If combined, the populations would cover an area of less than 5 hectares. These plants are found in mid-successional sites disturbed in the last 11 to 50 years. It was found in the area of the visitor center and in the prairie areas of both the North and South Units. Although quackgrass presently exists in low numbers at EFMO it is important to realize that it is a highly competitive plant and has the potential to invade and modify existing native communities. It is a threat to the areas' primary resources.
Quackgrass is difficult to control, and a limited number of control methods are available.
An important consideration in controlling this species is that the seeds have the potential to remain viable in the seed bank for up to 10 years, and it can vigorously spread by rhizomes. Prior to applying any control method, it is important to determine if enough desirable plants are present to replace the controlled plants. If desired vegetation is scarce or absent control will be of little value. An alternative may be to follow control with seeding of desirable species. Another consideration is that most control methods harm other plants and the resulting disturbances favor reinvasion by quackgrass or other exotic species.