Brandon Twp.- Phragmites be gone.
The common reed, an invasive species that can grow up to 20-feet tall in dense stands, is more than a nuisance. The plant obstructs the view of motorists, creates a fire hazard and chokes out wildlife in the wetlands where it grows.
In an effort to eradicate phragmites, as well as swallow-wort and knotweed, the township board approved at a special Aug. 19 meeting contracting with Natural Community Services for treatment of invasive species along primary and secondary roads in the township, as well as DEQ permit consultation and reporting for a cost of $10,020. The township will pay the majority of the cost with a grant from the Road Commission of Oakland County in the amount of $9,975.
‘Phragmites are prohibiting clear vision along the roadways and some intersections in the township,? said Supervisor Kathy Thurman. ‘There are areas where phragmites have expanded outside the road right of way and on to private property, so if the residents also treat right now, it will be more effective. I’d like to see the community become more aware of invasive species that are present in our township so they can treat them.?
John DeLisle, owner of Natural Community Services, has already treated for the knotweed and swallow-wort, which he said was concentrated in smaller areas, caught early, unlike the widespread phragmites, on which he will begin spraying Habitat Herbicide this week in more than 300 locations in the township, including various easements along Allen, Oakhill, Perry Lake, Bald Eagle Lake, Reese, Marsh, Granger, Hadley, Honert, Sands, Hummer Lake, Oakwood, Poli, Lockwood, Herd, Baldwin, Sashabaw, Dartmouth, Ramsey, Wooley, Sherwood, Persimmons and Saw Mill Lake roads.
‘We are covering all road commission easements that have phragmites in the township,? said DeLisle. ‘Habitat (herbicide spray) is very animal and people safe. It’s extremely effective on monoculture invasive species like phragmites.?
Homeowners near areas that are being sprayed may receiver notifications by flyers with information about why it is important to control invasive species. A joint community effort in which homeowners also spray for phragmites on their properties will increase the likelihood of successful long-term eradication.
Residents can contact NCS if they want professional help, but over-the-counter sprays are also available and their use will help ecosystems and the community. The earlier treatment is begun, the lower the cost to manage invasive species.
DeLisle said with the company’s use of Habitat, all phragmites on the roadside will be dead. He expects treatment for the plant to extend into September.
Phragmites are found throughout North America. Although there is a native variety of the plant along the Atlantic seaboard, non-native phragmites first appeared in coastal ports in the eastern U.S. in the early 19th century, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (www.fws.gov). The plant’s rapid spread in the 20th century is attributed to the construction of railroads and major roadways, habitat disturbance, shoreline development and pollution.
Phragmites are highly flammable and because they reach heights of nearly 20 feet when fully grown. If they catch on fire as they did in 2012 near Great Lakes Crossing Mall, shutting down I-75 and forcing the evacuation of homes and businesses, the flames can reach up to 75-feet tall, said DeLisle, who adds that the habitat value for wildlife goes to zero when an area is covered by phragmites, as nothing eats it or uses it for shelter.
‘It’s an ecological dead zone,? he said.
For more information on phragmites control, visit http://naturalcommunityservices.webs.com/ or www.oaklandphragmitestaskforce.com.