West River Phragmite Removal Project Underway

If you were in the West River area near downtown Guilford today or earlier this week, you may have spotted a large machine doing some work in the marsh area (see picture). What you stumbled across is the result of the efforts of Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT) and 26 dedicated neighbors. The project? A major Phragmite removal sponsored by a grant from the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protections (DEEP).

"The GLCT, along with 26 neighbors, came together to address the growth of this aggressive plant," Sarah Williams, President of GLCT, told the Guilford Patch. "Phragmites, a tall common marsh grass, is an aggressive, invasive plant and it will not go away without quite an effort."

The Phragmites have replaced hundreds of acres of Guilford's marsh habitat with a "monoculture that supports fewer native flora and fauna," according to a GLCT press release. 

"In response, we applied for this state grant, the Landowner Incentive Program grant, about a year ago," Williams explained . "The grant is there for this kind of case- when a landowner, or in this case several landowners, identify a problem that is too costly for them to work on themselves, but the work is ecologically important."

While the Landowner Incentives Program is unable to fund every Phragmite removal project, they were particularly compelled to take part in this one due to the commitment of the 26 neighbors that are impacted most along the stretch of land. 

This project will remove the plant along about one mile of the West River as it travels between Routes 1 and 146. Combined with the marsh owned by GLCT, the Phragmites cover approximately 25 acres. According to a press release:

"The DEEP estimates that its 75% share of the costs will be $50,130. GLCT will provide the remaining 25% of the value through project oversight and coordination, outreach and education, bird surveys and mapping...This expenditure by the DEEP is funded in part through a grant from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service." 

The DEEP plans for most of the work to be completed by its staff, because of the nature of the equipment needed for the removal. 

"The equipment being used can drive on the marsh without damaging it," Williams continued. "They began the cutting on Monday, and it will continue at least through Wednesday, if not later this week."

Williams explained the overall process would take three years, including three different cuttings each spring, including this year.

"They also apply water-safe herbicide that targets the phragmites," Williams stated. "And they will continue to monitor the growth over the next few years."

Williams also added that the removal will positively affect views as well. 

“There will be a major difference in the views,” says Williams. "Views downtown across the West River will be greatly improved."