Clawson Sustainability Planning

Sustainability and resiliency planning can have many positive effects. In the short term, communication between community members will be created and strengthened. This increases capacity for inclusion, collaboration, and equitable problem solving, leading to equitable solutions to any challenge faced in the community. In the longer term, implementation of mitigation and adaptation strategies will improve overall resilience, making the community less susceptible to disruptions.

The City's Planning Commission has created a subcommittee,  Clawson, Naturally  to guide sustainability planning for the City. The group has developed a framework - or outline - intended to help guide additional planning in the future. This  Sustainability Framework  was adopted in 2023 and catalyzed the addition of a sustainability plan to the City's Master Plan, which is currently being updated.

Why should the City be exploring sustainability?

Your input is needed on Clawson’s Sustainability Plan!

8 goals have been identified to focus the City’s efforts and now we want your ideas on how to reach those goals. Please share your thoughts on these proposed action items by taking  this short survey.  The survey closes at the end of the day on Monday, February 19.

The Clawson, Naturally sustainability committee meets via Zoom. If you would like to be involved, please contact Nik at nstepnitz@cityofclawson.com.

A draft of the Sustainability Plan will be presented to the Clawson, Naturally group during their meeting on February 28 at 6pm via  Zoom . Please join using  this link  and share your feedback on the plan!

Thanks to everyone who completed the Clawson sustainability survey. The sustainability committee, Clawson, Naturally is reviewing the results to create a framework to help the City plan for a sustainable future. Here are some key results of the survey:

• 142 respondents: 96% identified as residents, 42% are homeowners, 5% work in Clawson. Over half of the respondents in the survey have been connected to the Clawson community for over 10 years
• 87.2% of respondents agree that climate change is happening. 80.8% feel that addressing climate change will make their community more sustainable for the future
• 79.4% of survey respondents indicated that they are concerned about the impacts climate change could have on Clawson, but only 63.6% stated that htey know how to adapt to climate change
• 76.6% of respondents believe that addressing climate change will be good for the local economy and 80.9% support policy makers considering scientific projections about what the climate might be like in 50 years when makng decisions today
• Flooding and stormwater management were identified as the most pressing issues for the City to address, followed by fixing the storm drains
• Many respondents are already doing sustainable actions, such as planting natives (47.5%), and using energy efficient appliances (76.5%) and light bulbs (88.7%)
• For most sustainability actions that were not already being done, a lack of information was the most common barrier to action. In the case of renewable energy, cost was the biggest barrier
• Respondents were asked about their support for possible solutions to addressing issues of flooding, waste management, energy use, and transportation and all were positively received

Clawson, Naturally is excited to announce that it has drafted a Sustainability Framework for the City of Clawson. This is the first sustainability framework the City has completed and the first step toward a full sustainability and resiliency plan.

In 2021, the Planning Commission established a committee to explore ways to make Clawson a more sustainable and resilient community and share those findings by creating a framework document. This committee adopted the name Clawson, Naturally and began the framework process by creating a survey to collect information and feedback from residents, business owners, and other stakeholders on sustainability issues and possible interventions. Over 140 people responded to the survey, which helped the committee identify and prioritize sustainability needs and goals. This directly led to the  14 goals outlined in the framework. The City’s Planning consultant, Giffels Webster, supported the committee in creating the survey and drafting the plan.

The Framework helps prioritize actions to achieve sustainability and resiliency goals in Clawson over the next 5-10 years. It provides definitions of resiliency and sustainability, describes the three dimensions of sustainability (people, planet, profit), describes the current status and benchmarks related to the fourteen sustainability goals, and discusses next steps for the city in achieving these goals. Findings from the survey are provided throughout to support the goals and the framework itself. The goals are:

1.      Reduce likelihood of flooding due to extreme precipitation events

2.      Increase share of energy used from clean sources

3.      Improve the ability of all residents to meet their basic needs even in the face of external challenges, and quickly recover from disruptions

4.      Reduce waste sent to landfills

5.      Use vacant property to the benefit of the community

6.      Increase healthy tree canopy throughout the City

7.      Residents are informed and aware of environmental/sustainability issues and how they can contribute to mitigating and adapting to adverse effects

8.      Balance the transition to electric vehicles with other sustainability and community considerations

9.      Increase opportunities and support for alternative modes of transportation

10.   Inventory volunteer opportunities and understand community needs

11.   Support new and existing businesses in being local leaders in sustainability

12.   Support households in being financially literate and able to meet their financial needs

13.   Identify a venue for community events

14.   Promote sustainable practices through city zoning and ordinances

The Framework will be presented to the Planning Commission at the February 14 ^th  meeting, at 7:30pm at City Hall. The community is encouraged to attend.

A full copy of the draft can be reviewed  here . Feedback on the plan can be sent to sosborn@giffelswebster.com.

We’re still a few weeks away from the official beginning of winter but it’s definitely getting colder. Regardless of where we are in the season, staying warm is more expensive compared to last year. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, the cost of heating a home with natural gas this winter is expected to be more than 30% higher than last year. Here are some tips to help you save money and keep warm this season.

If you have any personal favorites that we missed, let us know and we’ll add them to the bottom of the next newsletter!

Heating

• Keep your thermostat temperature at 68 degrees when you’re awake at home. Lower it to between 60 and 67 degrees while sleeping.
• Consider purchasing a programable thermostat to help with scheduling around sleeping and leaving the house.
• Close the vent to unused rooms. If needed, buy a magnetic register cover to shut off forced air furnaces in unused rooms.

Fans

Make sure you have you r ceiling fans set to run clockwise . This pushes warm air down, keeping you comfortable.

Insulation

• DTE and Consumers Energy offer rebates to help with the upfront costs for wall, attic, and window insulation options.
• Prioritize insulation updates in the attic to stay warm in the winter. Hot air rises, and adding insulation to the attic will reduce heat loss, saving you money and keeping the temperature comfortable.  

Windows and doors

• Open shades when it’s sunny.
• Hang heavy curtains and keep them closed, especially at night.
• DIY  weather stripping doors and windows  is a cheap way to prevent cold air from coming in.

Keeping warm when the power goes out

• Dress warmly!
• Close unused rooms.
• Put down a rug to help your feet feel warmer.
• Drink warm beverages.

This article was written by Clawson, Naturally, a city-created committee of Clawson residents, business owners, city staff, and stakeholders who are working to identify and promote practices within the city that will help create a sustainable environment and promote long-term resiliency through education, advising, oversight, and advocacy actions. To learn more about this group or to get involved, please visit the  committee’s page on the Clawson website . We meet every 4th Monday of the month from 6:30-7:30pm over Zoom. Come join us!

Fall is here! As we all try to get in a few more minutes of sunshine and fresh air and prepare our homes for winter, there are many things we can do have a positive impact on the environment. Read on for autumn sustainability tips for both outside and inside your home.

Outside – Fall Clean Up:

• It is important to rake leaves to prevent them from suffocating the lawn and promoting the growth of mold and fungi. Instead, compost, mulch, or bag them for pick up. However, leaving some leave litter can provide refuge for small critters over the winter and increase rainwater absorption, thereby reducing flooding.
• Look out for Japanese knotweed during your fall clean up. This invasive species is very aggressive, quickly taking over areas and infiltrating concrete, causing major property damage and loss of property value. Even just a small piece of the root can grow into an entire new plant. Therefore, when removing this plant, any plant material should be placed in a trash headed to the landfill and not in yard waste or compost. More information about this and resources to help control it can be found in our October 2021 newsletter below.
• Got flower heads that are past their prime? Collect and save any seeds you want, and consider leaving the rest as food and shelter for insects and animals as they prepare for winter.
• If you find bees in places you don’t want – like your shed or the umbrella of your patio table, don’t spray them. Instead, contact  Bees in the D.  They will relocate your bees to a new home in a hive in Detroit.
• Fall is a great time to plant, and many plants experience fewer stresses and thrive after being planted in the fall compared to the summer or spring. Buying plants now can also save money, as many garden centers have reduced prices. Be sure to look for native plants and choose a variety to include in your yard to support pollinators and other insects and animals.
• Now is also a good time to overseed your yard to set it up for good growth in the spring. Grass roots grow particularly well in cooler weather, but the soil is still warm enough for seed germination.

Inside – Energy Savings:

• Pull out your sweaters and blankets and enjoy the coziness while keeping your indoor temperature set at cooler temperatures than we are used to this time of year. Setting the thermostat at 68 degrees provides a balance of comfort and energy savings. Consider reducing the temperature to as low as 60 degrees when you are gone or sleeping to save even more money and energy. A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures to increase savings throughout the day, whether you are home or not.
• Replace the air filter in your furnace if it hasn’t been done in the last 30-60 days, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Move furniture to interior walls and away from windows, particularly those that may be drafty.
• Check air vents to make sure they are not covered by furniture or other objects.
• Make sure windows and doors are sealed to prevent leaks from allowing cold air in and warm air out.

This article was written by Clawson, Naturally, a city-created committee of Clawson residents, business owners, city staff, and stakeholders who are working to identify and promote practices within the city that will help create a sustainable environment and promote long-term resiliency through education, advising, oversight, and advocacy actions. To learn more about this group or to get involved, please visit the   committee’s page on the Clawson website . We meet every 4th Monday of the month from 6:30-7:30pm over Zoom. You can join us by clicking  here !

July 2022

We’re officially in the dog days of summer. Fall is coming soon, but we’ve got several hot weeks between now and then. Here are some tips to help you save money and keep cool now and in the future, and for managing extreme heat if the power goes out due to storms. 

If you have any personal favorites that we missed, let us know and we’ll add them to the bottom of the next newsletter!  

Air conditioning

• Consider purchasing a  heat pump . They can cost more to install, but save you money long-term due to their higher efficiencies and lower energy costs compared to traditional air conditioning units.
• Take advantage of rebates from DTE for high efficiency models of heat pumps and traditional air conditioning units. 

Fans

• Make sure you have you r fan set to run counterclockwise . This pushes cool air down, keeping you comfortable.
• Run your HVAC fan even when you’re not running your air conditioning. Especially if you have a basement, this will help circulate the cooler air from downstairs around your home.

Insulation 

•  DTE  and  Consumers Energy  offer rebates to help with the upfront costs for wall, attic, and window insulation options.
• DIY  weather stripping doors and windows  is a cheaper way to prevent hot air from coming in. 

Running appliances

•  DTE’s electricity rates  are high more expensive from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you can, run large appliances like dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers during the morning or later at night. They’ll warm up your home less while it’s cooler outside, and cost you less money.
• If you need to get a new high efficiency clothes washer or dryer, you can get a  rebate from DTE. 
• Use a grill or a microwave on hot days to keep from needing to run the air conditioning to cool your home down after using the stove or oven. 

Don’t let heat in on hot days

• The south side of your home gets the most sun. The east side gets a lot of morning sun, and the west side warms up in the late afternoon. Make sure you’re closing your blinds based on where the sun is.
• Consider upgrading your window coverings to keep more hot air from coming through.  Indoor window shutters and insulated cellular shades  are both good options. 

Keeping cool when the power goes out

• Use a spray bottle to cool yourself down. The water will evaporate and help your body get rid of heat.
• Keep the shades closed during the day, open the windows at night.
• Apply a cool wet washcloth to the back of your neck, under your armpits, on your wrists, or on your groin.
• Drink lots of water.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Close off your warmest rooms - probably the ones on the south side of your home.
• Check in on your neighbors.
• Sleep as low as possible - on the floor or in the basement.

This article was written by Clawson, Naturally, a city-created committee of Clawson residents, business owners, city staff, and stakeholders who are working to identify and promote practices within the city that will help create a sustainable environment and promote long-term resiliency through education, advising, oversight, and advocacy actions. To learn more about this group or to get involved, please visit the  committee’s page on the Clawson website . We meet every 4th Monday of the month from 6:30-7:30pm over Zoom. Come join us!

May 2022

Making eco-friendly choices is more important than ever. Climate change is a real threat to our future and to future generations. Although it may seem like individual choices couldn’t possibly make a difference, there are small changes you can make that will have a big impact.  

Everyone starts somewhere. And with summer just around the corner, what better place to start than your own backyard. 

Here are 5 things you can do to make your yard more environmentally-friendly:

Choose native plants. When you’re shopping for plants, flowers, and trees this spring, take a minute to research plants that are native to southern Michigan. Native plants and trees provide food and a habitat for local wildlife, and they can survive our specific climate. Since they’re acclimated to our area, they’ll need less maintenance ablob:https://storymaps.arcgis.com/41d98920-8352-4e57-8653-3d1a46d237e0nd less water, so you’ll see lower numbers when it’s time to pay your water bill.

 Here’s a link to where you can find plants native to southern Michigan*    

Use organic fertilizers. Common fertilizers you might find at the hardware store introduce harmful chemicals into the soil and the ecosystem. So, if you’re shopping for fertilizer, consider purchasing an organic fertilizer.  True, high-quality organic fertilizers are products of natural decomposition. They’re easy for plants to digest, and they provide consistent nourishment. 

Use organic mulch.  Mulching provides many benefits to your home’s landscape and garden. Mulch helps to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which keeps plants alive and healthy. When choosing a mulch from your local hardware store, be sure that it’s made from organic materials like wood chips, bark, leaves, or pine needles. Mulch that is dyed releases harmful chemicals, and doesn’t break down naturally.

Leave your grass clippings. Leaving your grass clippings behind when you mow is another simple eco-friendly choice. Grass clippings return moisture and essential nutrients to your lawn. If you don’t want to leave clippings on your lawn, try composting. Once broken down, compost can be used to fertilize your lawn and plants. 

Invest in an electric mower. Gas-powered lawn mowers emit CO2 and therefore contribute to the warming of our planet. According to the EPA, with 54 million Americans mowing their lawns on a weekly basis, gas lawn mower emissions account for as much as  5% of the nation’s total air pollution . investing in an electric lawn mower can make a big difference.

The choices we make matter, however small they are. One person can’t do everything, but everyone can do something.  

March 2022

I don’t care what anyone says, Punxsutawney Phil never gets it right. Now that we’re “officially” in Spring (whatever that means in Michigan) it’s time we start thinking about greening our lawns. Now there’s no right or wrong way to try and grow a healthy yard, but here are some things to consider.

Find the “Goldilocks” level of moisture

First, be careful and tread lightly on your springtime grass. As the ground warms up, moisture will percolate from winter freezing, causing the yard to be saturated. As you walk on your grass, the loose wet soil is more prone to compaction, which will lead to the damage of the emerging root system. To help prevent this, determine how wet your soil is. Take a handful of soil and make a “meatball”. If it stays in the shape of a ball and does not fall apart, the soil is too wet to walk on to manage. Once the soil is a bit drier, consider core-aerating the soil. This can be done with a pitchfork, or a lawn aerator.

Add nutrients for growth and drainage

Now that you’ve aerated the soil, you can add soil that is like the soil you have and add a thin layer of topdressing. Be careful not to use soil that is too dissimilar from your base soil. If you compost, adding this as a topdressing is fine. Topdressing will even out the areas in your yard and help with effective drainage. Adding compost will also add needed organic materials and microbes which may be missing. Be careful not to add too much topdressing or you may create a layer that’s impermeable, reducing water infiltration.

If you find that a particular area of your yard is more prone to heavy traffic and will never grow grass again, turf reinforcement netting or plastic/concrete permeable grass pavers may be a solution. These products prevent soil erosion, compaction, and vastly improve drainage.

You’ve taken care of the structure of your lawn now you’ll need to consider when to fertilize. While we all are envious of our neighbor’s green lawn, avoid being too enthusiastic when adding fertilizer. Adding fertilizer too early in the spring will cause the grass roots to start growing too soon. Remember that your grass has stored the nutrients it needs in the root system and will know when to begin to grow. Slow and steady wins the race in a green yard. In Michigan, it’s best to wait to fertilize until early May. Do not apply if the soil is too wet (use the soil ball test mentioned above), and never apply before it rains. Fertilizers are listed with three numbers for N-P-K ratios (Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)). It is extremely important to choose a fertilizer with low or no phosphorus: N-P-K ratio of 3:1:2, 4:1:2, 5:0:5, or 10:0:10. Too much phosphorus will run off into our waterways and reduce the amount of oxygen in streams and lakes. Always follow the instructions when applying and never apply more than is directed. Also, avoid fertilizers that contain fast-release nitrogen as these types tend to cause grass to “burn”.

Know when to mow and water

Allow your grass to establish itself before mowing. Yes, it may look a little too tall, but the first growth of the season is the most important to ensure a healthy yard for the rest of the year. Depending on how warm our April is, mowing should start between mid-April and the end of the month. Never mow too short; your grass should be at least 3 inches high after each cut. Taller grass keeps the soil cooler and helps to minimize weed germination. Mowing too short will distress the grass and prevent proper growth. Also, you should leave grass clippings. Decomposing grass will add the equivalent of one fertilizer application each year.

OK, what about watering? Well, around here Spring usually means wet. Use the “meatball” test again to determine if you need to break out the sprinkler or not. Several successive days above 65 degrees without rain should be the time to start watering. This normally happens around here after mid-May. You should not have to water your soil more than once a week if you use enough that penetrates to a depth of six inches. The best time to water is in the morning. Avoid watering in the evening as remaining water that has not penetrated into the soil or evaporated will promote powdery mildew and mold. Remember that as the season progresses, we usually see a decline in our lawns starting around Independence Day and lasting until late August. This is normal. Stick to the once-a-week regimen during this period and you should be fine, and your lawn return to normal by Labor Day.

This article was written by Glenn Shepard, a member of Clawson, Naturally. Clawson, Naturally is a city-created committee of Clawson residents, business owners, city staff, and stakeholders who are working to identify and promote practices within the city that will help create a sustainable environment and promote long-term resiliency through education, advising, oversight, and advocacy actions. To learn more about this group or to get involved, please visit the   committee’s page on the Clawson website .

February 2022

By this point in the season, we have all received at least one winter-time energy bill, and it is likely to have been quite a bit higher than those of more recent months. Finding ways to reduce your energy bills is not only good for your wallet, but also for your health, the environment, and the local economy. Many of our heating systems use natural gas, and we get a portion of our electricity from coal, which are both fossil fuels that pollute the air when burned. These pollutants can exacerbate  respiratory illnesses such as asthma and catalyze cardiovascular and neurological diseases as well as certain cancers . Additionally, many of the byproducts of these fuels are greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change resulting in changing weather patterns, more frequent and severe storms, changes in pest and crop locations and timing, and many other adverse effects. Reducing energy bills can help prevent some of these effects on our health and environment while also giving residents and business owners more disposable income to save, invest, or do something fun and enriching.

There are many ways to improve your home energy efficiency year-round, and  DTE Energy provides many programs for home and business owners . Some of these strategies include:

Free Strategies

• Sign up to complete  DTE’sHome Energy Consultation  and receive products such as LED light bulbs, nightlights, water heater pipe wrap, and a programmable thermostat.
• In the winter, open drapes and blinds on south-facing windows to help warm your home with sunlight. In the summer, close the blinds and curtains on south and west-facing windows to block out the sunlight.
• In the winter, lower the temperature and put on a sweater or wrap up in a blanket.
• Ensure rugs, drapes, furniture, and other items are not blocking airflow from registers.
• If you have a fireplace, close the damper unless a fire is burning.
• Wash your clothes in cold water.
• Avoid over-using exhaust fans. Humid air in bathrooms can usually be cleared within 15 minutes, and kitchen fans can clear hot air from the kitchen within 20 minutes of finishing cooking. After cooking in the winter, turn the oven off and leave the door open to help warm the house.
• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use, set timers for use, and/or unplug when not needed. Many appliances still draw small amounts of energy even when not in use.

Low-cost Strategies

• Install and seal clear plastic window coverings on leaking windows to keep cold air out.
• Weatherstrip doors and caulk around windows.
• Seal air leaks and connectors/junctions in ductwork using mastic sealant or metal tape.
• Upgrade lightbulbs to LEDs.
• Change your furnace filter regularly; every 9 days is recommended.

Higher-cost Strategies

• Replace screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier to cold winter air outside.
• Upgrade appliances and windows to be EnergyStar and high-efficiency. Sign up for DTE’s rebates for window replacements.
• Check that the attic is sealed and adequately insulated. Sign up for DTE’s cash-back rebates for installing energy-efficient insulation.
• Add solar panels to your roof.

The average Michigan household spends about 2.2% of their income on electricity,

January 2022

The beauty of fall in Michigan reminds us how trees help give Clawson neighborhoods and the places we frequent a certain character and charm that differentiates them from just another neighborhood (for example, check out the trees on Elmsford between Main and Washington or West Tacoma). In addition to these aesthetic benefits, trees can have beneficial economic, health, safety, and environmental impacts in built-up communities such as Clawson. These benefits accrue to everyone, from homeowners to businesses owners, the young, the elderly, future residents, and those in nearby communities. The benefits of trees have been studied by researchers and economists, giving us quite a few additional reasons to want more trees in our neighborhoods and downtowns. Some of these benefits include:

·       Increased property values between 5 and 20%. When taking walkability to nearby businesses into account, economists reported in 2010 that walkability raised Portland, OR home values by $3,500 in a treeless neighborhood, but by more than $22,000 in a tree-lined ones.

·       Shoppers willing to travel further, stay longer, pay more for parking, and pay 9-12% more for products and services in places with more trees.

·       Reduced stress and anxiety, resulting in higher rates of civil behavior and crime reduction. One study in particular found that crime was 11.8% less in areas with 10% more tree canopy compared to areas with similar characteristics.

·       Reduced vehicle crashes 5-20% along urban roads.

·       Promoting exercise.

·       Reduced heat island effect created by the 3-7 degree rise in urban temperatures due to asphalt and concrete surfaces that retain heat.

·       Protection from precipitation.

·       Improved air quality.

·       Reduction of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that causes climate change and extreme and unpredictable weather events such as our increasing number of extreme heat days and excessive precipitation events.

·       Increased stormwater retention capacity and filtration, reducing flooding on sidewalks and streets.

You may have heard the saying, “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago; the second-best time is now.” Clearly there are many reasons to plant more trees and greenery in general. Tree type, placement, and maintenance are important considerations when thinking about adding trees to an urban area. However, their benefits often outweigh the cost and can help create a sustainable and resilient community now and in the future. As the City of Clawson and its newly formed sustainability committee, Clawson, Naturally, continues to think about the future, street trees will be an important part of the conversation.

This article was written by Clawson, Naturally, a city-created committee of Clawson residents, business owners, city staff, and stakeholders who are working to identify and promote practices within the City that will help create a sustainable environment and promote long-term resiliency through education, advising, oversight, and advocacy actions. To learn more about this group or to get involved, please visit the  committee’s page on the Clawson website .

October 2021

Have you seen this plant? Japanese knotweed (also known as Fallopia japonica) is an aggressive perennial that reproduces both by rhizomes (underground stems) and by seed. It is often found in shaded to partially shaded habitats on moist, nutrient-rich soils, though it can thrive in gardens and on roadsides as well. It has been spotted in Clawson, specifically on the north side of town. This invasive species grows quickly and can ruin pavement, sidewalks, and foundations. MSU Extension has provided the following information about how to control it to prevent property damage.

Physical control.

• Repeated chopping or digging may eventually deplete underground reserves thus reducing the competitive edge of Japanese knotweed, however it is expected to take several growing seasons to achieve eradication. Both root and stem fragments can root and result in new plants, therefore any plant material removed for control should be placed in the trash headed to the landfill and not in yard waste or compost.
• Mulching is not an effective means of suppressing Japanese knotweed.
• Mowing is not recommended as it can spread the infestation.

Chemical control.

• Repeated herbicide applications of glyphosate or various brush killers, such as triclopyr (Garlon, Pathfinder, Brush-B-Gon) or triclopyr + 2,4-D (Crossbow) should help keep this plant under control, but eradication is difficult.
• Chemical applications can be made to cut stems for more effective treatment of small populations, see herbicide labels for details.
• Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup Weed and Grass Killer concentrate) is usually the best choice for homeowners because of its safety, ease of application and lack of residual activity in the soil
• In a lawn, triclopyr or triclopyr + 2.4-D are better options because they will not harm the grass.
• Be sure to read and follow all labeled instructions. Repeat applications will likely be necessary.
• There are more potent herbicides available that may provide eradication, but they are very persistent and can impact trees and shrubs with roots in the area. If you would like more information on these herbicides please contact Dr. Erin Hill at MSU Extension by email at  hiller12@msu.edu .

Additional information specific to Japanese knotweed can be found at  Oakland County's Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) website .

Japanese knotweed will continue to be a problem if neighbors and others nearby also have this weed and are not actively controlling it. Eradicating this plant will require community vigilance and effort.