The Bay-Lake RPC is set to begin treating invasive Phragmites Again

The Bay-Lake RPC treated over 970 acres of invasive Phragmites in 2016, followed by mowing of nearly 550 acres, as part of its GLRI-funded Phragmites management project.

Bay-Lake is set to begin follow-up treatments on approximately 580 acres of non-native Phragmites within the project area (Lower Green Bay from Duck Creek to Point au Sable; along the Fox River to De Pere dam; along the East River in Allouez/Bellevue, and along the lower reaches of Duck and Baird Creeks).  Sites include a mix of coastal wetlands, shoreline and riparian areas, roadsides, parks and trails, private residences, and commercial and industrial properties. 

Treatments will include chemical application of an aquatic-approved formulation containing the herbicide imazapyr or an imazapyr/glyphosate mix. In general, spraying will proceed from inland areas toward the bay shoreline. 

Spraying will begin on or about August 28, 2017 and continue through the full month of September, possibly into early October. Progress will be variable depending upon favorable weather conditions (i.e., no rain and minimal winds), density of treatment areas, and equipment available. Yellow treatment area signs will be posted to indicate active work sites and any restrictions. Wildlife & Wetlands Solutions will conduct the management activities within the project area.   

Follow-up treatments may not be possible at all sites that were treated in 2016. A prioritization process developed by the project advisory council will be applied. Therefore, it is important for landowners to remember that although they may have received treatment in 2016, follow-up treatment this year is not guaranteed.

Treatments are being funded under a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant, which will conclude in December 2017. Therefore, the upcoming treatment will conclude the Brown County Phragmites management efforts by Bay-Lake.

Throughout the treatment season, the Phragmites Information Hotline (920-430-0220) will be regularly updated with the planned treatment schedule and progress.  Call in at any time to listen to the recorded message.

For additional information Bay-Lake Phragmites Management Project, contact Angela Kowalzek-Adrians, Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission, at 920-448-2820 or AngelaKA@baylakerpc.org.