Invasive Aquatic Plant Phragmites Removal Project, Chemical Treatment To Be Applied
ED BARBER, Staff Writer, Newport Daily Express
NEWPORT CITY- The Memphremagog Watershed Association (MWA) has received grant funding to remove a phragmites infestation covering 2.5 acres on Scott’s Cove and Prouty Beach. The removal process is now underway and will be completed in early October.
This area is host to the largest infestation of the invasive species on Lake Memphremagog. The plant can grow up to 20 feet in height and crowds out native aquatic plants.
MWA received $76,618 in grant funding to control the large invasive reed grass. The board of directors hired invasive control specialist, Ames EcoLogics LLC of Brownington, to initiate a multi year plan to ensure the root systems are eliminated.
This project will involve a variety of treatment methods which depend on the proximity of the phragmites to water. The majority of the phragmites are submerged in water and will be removed mechanically.
Cutting the plant stem below the waterline in essence, drowns it, minimizing the roots ability to spread. There are targeted areas where herbicides will be used to kill the invasive species. The herbicide will be strictly applied to avoid native vegetation as much as possible. According to the MWA website, a combination of swipe or drip injection treatment methods will be applied to directly treat each individual plant stem. Only a small portion of the project site has phragmites stands that are targeted for chemical treatment. Chemical treatment will start in approximately two weeks.
Over the past few years volunteers have removed the plants manually, but the size of the project can be overwhelming. Originally covering an acre, volunteers started to remove the phragmites infestation in 2021. Despite their best efforts and a half acre being successfully cleared, the infestation spread to 2.5 acres, cutting off 1,000 feet of frontage on Lake Memphremagog.
MWA Project Manager Patrick Hurley estimates it will take 20 trailer loads to transport the reeds to the Casella landfill for disposal.
Go to the MWA website for an update on when and where the herbicide will be used to treat the phragmites. During treatments, specific project areas will be sectioned off with flagging, and signs will be posted to alert and inform the public.
The recreational path that includes a bridge from the Bluffside Farm property to Prouty Beach will be closed for three days during treatment. MWA will post notices on social media, the Newport City website, and the MWA website prior to closing the walking path.
MWA confirms funds were awarded from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission via the Vermont Housing Conservation Board (VHCB) as well as the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) Community Grant from the VT Department of Forest, Parks, and Recreation (VT DFPR). This work is a joint venture between MWA, the City of Newport, and the Vermont Land Trust.
