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Cogongrass Treatment Program
Overview: LDAF, Office of Forestry, implemented the Cogongrass Treatment Program in the fall of 2018. This program aims to control cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), which is an invasive plant species from Japan. It was introduced in the U.S. through the Port of Mobile in the early 1900’s and has since spread throughout the southeastern United States. Cogongrass is considered one of the world’s top 10 worst weeds, according to the Global Invasive Species Database. Cogongrass establishes very easily and replaces native vegetation. Cogongrass also presents a fire hazard due to the temperature at which it burns, has little nutritional value, irritates the mouths of livestock, and creates a monoculture that is unfavorable to wildlife.
Map: Cogongrass is currently known to occur in at least nine parishes, primarily in the Florida Parishes. We have enrolled over 230 landowners in six parishes. In calendar year 2021, LDAF treated 1,429 spots for a total of 248 acres.
Notification: LDAF investigates any suspected infestations and continues to educate the public of this invasive species. LDAF continues to enroll landowners in our program. If anyone suspects that they have cogongrass, please call LDAF at 225-922-1234.
Conclusion: Cogongrass is an extremely destructive invasive species that we must continue to control and monitor to help preserve our forest and pastureland. If we stay aggressive with the treatment and continue to inform landowners about this pest, we can make tremendous progress and minimize its effects on our state.