Vegetation growth on bottomlands - faqs from egle

For more information, visit the Lakebottom Information webpage by clicking the button below. 

FLTF Lakebottom Information

Are these plants invasive species?

Most of the vegetation in the drained impoundment areas is native vegetation; although, some invasive plant species may be beginning to grow in some locations. Examples of invasive species that have the potential to colonize this area include Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea), Phragmites (Phragmites australis), Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), and Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus).

To learn how to identify these species, visit the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN).

Find out more about these and other invasive species in Michigan. Michigan.gov/Invasives.

For regional information about invasive species management efforts, contact the Central Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Network https://www.cmcisma.org/

Can I use herbicides to get rid of the vegetation

Native vegetation plays an important role in stabilizing the sediments in this area to prevent further damage from erosion or scour. In addition, native vegetation provides filtration and nutrient uptake from runoff, valuable habitat and food sources for wildlife, and improves aesthetics and recreation opportunities in these impacted areas. Invasive species should be treated in order for the native, beneficial vegetation to establish. The safe use of herbicides under the appropriate regulations can effectively remove invasive species and unwanted vegetation.

As with any pesticide, herbicide users are required to follow all safety and application instructions provided on the product label. We also recommend use of herbicides and other pesticides only when dry weather and calm winds are predicted. For more information on using pesticides safely, visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division using this link Michigan.gov/MDARD/0,4610,7-125-2390---,00.html.

Do I need a permit to use herbicides to treat vegetation?

Herbicide and other pesticide treatments on dry land that are near surface water and cover less than 80 acres, may not require National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) pesticide permit coverage. Larger areas (i.e. > 80 acres) that are near surface waters may require NPDES pesticide permit coverage. For guidance on determining if NPDES permit coverage is required, please follow this link: Michigan.gov/Documents/DEQ/wrd-npdes-pesticide-APPEND1_377340_7.pdf.

If pesticide treatments are deemed necessary and will occur near any waters of the state, it is recommended pesticides labeled for aquatic environments be utilized. Please review the list of Aquatic Pesticides and Related Products Currently Approved for Use in Waters of the State found at this link: Michigan.gov/EGLE/0,9429,7-135-3313_3681_3710-134667--,00.html.

If pesticide treatments will include any waters of the state where water is visibly present or contained in the area at the time of chemical treatment, an Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) permit may be required. For more information on regulations and permitting, please visit the ANC webpage at Michigan.gov/ANC, or contact ANC Program staff by email [email protected] or by telephone at 517-284-5593.

If a pesticide application company or entity is leading the treatment efforts they may need an ANC permit and/or an NPDES pesticide permit

Can I cut trees or shrubs beginning to grow? What about burning

If you can cut the small trees and shrubs safely and without causing rutting or disturbance of the sediments, then a permit is not necessary. However, we recommend using caution as the soils and sediments in this area may not be fully stabilized and it can be dangerous to walk or drive on these areas at this time. Even where substrate appears safe, it is important to keep in mind these sediments have not been settled and vegetated for a very long time.

In addition, trees and shrubs provide substantial benefits to the environment. In particular, the root structures of trees and shrubs are deeper and stronger than those of smaller plants, which improves stabilization of these former lakebeds and prevents further erosion or scour. Trees and shrubs also provide habitat diversity for wildlife, help maintain water temperature and water quality by providing shade over water flowing in the main channels, and are part of the natural succession of plant communities in Michigan. Most of the tree and shrub species are native species, but there may be some invasive shrubs, too. We recommend only invasive species be cut, in order for the native, beneficial vegetation to establish.

Prescribed fire is sometimes used to remove excess biomass of invasive herbaceous or woody vegetation, and when done properly may also promote growth of native vegetation. However, this is typically not recommended for individual homeowners to implement on their own, as it is important that burns are conducted by trained experts. These experts will evaluate a wide variety of factors in planning a burn including safety, site conditions, and weather. There may also be significant concerns from nearby residents and local agencies regarding the use of fire in this location due to the proximity of houses, as well as the stability and safety of the location.

Filling, dredging, and other construction activities need permit approval from EGLE before work begins.

If vegetation is allowed to grow will it make it harder for the lakes to be eventually restored

Dam reconstruction and refilling the impoundments is a major project that will take many years of planning and implementation. In the meantime, it is important that the bottomlands are effectively stabilized to prevent further erosion and structural issues. Allowing native vegetation to establish, including some woody trees and shrubs, will restore some wildlife habitat and food source, provide water quality benefits, improve aesthetics, and provide some recreation opportunities. It is recommended that any vegetation removal be completed in a way that is consistent with a coordinated plan for the exposed bottomlands. At this point, EGLE does not believe that allowing vegetation to establish will make it more difficult for the lakes to be restored. EGLE is committed to working with local partners to further address this question, as management plans are developed for site restoration and vegetation management.

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