PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County Department of Parks and Recreation will be conducting a controlled burn at Flag Ponds Nature Park to help control growth of the invasive common reed (Phragmites australis).
Over the past 10 years, the beach at Flag Ponds Nature Park has been overtaken by this reed, according to a memo submitted by Parks and Recreation. The department will work with the Maryland Forest Service to conduct a controlled burn on the beach to help control the spread of this invasive species.
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved the buffer management plan at their Oct. 21 meeting and gave Parks and Recreation the go-ahead to develop the burn plan. The burn plan will include the date of the burn. Director Bob Branham wrote in the memo that it would take place this year, and the Natural Resources Division may follow up with a targeted herbicide treatment to further inhibit the regrowth of the common reed.
As the burn will take place on the beach, there is no plan to remove trees or other plants. The department expects marsh grasses and other small plants on the beach to be impacted by the burn temporarily, but hopes controlling the reeds will help those plants grow back stronger. These species are expected to “recover quickly and regrow robustly.”
Following the burn, staff will monitor its effects and determine whether additional burns or other control methods are warranted in future years.
Information about the burn and future park or beach closures will be announced as they become available.
You can view the simplified burn plan here.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!