By Scout Nelson
In Minnesota, a proactive initiative has been underway since 2017 to curb the spread of invasive Phragmites—a tall, non-native grass threatening local ecosystems. This grass, known scientifically as Phragmites australis subsp. australis, poses significant risks to wetlands and lakeshores by displacing native species and disrupting ecological functions.
The state's response, orchestrated with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and numerous local managers, has focused on extensive surveillance and crowd-sourced reporting.
These efforts have significantly contained the invasion, preventing the extensive damage observed in other states. Many areas previously afflicted by Phragmites are now clear, showing no signs of the invasive stands.
Ongoing initiatives include educational programs to help the public identify and report new sightings of the invasive plant, thereby preventing its spread. There's also research being conducted to find better practices for wastewater treatment facilities that currently use invasive Phragmites.
Experts Chelsey Blanke, Julia Bohnen, and Daniel Larkin will lead the upcoming webinar on Wednesday, May 22, at 1 p.m., discussing the progress made and the future steps in managing and researching Phragmites.
Their combined expertise provides a comprehensive overview of both the challenges faced and the successes achieved in protecting Minnesota's natural habitats from this invasive species.
Photo Credit -pexels-jeffrey-czum
Categories: Minnesota, General