Watershed Symposium 2022

Phragmites australis, or Common Reed, is a very aggressive invasive plant that has invaded wetlands across North America. Great Salt Lake wetlands were invaded by Phragmites after the high waters of the 80's receded. In 2011, there was approximately 23,000 acres of Phragmites. Utah Lake wetlands were also invaded and had approximately 10,500 acres of Phragmites in 2012. The Jordan River is also inundated with Phragmites. Phragmites significantly negatively impacts wetland bird habitat, disrupts hydrology and sediment transport, as well as reduces plant biodiversity. A large effort by the Utah Department of Natural Resources - Divisions of Forestry, Fire and State Lands and Wildlife Resources, as well as many other entities, has made significant progress in controlling Phragmites. This presentation discusses the challenge of Phragmites control, the best practices that have been established, the current efforts taking place, and the results of these efforts.