Phragmites Outreach Program for Oakland Township Residents
Phragmites does not recognize property lines, so we want to partner with you! This large, invasive grass can spread quickly, choking out native plants, degrading habitat for wildlife, and creating safety and maintenance problems for property owners. We realize that our efforts can only be successful if we collaborate with township residents! Oakland Township Parks and Recreation (OTPR) is offering residents a cost effective and simple program that is modeled after existing, successful programs in nearby communities.
The Program is Simple
- OTPR acquires a permit from Michigan EGLE (Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, formerly MDEQ) to allow Phragmites treatment in wetlands.
- Pre-qualifies certified contractor(s) to perform this work.
- Requests competitive quotes for labor and materials to treat Phragmites on property of landowners requesting estimates.
- Contracts with certified companies and bills the property owner (at cost). Oakland Township Parks will not make money from this program.
- Completes the end of season treatment report and submits to EGLE.
The landowner only has to request a no-obligation cost estimate, agree to treatment, and pay the contractor for treatment on their property (at cost).
To participate, landowners, homeowners associations, or businesses can submit a request for a no-obligation cost estimate by August 1 each year. You can get a map of your property with parcel lines at the Oakland County Property Gateway website. As a courtesy to our contractors, applications received after August 1 cannot be considered. Please contact Ben VanderWeide, Natural Areas Stewardship Manager, with any questions or concerns at 248-651-7810.
Request for Estimate form is available here.
What to Expect
While the abundance of Phragmites should be much lower after the initial treatment, you should expect to continue follow-up treatment for 3-5 years for complete eradication. Larger, older patches take longer to control. To get ready for late summer herbicide treatment, mow or knock down dead Phragmites stalks by mid-May. Do not mow Phragmites after June 1. If you cut Phragmites after June 1 the herbicide treatment will not be as effective.
To learn more about Phragmites control check out this great resource: A Guide to the Control and Management of Invasive Phragmites
Natural Areas Notebook 