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In November 2005, The Lyme Land Conservation Trust partnered with abutting land owners Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Pickering and Mr. and  Mrs. Parker Handy to remove invasive plant species from the marsh around the Joshua Creek (aka Rams Horn Creek). At the beginning of the project, the contractor, All Habitat Services, LLC, applied the aquatic herbicide Rodeo® (glyphosate) to the Phragmites and other invasive species such as Multiflora Rose, Asiatic Bittersweet, Black Locust and False Indigo which were also growing in the wetland and along the upland interface.



In the spring of 2006, the dead stems were mulched with a low ground pressure mower. This mowing restored a long-lost view of the creek and the Connecticut River in addition to numerous ecological benefits including improved access for increased wildlife use and increasing sunlight to suppressed native plants. By early summer, the native plants were showing increased vigor and suppressed grasses, sedges and rushes were thriving and spreading. The dominant Sweet Flag patches on both sides of the creek have expanded significantly and Wild Rice is now delightfully abundant along the banks of the creek.

In June 2006, Phragmites re-growth, covering approximately 25% of the site, was treated with the aquatic herbicides Habitat® (Imazapyr) and Renovate3® (Triclopyr) and cut down in the fall. The 2007 growing season begins the early detection and rapid response (EDRR) phase of the project. The site will be monitored for Phragmites re-growth and the appearance of other opportunistic invasive species for treatment with limited spot herbicide applications as necessary. This is also the time for evaluation of the native plant community recovery to determine if a planting enhancement is desired. The Lyme Land Conservation Trust will incorporate the EDRR activities in this parcel’s long-term management plan, beginning in 2008.



Thanks to David Roach of All Habitat Services LLC for supplying this article and accompanying photos of the project.

Nature picture credits: © David Roach of All Habitat Services LLC (The invasive reed, Phragmites spp. is abundant in the marsh before treatment), © David Roach of All Habitat Services LLC (Panoramic view of the Marsh after treatment).