Reed Canarygrass Information

Reed canarygrass is a grass with great importance in the Northwest for many reasons. Thought to be a native grass in some areas of Washington, reed canarygrass was an infrequent component of open wetland habitats prior to European settlement of the Pacific Northwest. With the arrival of European settlers in the Northwest and the land and agricultural development that followed, reed canarygrass became a dominant member of wetland and riparian communities.  

In more recent times, local conservation agencies promoted (and continue to promote) the uses of reed canarygrass as an excellent forage/hay grass on wet agricultural lands and as an erosion control species. European strains of this grass were distributed and sown on a grand scale for many years.

It has become apparent, however, that reed canarygrass has some undesirable characteristics. It grows from an aggressive underground stem system, forming massive colonies that crowd out other vegetation. Its growth is so rapid and prolific, and its environmental tolerances so broad, that it is capable of fully clogging stream channels, filling shallow ponds and lakes, dramatically degrading fish and wildlife habitat, and preempting ecological restoration efforts!

A diverse group of scientists, landowners, agency staff, environmental educators, and restoration practitioners has met and discussed the environmental and agricultural issues centered around reed canarygrass. What emerged was a clear need for better information and increased dialogue and networking focused on the management, control, agricultural use, and ecological role of reed canarygrass.

Reed Canarygrass Working Group Documents

These documents are made available in PDF format, Adobe Reader is necessary to view these documents.  

Papers

Biology and Management of Reed Canarygrass: Implications for Ecological Restoration

Emerging Themes in Reed Canarygrass Management

Reed Canarygrass Distribution and Management in the West Eugene Wetlands

Natural Resource Conservation Service Technical Notes (MS Word document)

Controlling Reed Canarygrass with Live Willow Stakes (425 KB)

Proceedings

March 2000 Reed Canarygrass Conference: Olympia, Washington

April 2001 SERNW Conference Reed Canarygrass Session: Bellevue, Washington