Crews to take on invasive reed at Utah Lake

Crews to take on invasive reed at Utah Lake


Save Story
Leer en espaƱol

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

VINEYARD, Utah (AP) -- Officials are planning to use aircraft to spray parts of the Utah Lake shoreline to try to stem the spread of an invasive plant.

**What is a Phragmites Reed?**![](http://media.bonnint.net/slc/1348/134823/13482361.jpg)
Phragmites is a tall perennial grass or reed that grows to heights of about 15 feet. Long pointed leaves grow from thick vertical stalks. The flower heads are large, feathery and gray to tan in color. They are usually found in tall dense thickets that displace native wetlands vegetation, alter hydrology by trapping sediments and inhibiting water movement, and block sunlight from reaching the water. These dense thickets also displace native wildlife. Phragmites spread rapidly, up to 15 or 20 feet per year. *[- Utah Division of Wildlife resources](http://wildlife.utah.gov/habitat/ans/phragmites.php)*
The Utah Department of Natural Resources and Utah County planned to start the project as early as Wednesday.

The phragmites (FRAG'-mytes) reed has taken over large areas of wetlands and has replaced native species. It was introduced to the area for ornamental use. The plant grows tall and dense, keeping waterfowl out.

The herbicide being used is formulated to minimize harmful effects to surrounding wildlife, including fish. Crews will burn or remove the reeds after they are killed.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


View Larger Map

Most recent Utah stories

Related topics

Utah

STAY IN THE KNOW

Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

KSL Weather Forecast