Multi-year Phragmites Project Underway

Phragmites australis, a wetland grass that's invasive in Wisconsin

Phragmites australis is a destructive, non-native perennial grass that inhabits wetland and riparian areas. Phragmites aggressively out-competes beneficial native vegetation, which in turn negatively alters wildlife habitat and ecosystems. The species is listed as “prohibited” in Wis. Admin. Code NR 40 (aka, the official Wisconsin invasive species list). Non-native phragmites continues to be a problem at Cherokee Marsh, along the Upper Yahara River, and in the larger regional watersheds. (Native phragmites has a similar form but generally doesn't grow in dense patches that crowd out other species.)

The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association (USRWA) is sponsoring a project to map the non-native phragmites population in Cherokee Marsh and received a planning grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Once mapping is completed, USRWA will write an adaptive management plan to guide multiple property managers to facilitate monitoring and control of non-native phragmites in Cherokee Marsh. This planning grant will run through 2026. During 2026, USRWA also plans to apply for a subsequent DNR grant to carry out the management plan and remove non-native phragmites.

The participating partners in the project are the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association, Dane County Department of Land and Water Resources, City of Madison, Friends of Cherokee Marsh, and some private landowners along the Upper Yahara River.

Using planning grant funds, USRWA hired Eco-Resource Consulting, Inc. (ERC) to conduct the Phragmites mapping this summer in Cherokee Marsh, through the DNR Surface Water Grant Program. ERC has over a decade of experience in the full eradication of the non-native Phragmites and reintroduction of native aquatic vegetation. 

ERC staff are working to provide detailed maps that outline the locations of both native and non-native populations of Phragmites. In some cases, there may be hybridized phragmites or mixed stands. Along with input from project partners, ERC is using GIS software, GPS devices, aerial imagery, terrestrial and aquatic equipment, and field verification to conduct this mapping effort.

When the field mapping is completed, ERC staff will develop a detailed adaptive vegetation management plan for the project partners, landowners, and DNR. There will then be a public comment period before a final draft is submitted.