Spartina anglica..

 

...also known as common cordgrass, this plant has become a major focus of the noxious weed control program here in Island County.

 

At first glance, Spartina appears to be just another grass growing out in the intertidal zone. But look further and you'll see that it severely disrupts the native saltwater ecosystems, alters fish, shellfish, and bird habitat, and increases the threat of floods. One of three species of Spartina that have been introduced to western Washington, Spartina anglica was intentionally planted on the eastern shore of Port Susan Bay in the early 1960's, by a farmer who wanted to stabilize his dike and provide forage for his cattle grazing on the bay. Although the history is unclear, it is believed that he was told the seed would produce infertile plants. Obviously, that was not the case.

The infestation took a few years to become firmly established, but once it did, it began to spread quickly. In 1975, the area estimated to be affected by Spartina anglica totaled less than 15 acres. By 1995, there were approximately 400 solid acres of Spartina spread throughout Island County.

After several years of study and survey, the Island County Noxious Weed Control Board was able to take advantage of several grant opportunities and implement an aggressive control plan. Most of the control programs, used in other settings around the world, dealt either with other species of Spartina, or with other ecosystems. So when the work crews began their task here, they pretty much had to learn as they went along.

Working in mud often several feet deep, the crews have used string trimmers, shovels, hoes, amphibious vehicles, helicopters, and herbicides. They have tried a range of treatment approaches…mowing once a year, mowing twice a year, mowing followed by herbicide application, digging by hand, disking with machinery, compacting the plants with machinery, applying herbicide in conjunction with a colored dye as a marker, and applying herbicide from helicopters, backpack sprayers, and amphibious buggies.

Crews have been made up of county employees, professional vegetation management contractors, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife employees, Dept. of Ag. employees, Swinomish Tribal members, and a host of volunteers.

Finally, after seven years of hard labor, we are beginning to understand what works. We are beginning to make a dent. We are beginning to turn the situation around and get ahead of the grass.

County residents have been a critical part of the process, and we still need you today.

How Can You Help?

Educate yourself, your neighbors, and your visitors. Learn how to identify Spartina in its various life stages. Notice the differences in the kinds critters you see or don't see in areas infested by Spartina as compared with those that are Spartina-free. When you dig or mow in an area, watch to see if the Spartina returns, and if so to what extent.
Walk your waterfront. If you don't own property along the water, walk your favorite beach, or explore one you've never visited. Look for seedlings as well as clones. Report what you find to the Weed Control Office.
DIG! While it is impractical for large meadows, digging in such a way as to remove all of the roots of the plant has proven to be incredibly effective. If every person who goes clamming on our beaches would spend the time equivalent of one clamming expedition digging Spartina, we could make a tremendous dent in our infestations.
Cooperate, please. A successful Spartina control program has to rely on Integrated Pest Management. In addition, state law mandates the use of IPM. That means a wide variety of methods are used, including the application of legal, registered, appropriate herbicides. Careful consideration is given to which method will be most effective, efficient, safe, and least disruptive in any given site. Research scientists as well as ecologists and professional vegetation managers are involved in the decision-making process. If you have concerns or questions about how an area is being treated, contact the Weed Control Office.
DO NOT TAKE IT UPON YOURSELF TO SPRAY. While there are several chemicals that have been found to be effective and appropriate, the application of herbicides to aquatic and wetland settings is stringently controlled. You must have the appropriate licenses and permits before you can apply ANY substance to these environments.
Volunteer. Throughout the growing season, cooperative digs are organized…contribute your labor. Also, if you know of potential funding sources or of service organizations that are looking for a project, do not hesitate to call the Weed Control Office.