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[Emma Green-Beach]

*A Phragmites Phorum: *

Investigating the harvest of the invasive reed

to mitigate nitrogen pollution in our ponds



When: Monday, March 12th, 1pm

Where: West Tisbury Library

Hosted by: The Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group

Contact: emma.greenbeach at mvshellfishgroup.org



Come learn about the research being done on the potential to harvest the
invasive reed, Phragmites, as a means to remove excess nitrogen from our
coastal ponds. Project Partners will speak on their involvement with the
project, including Dr. Jamie Vaudrey of the University of Connecticut. This
project is funded by the Environmental Protection agency and managed by the
Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group.





*Project Summary: *Studies by the Massachusetts Estuaries Program (MEP)
have confirmed that high nitrogen (N) loading is the primary driver of the
degraded environmental quality observed in many of our estuaries. The MEP
studies developed N budgets, stating target N reductions required to
reverse eutrophic conditions and restore water quality. Local
municipalities have been tasked with developing plans to meet the target N
reductions.

*Phragmites australis *is a cosmopolitan species that is highly invasive in
North America. Using dense leave litter, a tall thick canopy and efficient
root systems, Phragmites outcompete native vegetation, alters nutrient and
water cycles, and excludes native animals, especially specialist species.
Despite its invasive nature, there is scientific evidence that Phragmites
provides important ecological services, especially sequestration of N,
carbon and phosphorus. This strong affinity for uptake has been exploited
for nutrient management in eutrophied estuaries and lakes in other parts of
the world and in stormwater ditches and wastewaster treatment applications.

The objectives of this study are to 1) calculate an average value of N
sequestered in above ground Phragmites on Martha’s Vineyard; and determine
what impact the harvest of the reeds might have on reducing N loads to the
estuaries; 2) evaluate the response of reed stands and native plants to
annual or semiannual cutting; 3) identify the logistical and regulatory
issues involved in a harvest; 4) investigate uses and value of harvested
reeds as a means to offset harvest costs, including potential for small
business to capitalize on the harvest activity and cut byproduct.


-- 
Emma Green-Beach
Special Projects Manager
Martha's Vineyard Shellfish Group, Inc.
PO Box 1552
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
508-542-1339
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