In Michigan, polymers may only be used on which type of plants?

In Michigan, the regulations regarding the use of polymers primarily pertain to their application in managing emergent plants. Emergent plants are those that grow in shallow water and have their stems and leaves above the water surface. The use of polymers in managing these plants allows for effective control while minimizing impacts on the surrounding aquatic ecosystem.

Polymers can create a barrier that helps suppress the growth of unwanted emergent vegetation, which can often impede water flow and hinder recreational activities in lakes and wetlands. This targeted approach ensures that the treatment is specific to the types of plants that potentially disrupt the ecosystem or human activities, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to broader-spectrum herbicides that may affect a wider range of plants.

The other types of plants listed, including submerged, floating, and terrestrial plants, are not typically targeted for treatment with polymers in the same way as emergent plants. Each plant type has different management strategies and requirements, but the focus on emergent plants aligns with effective pest management practices in aquatic environments in Michigan.