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

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

What You Can Do

1.  Identify plants to confirm if it is invasive phragmites
2.  Read the Landowners Guide to Phragmites Control to understand the management issues
3.  Determine the location of the plants relative to the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) by contacting MDEQ's Land and Water Management Division (LWMD) for assistance
4.  If necessary, apply and obtain permit(s):

• If chemical treatment below OHWM or in standing water, submit application for single-season Aquatic Nuisance Control permit before August 15 in the year of the proposed chemical treatment. Note: Under the administrative rules promulgated pursuant to Part 33 of NREPA, the MDEQ must deny a permit application for chemical treatment of higher aquatic plants that is postmarked after August 15 in the year of which treatment is proposed.
• If regulated mechanical activity below OHWM, submit application for 5-year LWMD permit
• If necessary, submit application for permit from Army Corps of Engineers

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

Several publications have been developed to provide detailed information about control methods and management strategies. 

• Information for Landowners - A Landowner's Guide to Phragmites Control .  For hard copies of the brochure contact the Office of the Great Lakes at 517-335-4056.
• Information for Resource and Land Managers -  A Guide to the Control and Management of Invasive Phragmites .
• Phragmites Video:   Invasive Phragmites: What It Is, What You Can Do

What You Should Know

• To Identify Phragmites, visit www.invasiveplants.net/phragmites/phrag/morph.htm or http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PHAU7
• Frequently Asked Questions about Control of Phragmites using Herbicides            
• Required Criteria to Qualify for the General Permit for Limited Great Lakes Shoreline Management Activities -  "Control of Phragmites on Great Lakes Shorelines"
• Searchable Database for Licensed Herbicide Applicator Businesses  (search under category "Aquatics")

Workshops on Phragmites Control and Permitting Process

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

Technical Assistance and Permits
Controlling phragmites may require one or more permits from local, state and federal authorities, as several environmental laws may be applicable. For local ordinances, contact your local municipality for information.

For federal permit information, contact:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Detroit District
1-888-694-8313

A permit is required to remove phragmites mechanically, including cutting and mowing, below the ordinary high water mark of the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair.

Contact:
Land and Water Management Division
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Environmental Assistance Center - 1-800-662-9278
eac@michigan.gov
www.michigan.gov/deqwetlands  (Click on Great Lakes Shoreline Management)

A permit is also required to treat phragmites using herbicides if the plants are in standing water at the time of treatment or below the ordinary high water mark of the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair.

Contact:
Aquatic Nuisance Control Program - Water Bureau
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
517-241-7734
deq-lwm-anc@michigan.gov
www.michigan.gov/deqinlandlakes (Click on Aquatic Nuisance Control)    

Photo Credit: Michigan Sea Grant