Bledsoe to Host Forum on Controlling Phragmites

GROSSE POINTE – State Representative Tim Bledsoe (D-Grosse Pointe) will host an informational presentation to discuss local options for dealing with phragmites, a reed that has begun invading parts of the Lake St. Clair shoreline. "Phragmites blight our shoreline and threaten the lake's ecosystem. Our community is closely tied to Lake St. Clair and I am eager to learn more about controlling this species," Bledsoe said.

“Controlling Invasive Phragmites on the Lake St. Clair Shoreline” will be held at 7:00 p.m. on November 26 in the Council Chamber of the Grosse Pointe Shores Municipal Building, 795 Lake Shore Rd. The event is free and open to the public.

In early summer, legislation was signed into law that allows individuals to maintain and groom beachfront property without obtaining a permit from the state. The legislation initially applied to only Great Lakes shorefront property. Rep. Bledsoe offered an amendment, which was unanimously adopted in committee, extending these rights to the Lake St. Clair shoreline as well.

"Experts from the DEQ will discuss the problem of phragmites and how this legislation changes residents' options for controlling and removing this reed," Bledsoe said. "It is important that residents know their rights under the new law, and understand the proper way to deal with this invasive species."