Invasive Vegetation Overgrowth

Numerous impediments are caused by overgrown vegetation (e.g., reed canary grass, glossy/common buckthorn, cattails, and sandbar willow). Overgrown brush in the creek channels or on the banks will be cut and distributed sparely in the floodplain or properly disposed offsite, depending on landowner preference.

Reed Canary Grass Removal Before and After

Reed canary grass removal
The following procedures will be used for management of reed canary grass and cattails:

• Pull/cut (i.e., by hand or powered brush thinner) invasive vegetation within the channels/banks
  • Within the channel, cattail removal will be done by pulling the entire plant and roots or cutting all stems below the water surface (the deeper below the water surface the better). Cattails within 1’ of the creek banks should be cut close to the ground, but not too close as to encourage soil erosion. Multiple cuttings maybe required throughout the year
  • Seeding with native species may be done at sites previously dominated by reed canary grass
• Leave remaining wetland/floodplain areas outside the defined channel alone (these areas may be potential spawning habitats)
 • Disperse/dispose the cut/pulled vegetation in the floodplain (or off site, depending on landowner preference)
• Supplement pulling/cutting with Rodeo spot treatments at culvert inlets/outlets or other impediment-prone areas if it is felt    that will benefit a specific site if directed by Program staff. All areas that need treatment should be flagged with surveyors  ribbon.

Cattail Removal Before and After

Cattail Removal