Phragmites Control

The following series shows the extent of an invasion and removal of a non-native variety of phragmites (Phragmites australis) ("Phrag") on Roseland Lake in 2003-2004. When the problem was brought to our attention we put together a coalition that included the town of Putnam and the Roseland Park Trust as well as the lakeshore owners. Additional support came from the town of Woodstock. Contributions by the Roseland Park, Fish and Game, and the town of Putnam were generous and supported our estimated 3 year project to completely remove this plant from the lake. We expect diverse, native varieties of plants to replace this invasive.

Phrag as a thick wall on the shoreline, summer 2003.

Phrag being selectively sprayed by a team from the DEP in late summer during the critical period when the herbicide is drawn into its root system where it damages the plant.

In February 2004, after cutting the periphery of the dead phrag, the remaining stalks are burned. Removing the stand and much of the nutrients which gave rise to the invasive plant will result in an 80-90% permanent removal. Any remaining phrag was again sprayed in late summer of 2004 and 2005 and will be assessed in the summer of 2006 as well.