Poquetunuck Cove

Invasive Phragmites australis control in Poquetanuck Cove, Ledyard and Preston, CT

Poquetanuck Cove is a narrow two mile long tidal embayment located 10 miles upstream from the mouth of the Thames River in the towns of Preston and Ledyard, Connecticut.  The Cove has been described as the largest and highest quality brackish meadow and cattail marsh on the Thames River.

Expansion of Phragmites  stands are considered the most immediate threat to the ecology of Poquetanuck Cove. We propose to control small Phragmites patches that total 12-15 acres within the Cove's 280 acres of open water and marsh through several years of herbicide treatment and mulching.  Rapid response will prevent further encroachment of the invasive exotic plant upon native plant and wildlife communities while restoring and protecting ecological diversity.  A complete botanical survey of the Cove will be conducted prior to treatment to avoid negatively impacting non-target plant species.  This critical baseline data will make it possible to identify future changes in plant communities. 

Background: Phragmites australis, or Common Reed, is a wetland plant species found in every U.S. state.  It can grow up to 6 meters high in dense stands and is long-lived.  Phragmites is capable of reproduction by seeds, but primarily does so asexually by means of rhizomes.  Recent research has now shown that native and introduced genotypes of this species currently exist in North America.

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May 2008 Update - Four pictures