2013 Outer Island Phragmites Treatment

Pam Grassmick · Post by **Pam Grassmick** » Wed Aug 21, 2013 1:11 pm

Garden and High Islands are slated for 3 days of Phragmites treatment during the week of September 1 through the 7th. These two islands have had non-native Phragmites treated in previous years. We will be using volunteers to treat the remaining small patches of Phragmites under the license of a certified herbicide contractor. Due to a couple of changes in volunteer schedules, we are now in need of a couple replacement volunteers to join us. For more information contact: Pam Grassmick @ 448-2314 or mcgrass@ameritech.net or Cindy Rickesgers @ 448-2960.

Thanks for considering!
Pam and Cindy

Pam Grassmick · Post by **Pam Grassmick** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 8:33 am

To clarify the outer island treatment:

Transportation to the islands is being provided by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa (LTBB) through Mike Weede-Paradise Bay Dive Shop. Both Garden and High fall within the LTBB reservation area. Those island shorelines provide vital habitat to many plants, shorebirds, waterfowl, and fish.

I am also setting up scheduling for those who can commit to only one day. Additional instructions are being e-mailed to interested individuals.

Thanks,
Pam and Cindy

Pam Grassmick · Post by **Pam Grassmick** » Sat Aug 31, 2013 7:50 am

With the Am Vet's Breakfast and the Community Center's Clam Bake scheduled for Sunday, September 1st, we are scheduling the first outer island Phragmites treatment on September 2nd of High Island-weather permitting. If you are intending on participating and have not received an informational e-mail regarding volunteering, please contact me at 448-2314.

Beaver Island treatment starts today and as Cindy has posted-a public informational meeting is scheduled with the contractor today at 2 p.m. at the Peaine Township Hall. Thank you and have a wonderful Labor Day!

Pam Grassmick · Post by **Pam Grassmick** » Wed Sep 04, 2013 9:05 am

On Thursday, September 5th at 9 a.m., a crew of volunteers will leave from Mike Weede's dock to go to Garden Island for Phragmites treatment. Earlier this week, the weather slowed the start of treatment to the outer islands. If you are available and want to help-give me a call or drop an e-mail and I will add you to the list.

Yesterday, it was a pleasure to work with the 13 wonderful volunteers who spent the day on High Island. Mike and Debra gave us the usual first class treatment abroad. Walking the shoreline gave us all a chance to evaluate the effectiveness of past treatments-which was impressive and deal with new growth. The volunteers' work will make a lasting impact on the outer island shorelines.

Beaver update: The treatment crew continues to work on the shorelines and interior. They commented on how knowledgeable island property owners are regarding Phragmites. The waves from the homes and shouts of enthusiasm for their work is greatly appreciated.

Pam Grassmick · Post by **Pam Grassmick** » Sun Sep 08, 2013 8:28 am

The next time you see one of these individuals on the street, give them a BIG THANK YOU for their service to the outer islands. These volunteers spent hours-hiking and treating-Garden and High for non-native Phragmites. They were knowledgeable, dedicated to the process, and extremely hard working. The 2013 outer islands treatment volunteers included: Annette Dashiell, Susan Screven, Jim and Sandy Birdsall, Dave Blanchard, Christine Miller, Eric Naraanjo, Pam Hilton, Lynn and Jim Flanagan, Brian Grassmick, Pam Gerecke, Dawn Elzey, Stan Eagle, and Marc Seeley.

The thank you extends to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa who provided the funding for transportation to Garden and High Islands and to Mike Weede who skillfully and safely left no volunteer behind!

Congratulations to all for a job well done!