Phragmites are a tall wetland grass that can grow up to 15 feet, but it’s actually an invasive species that uses up a lot of water. In 2011, Becka Downard, a wetland ecologist with the Utah Geological Survey, said phragmites were basically everywhere there was water. In order to get established, the invasive species needs to have a source of seeds, disturbance, and sunlight. … She said they’ll have to spray phragmites with herbicide, mow and trample it, and then do follow-up treatments. … She said when they’re drought-stressed, they can catch fire more easily, and the three-year treatment won’t work.

Other invasive species news:

• KRCR (Redding, Calif.): Humboldt Bay water districts update invasive mussel prevention plan for Ruth Lake