AIS webinars: Stories of progress in invasive Phragmites management

Invasive Phragmites (Phragmites australis subsp. australis) is a tall, non-native grass that can dominate wetlands and lakeshores, displace native flora and fauna, and harm recreation, infrastructure and ecological functioning.

Starting in 2017, crowd-sourced reporting and dedicated surveillance revealed a manageable invasion that, with enough effort, could be reversed. We partnered with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and many local managers to confront the problem.

Now, four years into a statewide control effort, partners have largely succeeded in preventing the sprawling invasive Phragmites stands seen in other states. Ongoing efforts have continued to raise awareness and identify new populations. A substantial number of previously treated populations are no longer detectable.

We will discuss progress toward finding alternatives for wastewater treatment facilities that use invasive Phragmites in their operations and hybridization with native Phragmites.

Concerned individuals can help by learning to identify the plant, avoiding actions that could contribute to its spread, and reporting suspected new populations. With collaboration, attention to detail and persistence, we can prevent invasive Phragmites from transforming Minnesota lakeshores, wetlands, and other habitats.

Presenters

Chelsey Blanke is a U of M researcher focused on invasive species and ecological restoration. She and Julia Bohnen work closely with the Minnesota DNR and many local managers to coordinate the statewide invasive Phragmites control effort.

Julia is involved in research and outreach related to ecological restoration and invasive species management. She coordinates multiple partners in a statewide invasive Phragmites control effort and consults with wastewater treatment facility operators to transition from using invasive Phragmites for biosolids dewatering. She also co-facilitates a series of five online Ecological Restoration Extension courses.

Dan Larkin is a MAISRC research fellow and associate professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota. He and his research team work on applied challenges in invasive species management and ecological restoration in lakes, wetlands and terrestrial habitats. He trains volunteers and professionals to support invasive species response and ecological restoration efforts.