtbay.org or 935~1514.

If you live in Leelanau County, contact the Leelanau Conservation District at 231~256~9669, 112 W. Phillip St. in Lake Leelanau.  If you live in Antrim County, contact the Antrim Conservation District at 231~533~8363, 4820 Stover Rd. in Bellaire. 

The only effective control proven to date is herbicides, namely aquatic-sensitive formulations of glyphosate and Imazapyr, brand name Rodeo.  Treatment must occur in late August through September, when nutrients in the plant are moving from the stems and leaves into the roots.  It is very important to use the right herbicide at the right time of year, or efforts will be ineffective--worse yet, they harm native plants and wildlife.  In other words, please do not rush to the hardware store and buy herbicides to apply yourself, as you may harm wildlife, aquatic animals and water quality.  It is best to use a licensed contractor with expertise in Phragmites control.  Working with your neighborhood association or township will help lower your costs.

Why Do We Have to Use Herbicides?

Aquatic-sensitive formulations of glyphosate and Imazapyr, brand name Rodeo, are the only effective control methods to date for this highly aggressive plant.  Rodeo contains .5% surfactants, which is 14 times less than those contained in Roundup.  Although the Watershed Center does not advocate spraying herbicides into Grand Traverse Bay by any means, we must chose the lesser of two evils at this point in time.  The preferred method of application is using individual backpacks and hand swiping--not aerial spraying.  The Watershed Center fully supports ongoing research to identify effective control methods that do not involve herbicides.

What is the Watershed Center Doing to Control Phragmites?

The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay is the lead organization for Grand Traverse County.  We are working with Peninsula Township and Acme Township on their control programs.  The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has received grants to help pay for treatment in fall 2009.  The shoreline for both townships has been surveyed by the Watershed Center, Michigan Natural Features Inventory and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.

The DNR will solicit bids for treatment along the Bay in townships that have established control programs, including Peninsula and Acme Townships.  The DNR will direct contractors who apply glyphosate. Contractors spray the herbicide from a backpack sprayer or hand wipe individual stems.

Treatment will not occur the week before or on Labor Day weekend.  Landowners will receive a letter at least seven days before treatment about the process and the chemical, along with information about what they should or should not do in the treatment area.  Also, the shoreline will be staked to show that the contractors’ treatment is complete.

Because Phragmites is so aggressive, it will take several years of surveying and additional control measures to contain it.  The DNR grants will not cover all the costs this year and there will be costs in future years, so townships and landowners will have to work out funding for the control program.

How Can I Help?   

The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay currently receives no grant funding for Phragmites programs.  Please give now to help us with this crucial work.