Ten acres of land near Portage Point is being treated to kill off this non-native plant
DELTA COUNTY -- It can grow up to 15 feet high and is becoming a problem around Portage Point in Delta County. Phragmites, also known as common reed, is an invasive plant species. But with the help of funding from Wildlife Unlimited of Delta County, the DNRE is working to fight the spread of this plant. Ten acres of land near Portage Point is being treated to kill off this non-native plant.
Officials say it can degrade wildlife habitat and keep other native plants from growing in the area, not to mention what it does to the view.
"One of the problems with the phragmites is it grows so tall along the beach edge, that you can't even see the water once it gets established," explained Wildlife Biologist, Craig Albright. "So not only will people finally find a place to lay down a blanket or lay out on the beach, but they'll be able to see the water, and we'll have natural, normal plants rooting there and good wildlife use as well."
Crews were busy spraying the land Monday. This particular herbicide, similar to RoundUp, is considered to have very low-toxicity to humans and animals, and it looks to be doing its job.
"Results we had from last year, probably about five percent was left in treated areas that we went through," said owner of Clean Kill Pest Control, Tim Dettman.
But while that sounds promising, those with the DNRE know there's still a long road ahead.
"We think that we're in for a long, long-term battle with phragmites," Albright said. "It's a plant that's very tenacious, and we'll probably be back repeatedly through the years to try to keep it out of the marsh."
Crews expected to wrap up the project Monday. However, as a precautionary measure, they're asking residents to avoid the beaches at Portage Point until late Tuesday afternoon.
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