Burn planned to reduce phragmites
ESTRAL BEACH, Mich. (AP) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is planning a prescribed burn this spring to reduce an invasive, reedy plant in part of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
The burn mostly will target phragmites (frag-MY’-tees) near Estral Beach in southeastern Michigan’s Monroe County.
Phragmites competes with native vegetation and produces thick stands with little value to wildlife. They also can be a wildfire hazard.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says dates of the burn will depend on weather conditions.
The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge includes nearly 6,000 acres along 48 miles of the lower Detroit River and western Lake Erie. Its focus is conserving, protecting and restoring habitat for 300 species of birds and 117 species of fish.
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