Throughout the Charter Township of Shelby, Macomb County and much of southeast Michigan, phragmites australis is an increasing concern as the invasive weed threatens the ecological health of wetlands and the Great Lakes coastal shoreline. Invasive phragmites creates tall, dense stands which degrade wetlands and coastal areas by crowding out native plants and animals, blocking shoreline views, reducing access for swimming, fishing, and hunting.

Engineers from Anderson, Eckstein, & Westrick, Inc., the Shelby Township Engineer, advise that the removal of the plant requires a combination of herbicide treatments, cutting, harvesting, flooding and potential controlled burns. And these treatments must be completed at strategic times throughout the year to avoid the spread of this invasive species further downstream. 

The presence of phragmites throughout the township has been growing, especially in the areas of county drains and throughout many of the Township parks. The Township has been actively working to eradicate phragmites within a wetland restoration area within Gene Shepherd Park that is threatening to make its way into the Clinton River. 

With the majority of the problem being located within Macomb County Drains funding is a critical issue. Macomb County Drains do not have a maintenance fund and therefore are typically maintained through the establishment of a Special Assessment District (SAD) in which the residents petition the township for the establishment of an SAD and agree to share in the cost of completing any required maintenance work. Residents must collect signatures from at least 50 percent of the benefiting property owners in order to initiate the SAD process. 

For the past several years, the township has been actively seeking grant funding for the purpose of treating and eradicating the phragmites.  Most grant opportunities are only available to cooperative weed management groups.  The township has joined the Lake St. Clair Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) to pool resources and increase the opportunity to receive grant funding. As a member of this CISMA, the township has gained access to a number of resources for our residents. As part of our membership in the Lake St. Clair CISMA, we have been able to open doors to training and informational sessions for our residents. 

If you would like further information on phragmites or the township’s role in managing this problem please contact my office at (586) 731-5154 or the Township Engineer at (586) 726-1234.

Sincerely,

Rick Stathakis
Shelby Township Supervisor

Macomb County Public Works - Phragmites

Lake St. Clair/St. Clair River Protection and Restoration Partnership

EGLE - Phragmites

Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative

Midwest Invasive Species Information Network