PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
April 15, 2008 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach today announced the statewide designation of non-native phragmites as a noxious weed. The statewide designation, which takes effect immediately, is an expansion of a temporary designation issued last year for phragmites within the Republican River basin.

Ibach said the statewide designation is necessary to help county weed control officials work with landowners to address areas of high infestation and to prevent further spread of this invasive species. Phragmites is primarily found along Nebraska's rivers, streams, floodplains and lakeshores.

"In order to be good stewards of the land, we need to protect our natural resources from non- native plants that have no value and that will, absent control measures, continue to invade our river systems," Ibach said. "The designation is an important tool for weed control officials who are working on projects to control phragmites."

Ibach has the authority to issue temporary designations under the Noxious Weed Control Act. The temporary designation will expire in February 2009, and Ibach said he anticipates moving ahead with the formal process to add phragmites to the permanent noxious weed list before that time.

According to Mitch Coffin, NDA Noxious Weed Program Manager, phragmites can quickly form a monoculture and displace native riparian plants, grasses and forbs. Once phragmites matures, it sends out rhizomes searching for water; these rhizomes can stretch as much as 30 feet in search of water. Phragmites can grow to 20 feet tall.

Other officially designated noxious weeds in Nebraska include: Saltcedar, Canada thistle, leafy spurge, musk thistle, plumeless thistle, purple loosestrife and spotted and diffuse knapweeds.

Those with questions about the phragmites designation are encouraged to contact their county weed control superintendent. Questions also may be directed to Mitch Coffin at (402) 471-6844.