OAKLAND COUNTY – Oakland County is teaming up with community partners across the region to stop two prominent invasive plant varieties from spreading along local roadways.
Invasive species are organisms that are not native to Michigan, which can cause harm to the environment, wildlife, local economy and infrastructure.
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Working with the Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) — a coalition of 44 townships, park services, nonprofit organizations and other partners — the Road Commission for Oakland County will treat right-of-way areas along main roads and other high-traffic areas overrun with invasive knotweed and Phragmites.
County officials say the work is needed to manage the spread of invasive plant species, while also preventing infrastructure damage and maintaining safe roadways.
“Phragmites grows in wet areas and can reach heights of 15 feet, leading to safety and environmental challenges,” said Patrick Canniff, Oakland County Parks Natural Resources Outreach and CISMA Coordinator. “It forms dense stands blocking views at intersections, impeding water access, disrupting drainage, damaging infrastructure, crowding out natural habitat and creating the potential for destructive fires if ignited.”
Knotweed can also damage infrastructure, Canniff said, “such as buildings and roads since it spreads easily once cut.”
While crews will use treatment methods in accordance with Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) procedures, officials are asking residents and motorists not to enter treated areas until the spray has completely dried. Property owners are also asked not to plant or dispose of invasive species in any right-of-way areas along roadways and to report any that they observe causing driving hazards to the RCOC.
The remediation efforts will continue through October in the following communities: Addison, Bloomfield, Brandon, Commerce, Groveland, Highland, Holly, Independence, Lyon, Milford, Oakland, Orion, Oxford, Rose, Springfield, Waterford, West Bloomfield and White Lake townships; and Auburn Hills, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Franklin, Holly, Lake Angelus, Lake Orion, Lathrup Village, Leonard, Madison Heights, Novi, Novi Township, Orchard Lake Village, Ortonville, Pontiac, Rochester, Rochester Hills, South Lyon, Southfield, Troy, Walled Lake, Wixom and Wolverine Lake.
Last year’s efforts saw the removal of around 172 acres of Phragmites and invasive knotweed in Oakland County.
For more information about invasive species in the county, visit oaklandinvasivespecies.org.