News A Landowner's Guide for the Control of Phragmites Its proper name - Phragmites - makes it sound like a crawling creature, or a disease. But phragmites, also known as common reed, is a large, coarse, perennial grass often found in wetlands. It is invading the Omena shoreline. Although scattered clumps of phragmites provides cover for small mammals and birds, it usually forms large, dense stands that provide little value for wildlife. Phragmites has a thick stalk that can reach 13 feet in height. It has a large plume-like flower that persists throughout the winter. Phragmites most often spreads by creeping rhizomes (roots). All stands have vertical and horizontal rhizomes, and young stands have long surface runners that help in rapid expansion of the colony. Dense stands of it can block your access to the water. Controlling Phragmites Techniques used to control phragmites may include chemical treatment (i.e., spraying herbicides) or physical treatments such as mowing and flooding. Multiple treatments are usually necessary to effectively control a heavy stand. Controlling phragmites in wetlands by any method may require advance approval by the state. The following resources are available: 1. For recommendations in controlling it in the Great lakes in Michigan Click here 2. Click here to download an excellent pamphlet, A Landowner's Guide to Phragmites Control put out by the DEQ in Michigan. Changes in OWA Board Bob DeVries has been elected to a three year term on the OWA Board while Charlotte Read has completed a six year term on the Board, the last three years as secretary. She has been a strong contributor to the success of the organization and will be greatly missed. Emerald Ash Borer The emerald ash borer has killed at least 8 million to 10 million ash trees in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Most of the devastation is in southeastern Michigan. Be careful you don't increase the problem. Go to http://www.emeraldashborer.info/ for more information.