The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) continues to work with the Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) organization to address invasive species growing along roads throughout Oakland County.
This month through October, state-licensed commercial applicators are applying an herbicide to Japanese Knotweed and Phragmites located along roadways. On the day of treatment, yellow signs will be posted to indicate what products were used, specific restrictions and when the application took place.
Phragmites grows in wet areas and can reach heights of 15 feet, leading to safety and environmental problems. It forms dense stands blocking sight lines at intersections, impedes water access, impairs drainage, damages infrastructure, crowds out habitat and causes hot, damaging fires if ignited. Japanese Knotweed spreads easily when cut and can damage infrastructure including buildings and roads.
During application, the licensed applicator will apply the treatment from vehicle-mounted hand spray equipment or utilizing a backpack sprayer. The public is advised to not enter treated areas until the spray has dried.
The only effective means to deal with Japanese Knotweeds and Phragmites is too chemically treat them utilizing a state licensed commercial applicator. Cardno Inc. of West Olive, Michigan, will treat both Phragmites and Japanese Knotweed. Additionally, PLM Lake and Management Corporation of Morrice, Michigan, and GEI Consultants of Allendale, Michigan, will treat Phragmites.
The chemicals used are registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The areas to be treated along RCOC roads can be found at https://bit.ly/3xCYVBT. For a list of CISMA members and supporting partners, visit https://tinyurl.com/dys83c46.
For more information or questions, contact RCOC by calling (877) 858-4804 or by emailing dcsmail@rcoc.org.
