Date of Award:

5-2016

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Watershed Sciences

Committee Chair(s)

Karin M. Kettenring

Committee

Karin M. Kettenring

Committee

Eugene W. Schupp

Committee

Thomas Monaco

Abstract

Phragmites (common reed) is a non-native, invasive perennial grass from Eurasia that is taking over wetlands across North America. In Utah, Phragmites has expanded to cover tens of thousands of acres in and around the Great Salt Lake (GSL). The GSL and its associated wetlands are recognized regionally and hemispherically as an important bird area (IBA) that provide critical habitat for a wide variety of wetland dependent birds. The invasion and expansion of Phragmites has replaced many of the high quality habitats these avian populations rely on. This research aimed to determine the most effective methods to control Phragmites and restore native plant species. We took a large-scale approach to evaluate the effectiveness of two herbicides (glyphosate and imazapyr), and application timings (summer and fall), for controlling Phragmites to restore native plants and lost bird habitat. After three consecutive years of herbicide application, fall herbicide applications were superior to summer applications and no difference between the types of herbicide used was found. Even with effective control of Phragmites, important native plant recovery was slow and limited. In order to gain back the native plants that once dominated before Phragmites invaded, re-vegetation efforts such as seeding may be needed.

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