Intern Report

This report focuses on a search for the presence of both the invasive and native types of the plant Phragmites australis around Elk and Skegemog lakes, the Torch River, the mouth of Rapid River and the Elk River. In order to discover the location of different clusters of Phragmites, we paddled in a canoe and kayaks around the perimeter of the lakes and rivers using a GPS unit to mark locations of any Phragmites stands. We identified each stand as native or invasive based on several traits. Our research was the first of its kind on these lakes. The information we gathered will be used as a baseline for Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association (ESLA) and to aid in predicting where future growths of invasive Phragmites may occur. We found only the native type of Phragmites on any of these waterways or their close environs. Our hope is that our information can also be used to increase public awareness about the possible invasion of Phragmites in our local lakes, due to the recently documented presence of invasive Phragmites along the shores of East Grand Traverse Bay.

Complete Intern Report