Posted July 31, 2024
The Ontario Phragmites Action program, bolstered by a significant investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, is supporting 38 new collaborative projects to help combat invasive Phragmites impacts across the province.
These initiatives, supported by the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund with a total investment of more than $650,000, will increase invasive species action by community groups, Indigenous organizations, and municipalities across Ontario.
Recipients include Grand Council Treaty #3 and the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA).
As a result of successful collaborations with the Invasive Species Centre in 2022 and 2023, which identified, mapped, and DNA-tested Phragmites across the territory, Grand Council Treaty #3 confirmed the presence of invasive Phragmites. With funding support this year, Grand Council Treaty #3 will continue and expand on these activities, targeting new regions such as Atikokan, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, and Upsala, as well as the 28 Treaty #3 First Nation communities to prevent the establishment of invasive Phragmites, safeguarding the environment and preserving traditional Anishinaabe practices.
The Severn Sound Environmental Association is committed to managing and protecting the environmental health of the Severn Sound region. Covering the municipalities of Midland, Penetanguishene, Oro-Medonte, Severn, Springwater, Georgian Bay, Tay, and Tiny, the SSEA’s new initiative will develop a comprehensive management plan to combat the spread of invasive Phragmites.
Phragmites, also known as the European common reed, is one of the most aggressive invasive plants in Canada. It rapidly spreads and forms dense stands, outcompeting native vegetation, altering habitats, and impacting biodiversity. Phragmites disrupts wetlands, reduces habitat for wildlife, and impedes drainage in agricultural lands, leading to significant ecological and economic consequences. Managing and controlling Phragmites is crucial for preserving natural ecosystems and supporting the well-being of communities in Ontario.
Since 2019, the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund has funded 71 projects across the province that help protect natural spaces from the impacts of Phragmites. In 2024/25 the Ontario Phragmites Action program is happy to be supporting the following organizations:
- Garden River First Nation Lands and Resources
- Grand Council Treaty 3 Representative Services
- Invasive Phragmites Control Centre
- Junction Creek Stewardship Committee Inc.
- Lakehead Region Conservation Authority
- Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
- Sheshegwaning First Nation
- Winter Spider Eco-Consulting
- Chippewas of Rama First Nation
- Corporation of the Town of Newmarket
- Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
- Crescent Harbour Association
- Curve Lake First Nation
- Friends of Second Marsh
- Georgian Bay Forever
- Hiawatha First Nation
- Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
- Marl Tiny Matchedash Conservation Association
- Near North Enviro Education Centre (collaborative lead)
- Nipissing First Nation
- Severn Sound Environmental Association
- The City of Brampton
- The Corporation of the Town of Georgina
- Town of Ajax
- U-Links Centre for Community-Based Research
- York Region
- Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
- Birds Canada
- Caldwell First Nation
- Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club
- The Corporation of Norfolk County
- The Corporation of the Town of LaSalle
- Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
- Friends of Presqu’ile Provincial Park
- Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
- Raisin Region Conservation Authority
- South Nation River Conservation Authority
- St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences
Quotes:
“The Ontario government is dedicated to preventing new invaders from arriving, slowing or reversing the spread of those that are already here and reducing the overall impacts to our province. The $11 million investment our government recently made to help communities address Phragmites and provide vital funding through the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund is the latest step we have taken to protect Ontario’s critical industries and our natural environment so the people of Ontario can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of our province.”
Minister Graydon Smith
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
“The Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, as part of the Ontario Phragmites Action program, is supporting coordinated efforts to reduce the harmful impacts of this invasive plant. These on-the-ground action projects will prevent the spread of invasive Phragmites and contribute to slowing and reversing the spread of Phragmites in Ontario.”
Sarah Rang
Executive Director, Invasive Species Centre
