1. Implementing Adaptive Management and Monitoring
for Restoration of Wetlands Invaded by Phragmites
Treatment Strategies No one best policy for removal of Phragmites exists. When, where, and how to treat Phragmites needs to be assessed on a case by case basis. Factors to consider include size of the treatment area, biomass of the existing stand, water levels, propagule pressure, as well as, amount of N-loading to the system.
New Integrative Project: A new invasive species project is focused on integrating modeling of N loading and hydrological connectivity with local and regional knowledge, monitoring (field and remote sensing) and best treatment strategies to create an adaptive plan for Phragmites control that targets specific treatment techniques and time intervals based upon conditions of the sites to be managed.
Nitrogen-Loading Field and modeling research have found that the invasion of wetland plants (Phragmites and Typha) are triggered by N-loadings of 6.0 g N per sq. m per year or greater. The plots above show modeling results from the process-based ecosystem model Mondrian (W. Currie, University of Michigan)
Modeling Treatments: has shown that treatment regimens (herbicide (H), burning (B), mowing (M)) have different effects depending on stand biomass and N-loading.
Partnering Organizations:

2. Implementing Adaptive Management and Monitoring
for Restoration of Wetlands Invaded by Phragmites
Monitoring is a key component of adaptive management. The project team is using Worldview-2 satellite imagery to map pre- and post-treatment wetland types including live & dead Phragmites, Typha, and other wetland types. In addition the team is developing tiered field monitoring protocols to address a range of management needs.
Monitoring with Worldview-2 Satellite Imagery informs Management Decisions
Project Outputs: Project will result in a user friendly version of the ecosystem model Mondrian, webinar training on Mondrian for managers, a decision support tool in the form of a look-up table of site conditions to determine optimal suggested treatment regimen including timing and treatment method (herbicide, burning, mowing), and a series of monitoring protocols for various application needs.
Reducing the Source of Invasion: The project also includes modeling of hydrological connectivity to determine strategic locations for building riparian buffers to reduce N-loading to the coastal wetlands for all of Saginaw Bay. A web-interface will be created to view the maps.
PI Contact: Dr. Laura Bourgeau-Chavez  Project funded by EPA Grant # GL 00E
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