Invasive species are costly, disrupt natural ecosystems, and consequently threaten native species. Phragmites, a tall wetland grass, has been a part of U.S. wetlands for many years. However, a strain from Europe, introduced in the early 19th century, aggressively displaces the native strain and has spread across the U.S. and Canada. These aggressive invasive plants form highly dense stands that quickly outcompete native plants, degrade large areas of highly productive wetlands, drastically reduce habitat diversity and function, impair human use of beaches and recreational areas, and negatively impacts dependent wildlife and a multi-billion-dollar regional fishery.
Phragmites Research
Effects of Great Lakes water levels on coastal populations of Phragmites australis GeoNarrative
Potential Impact of Hydrology and Sedimentation Changes to Biodiversity, Dongting Lake, China
- Overview
Invasive species are costly, disrupt natural ecosystems, and consequently threaten native species. Phragmites, a tall wetland grass, has been a part of U.S. wetlands for many years. However, a strain from Europe, introduced in the early 19th century, aggressively displaces the native strain and has spread across the U.S. and Canada. These aggressive invasive plants form highly dense stands that quickly outcompete native plants, degrade large areas of highly productive wetlands, drastically reduce habitat diversity and function, impair human use of beaches and recreational areas, and negatively impacts dependent wildlife and a multi-billion-dollar regional fishery.
Phragmites ResearchEffects of Great Lakes water levels on coastal populations of Phragmites australis GeoNarrative
The "Phragmites Management and Variable Great Lakes Water Levels" GeoNarrative presents research by the US Geological Survey and US Fish and Wildlife Service on how Great Lakes water levels affect expansion and management of coastal Phragmites populations.Potential Impact of Hydrology and Sedimentation Changes to Biodiversity, Dongting Lake, China
Dongting Lake, one of the wetlands that make up the floodplains of China's Yangtze River, is important habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife. However, the re-engineering of the water way and the intensification of agricultural practices has contributed to changes in hydrology and sedimentation. USGS and partners from China are assessing the potential impact of these changes to the... - Data
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