Hiding in Plain Sight

S. Galatowitsch & J. Bohnen

University of MN--MAISRC—September 13 2017

Which is the invasive Phragmites?

Native Invasive

What makes

Phragmites invasive?

How did it get here?

What might it affect?

Can it be controlled?

How can you help?

• Habitat loss for

water birds

• Alters river corridors

• Reduces wetland

biodiversity

• Alters water use and

access.

• Now found in all lower 48 states and

all Canadian provinces.

• Colonizes natural wetlands as well

as human-made habitats such as

ditches.

• 18% of MN counties have no record

of invasive Phragmites.

• 82% of MN counties have one or

more records of invasive Phragmites.

• 3% of MN counties have 10+

documented occurrences.

EDDMapS 2017

Kettenring et al. 2011

What we know from the earliest invasions

New colonies Established Populations

Photos: J. Bartok, UK Wildlife

How can risks be minimized?

MN PHRAG

Increase awareness

Find MN populations

Develop & deploy

effective control

What MN PHRAG volunteers do

• Locate potential infestations

• Determine if Phragmites is

native or invasive

• If invasive, submit report & samples

• Samples genetically tested

• Report is added to EDDMapS

Find 5 images corresponding to the

bullets—click animation to illustrate

each point.

Find 5 images corresponding to the

bullets—click animation to illustrate

each point.

MN PHRAG—control strategies for Minnesota

• Lessons learned elsewhere

• Response options – established

populations (seed producing)

• Response options – new colonies

• Situation-dependent

• Minimizing non-target risks

Now is a good time to spot invasive Phragmites

Sign up at the showcase or

Contact Julia Bohnen at

mnphrag@umn.eduImage of Packet available at the showcase

MN PHRAG is funded by:

Questions?