At Fells Reservoir, black tarps were placed a year ago to smother and solarize the invasive Phragmites root structures to keep them from spreading and expanding around the entire reservoir perimeter and into the dams’ riprap. These tarps will see some replacement and maintenance in the coming weeks. However, the Phragmites control project has entered into a new phase.
The MWRA contractor, Davey Resource Group, is now working on a PILOT revegetation effort. Selected tarps were removed to find no viable Phragmites. These exposed areas are being revegetated in two phases:
1. March planting of live stakes
2. June plantings of native sedges
Live stakes are essentially dormant shoots of native woody plants (in this case Dogwood). A rebar is pounded into the shore and the live stake placed in the hole (see photos). The plan is to assess the coverage of these plantings to prevent the Phragmites from returning. If successful, then the method will be employed at other areas after tarp removal in 2026.