Macomb County’s roadside phragmites program to start August 31

Invasive species create safety hazards and damage infrastructure

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. - The Lake St. Clair Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (LSC CISMA) in partnership with the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) will be working with a contractor to perform phragmites treatment along the Macomb County road right of way. The invasive species control is anticipated to start August 31 and is part of the County's annual treatment program.

"Phragmites and other invasive plant species have the ability to grow through pavement, damage roads, create visual impairments for motorists, and reduce road drainage," said MCDR Interim Director Scott Wanagat. "Working with LSC CISMA and our local community partners, we've taken a strategic approach to treating the invasive species that threaten public safety, our infrastructure and the environment."

More than 293,700 linear feet of roadside right of way will be treated as part of the program. Funding for the phragmites control is provided by MCDR and each of the communities where work will take place. The total cost for the 2026 program is $27,595, which will be shared equally by participating communities. MCDR views the invasive species as a threat to both drivers and infrastructure. The reed, which can grow up to 20 feet in height, thrives in roadside ditches and shoulders.

"Invasive, non-native phragmites are becoming widespread and are threatening the health of southeast Michigan's ecosystem," said LSC CISMA Director Amanda Ruffini. "Performing comprehensive and repeated control management along road right of ways helps to prevent further dispersal of the reed and restricts it from further damaging our environment as well as public infrastructure."

Work to treat phragmites within Macomb County road right of ways began in 2015. The LSC CISMA was established in Macomb County through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program in 2015. The work taking place this summer is part of the ongoing effort to control the non-native phragmites.

Treatment and removal work will take place along multiple roads within the following communities:

• Clinton Township
• Harrison Township
• Lenox Township
• Ray Township
• Richmond Township
• Shelby Township
• Sterling Heights
• Washington Township

For maps and locations of all treatment areas within Macomb County, visit lakestclaircisma.com/projects/macomb-county-row-program-2026.

For more information regarding phragmites and invasive species control in Macomb County, contact the LSC CISMA at 248-504-4315 or [email protected] or visit lakestclaircisma.com.