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City launches Phragmites survey and treatment program with Great Lakes Commission PATH grant
Summary
Pepper Pike briefed council on a grant-funded pilot to assess and treat Phragmites in a retention basin; a year‑long protocol will use an aquatic‑approved herbicide followed by biomass removal and site recovery with monitoring by Great Lakes Commission PATH program staff.
City staff updated council July 22 on a grant-funded pilot to assess and begin treating invasive Phragmites in a water-retention basin at Shaker and Brainerd.
Staff described a three‑hour field visit by Great Lakes Commission PATH program specialists (Autumn McGowan and Theresa Gruninger) who measured stem density and stem width in quarter‑meter quadrants to assess invasion extent and plant health. The city received a grant to study cost‑effective management methods across the Great Lakes basin and to contribute local monitoring data.
The first treatment phase, beginning next month, will use an aquatic‑approved herbicide, followed later by biomass removal and site recovery to encourage native plants. Staff emphasized the process is a multi‑year effort; the program year covers one application and monitoring, with follow‑up options to be considered based on results.
Council asked about signage and public safety; staff said three signs would be posted to warn residents and pet owners and that the application will be handled by a contractor experienced with similar community projects. Staff noted the basin is city property and that monitoring protocols learned from the PATH visit will be used going forward.
No formal council vote was required; the presentation served as an informational update on grant activity and planned treatment steps.
