- What is the Alabama Cogongrass Control Center?
- What is cogongrass?
- Why is it a problem?
- How is it treated?
- How do I figure out if I have it on my property?
- Am I eligible for the program?
- How do I enroll?
-
I'm currently spraying cogongrass. Can I still participate in the program?
-
I do not have funds to spray cogongrass. Can I participate in these
programs?
- Where can I get more information?
What is the Alabama Cogongrass Control Center?
The Alabama Cogongrass Control Center (ACCC) is
a publicly-funded project through an ARRA stimulus grant whose mandate is to
control cogongrass through several strategies across Alabama. This program
is administered through Larson & McGowin and the Alabama Forestry Commission
(www.forestry.alabama.gov).
What is cogongrass?
Cogongrass [Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beuv.] is
a warm-season, perennial grass that originates from Asia. It was first
introduced into the United States through Mobile in the early 1900’s as
packing material for oranges. The leaves can reach 5 feet in length but are
typically shorter. They are easily recognized by their sharp edges and
middle, whitish midrib that is slightly off-center. Their belowground root
system is extensive, growing as a solid, dense mat of underground stems
called rhizomes. Cogongrass typically grows in a circular pattern from small
patches to many acres. Cogongrass can grow in open areas and under the shade
of a forest. Though there are some other grasses that have these
characteristics, taken as a whole these characteristics can be used to
recognize it.
Why is it a problem?
Cogongrass is one of the 10 worst weeds in the
world. It is steadily marching through Alabama and into neighboring states.
This highly invasive pest permanently alters plant and animal communities,
increases fire frequency and intensity, and requires extensive investment to
control. In other areas of the world cogongrass has destroyed entire
landscapes, creating a ‘sea’ of cogongrass with no other plants. Domestic
food and fiber supplies are negatively impacted by cogongrass through
reduction in wildlife food sources and killing or injuring valuable cash
crops such as corn, cotton, and trees. Cogongrass exists on rights-of-way,
forests, and agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
Because it is found in so many areas, there is a need for a large-scale,
concerted effort to effectively control it.
How is it treated?
Currently the most effective approach to
controlling cogongrass infestations is with repeated chemical application,
sometimes over several years. There are numerous herbicides on the market
currently labeled for cogongrass. Contact the AFC for the most effective
amounts and rates or go to
http://www.forestry.state.al.us/Cogongrass.aspx?bv=3&s=2 for more
information. Mechanical treatments, such as disking, are also used but not
applicable over many areas.
How do I figure out if I have it on my property?
There are several ways to know if cogongrass is
either on your property or a potential threat. First, know how to identify
it by going to www.cogongrass.org/cogongrassid.pdf and downloading the field
guide. If you prefer you can contact your county forester, extension agent,
land manager, or natural resources expert to arrange for them to make the
determination.
Am I eligible for the program?
Treatment programs through the ACCC will begin
in 2010. If you are a private, non-industrial Alabama landowner and
currently have cogongrass on your property you may be eligible to apply.
Depending on the property location and size, the size of the infestation,
proximity to main transportation routes, and other factors you will be
prioritized within the program’s strategies. Further details will be
provided on our website in the coming months.
How do I enroll?
Currently we are not accepting applications as
the program is in its formative stages. We ask that if you are interested to
go to www.alabamacogongrass.com or contact the ACCC and fill out an
information form so that we can get in touch with you when we begin
accepting applicants. In 2010, an online application form will be available
at www.alabamacogongrass.com. In addition to general information about your
property you will be able to upload any GPS shapes you may have collected.
I'm
currently spraying cogongrass. Can I still participate
in the program?
We are working with other cogongrass assistance
programs to increase the efficacy of the program. However, there will be
some restrictions on applicants if they are participating in government
cost-share programs. In general you cannot receive government funding for
the acreage that is enrolled in our program. Our website will have more
details on this in the future.
I do not have funds to spray cogongrass. Can I participate in these
programs?
Applicants of ACCC programs will not have to pay for the services.
This is not a cost-share program like other services; the ACCC will arrange
for spraying and monitoring with no out-of-pocket expense to the landowner
for the area sprayed by the ACCC. Because of the funds available, however,
we will have restrictions of how much acreage can be sprayed per landowner.
Where can I get more information?
There are many sources of information about
cogongrass on the internet. Public agencies are a good clearinghouse. The
sites listed below will get you started.
• www.alabamacogongrass.com – all information pertinent to the ACCC program
•
AFC Cogongrass Viewer - Alabama
Forestry Commission’s updated map of current cogongrass
infestations in the
state