August 21, 2024
The Ontario Phragmites Action program, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, continues crucial work in the battle against Phragmites, known as Canada’s most invasive plant. In Northern Ontario in 2024, the Ontario Phragmites Action program is supporting eight organizations, providing them with the resources needed to manage and control this destructive species.
One of the initiatives supported by the Ontario Phragmites Action program in 2024 is a project led by the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) in Thunder Bay. The LRCA has been at the forefront of efforts to manage the spread of Phragmites in the Thunder Bay area, identifying over ten locations where the plant is present.
Phragmites, also known as the European common reed, is notorious for its rapid spread and dense growth, which can outcompete native vegetation, disrupt ecosystems, and reduce biodiversity. Northern Ontario presents a unique opportunity in this fight, as the region’s relatively sparse populations of Phragmites make early intervention essential to prevent the plant from gaining a stronger foothold.
Thanks to funding from the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, the LRCA will expand its efforts in 2024. The LRCA has partnered with the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre (IPCC), which brings over a decade of experience managing Phragmites in Southern Ontario. This collaboration will focus on the leading edge of Phragmites’ spread in the North, employing a variety of techniques, including mechanical and chemical control methods, to manage the plant effectively.
“Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is thrilled to have received funds through ISC’s Invasive Phragmites Control Fund to help us expand our surveying range for invasive Phragmites in the North and continue managing stands at their onset,” said Jessie McFadden of the LRCA. “Thanks to the funding, LRCA and the Thunder Bay Regional Phragmites Collaborative plan to manage an additional 15 stands of invasive Phragmites this year. We are extremely grateful to be able to learn from the experience of Southern Ontario and stop this invasive species in its tracks as it begins to arrive in the Thunder Bay region.”
In Northern Ontario, the spread of Phragmites is often facilitated by transportation corridors, such as highways and railways, as well as heavy equipment used in construction and maintenance. The LRCA’s project will address these challenges through comprehensive surveys, continued mapping efforts, and engagement with local landowners and stakeholders to ensure effective management of the identified Phragmites stands.
Since 2019, the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund has funded 71 projects across the province that help protect natural spaces from the impacts of Phragmites. The Ontario Phragmites Action program’s ongoing support for projects like LRCA’s in Thunder Bay underscores its commitment to preserving Ontario’s natural ecosystems. These local collaborations, bolstered by the Fund, mark a significant step forward in the fight against invasive Phragmites in Northern Ontario.
Looking ahead, the new investment from Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources is expected to support future calls to the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund. Interested parties are encouraged to learn more about grant opportunities and sign up for updates on upcoming funding cycles at www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/grants.
About the Ontario Phragmites Action program
The Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program enhances a coordinated response to invasive Phragmites across Ontario. Supported by Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and implemented by the Invasive Species Centre, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and other key partners, OPA aims to expand collaborative action through increased resources for local coordination groups. These resources include the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, free genetic testing, and mapping support. Subscribe for updates and future opportunities to participate at Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program – Invasive Species Centre.
Media Contact
Deb Sparks
Business Development and Communications Manager
Invasive Species Centre
media@invasivespeciescentre.ca
705-255-8301
