A “Phragmites Control Demonstration” project  take place in late September on Long Pond. Through funds obtained from the Madaket Conservation Association and the Town, NPC will conduct a test of “foliar spray” of the invasive species to test its safety and efficacy in their eradication. Nantucket currently has a so called “cut and drip” policy of individually cutting each stalk by hand-a costly and ineffective approach-and we plan to propose to update that  policy to include the ability (with the proper licenses and Con Com approval per project) to allow a careful spray of a pesticide (glyphosate) that has proven to be safe and cost effective elsewhere. Should this pilot be successful, it will open the door to permits anywhere on Nantucket. This could help us finally address managing Phragmites growth on Hummock as well. NPC Long Pond Notice of Intent Long Pond Phragmites Treatment 012615

Phragmite Pilot Program – 9/16/15 from Nantucket Community Television.