Our Mission
The Lake Erie CWMA mission is to protect, restore, and enhance the Western Lake Erie Basin landscape and wetlands by coordinating efforts to identify, prevent, and control invasive species.
Phragmites australis, also known as common reed or phragmites, is a large, coarse, perennial grass that is often found in wetlands, low lying areas, and ditches. This plant out competes native vegetation, reduces wildlife habitat, and decreases propery vaule of lake or rive front homes.
The LECWMA was established in 2009 and has completed over 5,000 acres of invasive species treatment on the properties of nearly 150 program participants throughout Ottawa, Lucas, and Sandusky counties. In addition to Phragmites, other invasive species such as purple loosestrife and flowering rush are removed. Herbicide treatment is conducted by ground crews, amphibious crews, or helicopter application. Follow up treatments are provided to participants and prescribed burning and smashing methods are being used to remove the standing phragmites.