Phragmites in the Chisago Chain of Lakes

WHAT IS PHRAGMITES (PRONOUNCED FRAG-MITEZ)
Phragmites is an invasive, or a “non-native,” semi-aquatic perennial grass that came to North America in the 1700’s to early 1800’s. It is known as “Common Reed.” It is tall (reaching up to 15 feet) and densely growing. It is found in wetlands, river bank areas, on shorelines, and in roadside ditches.

WHY IS IT A CONCERN?
Phragmites in the Chisago Lakes Area grow fast and can take over shoreland and wetland areas, push out native vegetation, reduce habitat quality for wildlife, obstruct lake views and block water access. North and South Center Lakes, and Chisago and South Lindstrom Lakes are highly infested with phragmites.

HOW IS IT CURRENTLY CONTROLLED?
Local lake associations are working with the MN Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC), the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District and Chisago Soil & Water Conservation District to identify and map occurrences of phragmites and determine long- term ways to treat infestations along shorelines, and in wetland and upland areas in the Chisago Lakes area. Center Lakes Association and Chisago-Lindstrom Lakes Association are actively working with lakeshore owners to cut stands of phragmites on shorelines and treat with an approved herbicide.

WHAT IF I HAVE PHRAGMITES ON MY SHORELINE?
Contact your local lake association and a representative will visit your lakeshore property, map the location and take a sample to send to MAISRC to confirm if it is native or invasive phragmites. If found to be invasive, the lake association will contact you on how to best treat the phragmites.

Visit www.maisrc.umn.edu/phragmites-map to see if your property has been identified as infested.

View the full Phragmites Flyer PDF

Meeting Minutes – April 15th 2022

Attendees:  Board -  Jason Houle    Michelle Carlson    Travis Lamotte     Cheryl Kempenich Guest, Mark from the City Old Agenda items: 501C Jason to check with accountant on how to edit the 501c. Travis will apply for the 501c if needed. Board Meeting Terms/ start...

Meeting Minutes – May 11th 2021

Present- Jason Houle – President, Cheryl Kempenich – Treasurer, Travis LaMotte, Connie Mayfield Agenda Vice President position. Jason nominated Travis LaMotte for the VP position that Jason previously held. Board approved. By -Laws Overview Jason asked the board...

Meeting Minutes – Jan. 11, 2021

Present:  Bruce Meyer- President, Jason Houle, Bob Milam, Connie Mayfield Agenda GLA Bylaw Update Bruce asked board members to review the associations bylaw and send your recommendations to Jason. Then at the next meeting the board will discuss making any changes and...

Board Meeting of Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Present: Bob Milam, Cheryl Kempenich, Jason Houle, Bruce Meyer, Connie Mayfield Agenda Finances – Cheryl report the current balance is $31,285.  The fall newsletter with mailing came to $640 (note we used Copy Pro, which were very easy to work with and got the...

Board Meeting of Wednesday, September 14, 2020

Attendees:  Bruce Meyer, Connie Mayfield, Jason Houle, Bob Milam, Lori Reichert and guest: Mike O’Connell of Lake Management Little Green Milfoil and Curly Leaf Treatments – Mike O’Connell of Lake Management, Inc. which currently does some portions of AIS treatment on...

Meeting Minutes – July 15th 2020

Attendees:  Bruce Meyer, Cheryl Kempenich, Jason Houle, Bob Milam, Lori Reichert and Denise Houle Chisago City Entry on Stinson off Public Dock -   Lori The Chisago City arch is in.  We’ll wait for the sidewalks to be poured before contacting Casey to place the...