Cogongrass: The Unwanted in Conecuh County
 

By Bridget Cain, SWCD DAC, Evergreen, Alabama

Cogongrass is one of the world’s worst weeds.  Ti is spreading rapidly throughout the state of Alabama.  It is reducing forest and pasture productivity, destroying wildlife habitat, impacting rights of way, and is presenting a severe fire hazard. As good stewards of the land, we must become aware of this aggressive invader and combat the seventh most invasive plant species in the world.

The Conecuh County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) hosted a Cogongrass Field Day on in May at Ryals Farm in Repton, Alabama.  Carol Ryals is a cooperator with NRCS. She and her son, Mike, are aggressively attacking Cogongrass on their property using the measures found in their NRCS Conservation Management Plan.

The morning of the field day began with Beau Brodbeck, of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), giving an introduction about multiple invasive species plaguing Alabama and the spread of Cogongrass.  Gary Cole of the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) followed with a presentation on "Alabama’s Most Unwanted – Cogongrass."

Control measures, local infestations, and treatment on public roadways were discussed by Winston Foshee, Conecuh County Engineer.  Mabry Anderson, Dupont Chemical Corporation, talked about chemicals being offered by Dupont, as well as other products being tested for Cogongrass.

Brewton NRCS District Conservationist Detra Boutwell conducted a discussion of Best Management Practices, the importance of follow up, and payment opportunities.

Attending landowners were given the opportunity to discuss what is and is not working for them in dealing with Cogongrass and reported on the status of their control methods.

Jennifer Stanley from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) spoke on how Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) maintenance payments are intended to supplement the costs associated with invasive species control.

Lunch was provided for all participants and was followed by a Field Tour and Demonstrations led by Victor Howell, AFC, and Mike Ryals, Carol Ryals son.

The Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Society provided a portion of funds for the event.  The participants paid a nominal registration fee to offset cost.

Each participant received a notebook filled with a wealth of information about Cogongrass. With 30 people attending, including many landowners, the day was a success.

June 2009

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