Invasives

Even though I work in different regions, every state in the U.S. shares this common problem. Invasives work by getting a foothold and knocking out diversity & competition. On the east coast, just as in our area of the Midwest, the invasiveness of Phragmites in wetlands continues to be a huge challenge though there is some evidence that a native form may have existed before the colonies. http://www.massaudubon.org/Kids/Lively_Lessons/Saltmarsh/restoration.html Luckily, at my Massachusetts site, the clients have engaged an expert local firm, EcoTerra Design and Consulting, to deal with the problem. The Phragmites are no easy obstacle. First, they are cut down manually, no fun in winter water & winds. Next, a form of aquatic herbicide, Rodeo, is applied. Due to the aggressive way in which the plant spreads by rhizomes, dredging may also be required. After the Phragmites, which has already undermined the structure of the dune between a fresh water pond and the Atlantic, has been eradicated, restoration plants will be introduced. Since this is on an island with unusual ecology and a very active local government, this will be a bit of a test case. Fingers crossed; I will report over time.