Educating the Public about Phragmites

Sign dedicated on August 29, 2013

Before the next step of actually spraying the phragmites engulfing Middle Lake, Depot Park, in Clarkston Michigan, Oakland Phragmite & Invasive Species, (OPIS), Task Force had a sign dedication. OPIS' mission statement states that: Oakland Phragmites & Invasive Species Task Force is a group of concerned citizens working to control the spread of phragmites and other non-native plants in Oakland County and beyond, by empowering concerned citizens and governments through education, advocacy and action. This is a vital part of OPIS' mission, to educate the public.

The sign dedication event was the result of many devoted people who wanted to get the word out about how devastating phragmites is to a wetlands and surrounding areas. It also explains what to do and who to contact if you find phragmites or other invasives on your property.

Lola Koch, OPIS, took on the challenge to create such a sign with information about the invasive species, Phragmites Australias.  With dedicated monies donated by Elizabeth and Ron Wagner to North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, NOHLC, and working with Clinton River Watershed Association, who actually did the work to design the sign, the sign is there as a constant reminder of how this plant can become a monoculture if left unchecked. If you would like to become a member of OPIS, contact us at www.opistaskforce.org.

Members from Oakland Phragmites & Invasive Species (OPIS) Task Force, The City of the Village of Clarkston, Wild Ones, North Oakland Chapter, North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy (NOHLC), Clinton River Watershed Association and the Deer Lake Homeowners Associations at the dedication.

If you find phragmites or any invasive species of plants on your property rapid response is the best action you can take. The longer the invasive is allowed to remain, the more harm and damage it will do. If you need help identifying a plant you question, contact OPIS at www.opistaskforce.org and someone will get back with you. It will take all of us protecting our properties against these invasives to return Michigan to its natural beauty.

The Rest of the Story. . . .

Hello and glad to be back posting to my blog site. Due to a whole lot of other things in my life that no one has the time to listen to, I have been remiss in posting to Trouble in Native Paradise.  BUT the Phragmite removal project, spearheaded by Oakland Phragmites and Invasive Species Task Force and in conjunction with The City of the Village of Clarkston, Wild Ones, North Oakland Chapter, NOHLC, Deer Lake Homeowners Associations,Independence Township DPW, on Middle Lake, White Lake Road, Depot Park in the City of the Village of Clarkston has marched on.

On May 9, 2013 The City of the Village of Clarkston contracted David Mindell, Plantwise, LLC to burn the biomass of dead Phragmites at Middle Lake. This was the second stage to prepare the Phragmites for the spraying that would take place in late August/September.

                            The signs were placed along White Lake Road to alert the cars driving by.

                          David Mindell and his team of experts were ready for the challenge to burn the phrags.

The fires were strategically lit throughout the stand and within literally minutes the Phragmites were gone. It was actually scary to see how hot and fast and high the fire was. I have a greater respect for the firefighters who fight the fires out West, after seeing this 'controlled burn' and how quickly and how dangerous the flames, heat and smoke was I cant imagine an out of control wild fire.

 When all was said and done, the mission was accomplished. The old dead growth of 2012 was gone. After years of being hidden behind the vegetation of the encroaching phragmites, Middle Lake was visible from White Lake Road. On to step three..... and September.