The Memphremagog Watershed Association (MWA) was recently awarded $76,618 in grant funding to control the large invasive reed grass, (Phragmites australis) infestation along Scott’s Cove and Prouty Beach in Newport, VT. 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 (VLT). Project goals aim to restore the natural lakeshore plant community, improve Lake Memphremagog fisheries, promote lake shoreland best management practices, and provide greater public accessibility for recreational opportunities. This work will enhance up to 2.5 acres of Scott’s Cove immediately adjacent to the recreational path, restoring access to up to 1,000 feet of lakeshore that is currently inaccessible.

The shore along Prouty Beach and the recreation path footbridge has been invaded by the 10-15-foot-tall reeds. The reeds out-compete native species by creating dense monocultures and conditioning the soils to prevent other plants from growing. Phragmites spread through their advantageous roots that create clones, called rhizomes, as well as seeds that are distributed by the wind, water, and wildlife. This species can also regenerate via cuttings, where living portions of the plant can take root and form a clone. This increases the chances of the reeds spreading by equipment used for mowing or construction. Large populations of phragmites choke out aquatic and terrestrial habitats alike. Lakeshore, wetlands, and riparian habitats all suffer when this species spreads uncontrollably. Studies reveal that large phragmites invasions negatively impact fisheries by degrading habitat quality, diversity, and connectivity, ultimately reducing fish abundance.

Phragmites have been present along Prouty Beach for a number of years, slowly spreading along the lakeshore. In recent years, the infestation has exploded from less than 1 acre to nearly 2.5 acres. The invasion degrades fish and wildlife habitat and prohibits lakeshore recreation access to the waterfront. Since 2021, MWA and volunteers have been able to reclaim over ½ an acre of previously inaccessible lakeshore – proving our methods are effective. Seeing this success, MWA and partners chose to scale up our approach. We are now working with an invasives control specialist, Ames EcoLogics LLC of Brownington, to tackle the issue over the course of several seasons to ensure the root systems are effectively neutralized and replaced by native vegetation.
The project will begin on September 3rd, 2024, and will continue through October 2025. This project will involve a variety of treatment methods which depend on the proximity of the phragmites to water. A majority of the phragmites stands are submerged in water and will be removed mechanically. By cutting the plant stem below the waterline it effectively “drowns the plant” and decreases plant vigor, making it spread less aggressively. Away from the water, targeted chemical treatments will eradicate terrestrial phragmites stands using carefully applied herbicide. Herbicide applications will be strictly limited, being sure to avoid spraying native vegetation and sensitive aquatic habitats. Any plants directly along the shoreline that have the potential of becoming submerged or splashed with waves will be cut well above the water line. Then 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.

During treatments, specific project areas will be sectioned off with flagging, and signs will be posted to alert and inform the public. To fully address the extent of the phragmites population, the recreational path and boardwalk will be temporarily closed for up to 3 days. Notices will be posted to social media and the City website in the weeks ahead of anticipated temporary closures to the rec path and boardwalk. During work activities, signage will be displayed at the project site and shared through local news outlets. All appropriate and necessary permits and precautions will be secured and put in place to ensure the safety of Lake Memphremagog and its visitors. After removal, all plant materials from the site will be collected and properly disposed of to prevent further invasion of phragmites. Following treatments, MWA aims to plant native bulrush and other wetland species to combat the invasive reed grass and bolster species richness and shoreland habitat. Educational signage about phragmites and the importance of this project work will also be displayed near Scott’s Cove to help spread awareness about this invasive species.
Call for volunteers! Phragmites Pulling Party!

MWA has scheduled a phragmites pulling party on Sunday, September 8th, 2024, weather permitting, starting at 10 am. Come to learn about how to identify invasive phragmites as well as how to effectively remove and manage populations. Gloves and hand pruners will be provided, but feel free to bring your own because we will have limited tools.

Please RSVP and get more information – contact Gabryel Gianoni, MWA Project Coordinator, with questions and more detail about the project at ggianoni@mwavt.org