海角社区官网

The province previously allocated to the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund over three years.

Impact of phragmites

Phragmites, also known as European common reed, appears in dense, tall patches. The reed can clog drainage ditches, block sightlines for drivers, disrupt turtle nesting habitats and overwhelm native plant species.

The Invasive Species Centre estimates it costs about $1,100 to manage one linear kilometre of phragmites in roadside ditches.

The plant alters wildlife habitat and impacts biodiversity. Biochemicals released from its roots can choke out surrounding plants, creating ecological concerns.

In a news release, the Invasive Species Centre said phragmites is widely considered to be Ontario鈥檚 worst invasive plant. It spreads through seeds and root fragments, which can be transported by wind, water, vehicles, heavy machinery and human activity.

鈥淎ddressing this invasive species proactively helps avoid substantial costs, including reduced agricultural yields, obstructed public access to waterways, increased flooding, higher roadside maintenance expenses, and lost tourism revenue,鈥� said Colin Cassin, Invasive Species Centre executive director.

Funded projects

Since 2019, the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund has funded more than 131 projects that help protect natural spaces in Ontario from the impacts of phragmites. This year, the fund is supporting several organizations in central Ontario, including the following:

• Alderville Black Oak Savanna
• Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
• City of Niagara Falls
• County of Peterborough
• Credit Valley Conservation Authority
• Curve Lake First Nation
• Friends of Second Marsh
• Georgian Bay Forever
• Haliburton Highlands Land Trust
• Hamilton Conservation Foundation
• Kawartha Land Trust
• Moose Deer Point First Nation Lands Department
• Near North Environmental Centre
• Niagara College (Shriner)
• Niagara College (Smith)
• Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
• Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
• Rama First Nation
• Regional Municipality of Durham
• Seguin Township
• Severn Sound Environmental Association and Municipal Partners
• The Corporation of the City of Mississauga
• The Corporation of the Township of Chisholm
• 海角社区官网and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
• Town of Ajax
• Town of Pelham
• Township of Uxbridge

Dozens of projects now underway

Ontario Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris said more than 80 phragmites control projects are now underway across the province.

鈥淏y investing in the management of invasive phragmites, our government is taking decisive action to protect Ontario鈥檚 wetlands, roadways, and community spaces,鈥� he said.

The phragmites control initiative works with municipalities, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities and incorporated not-for-profit organizations for on-the-ground action.

In Durham Region, for example, program partners are developing the first comprehensive invasive phragmites management plan across all eight local municipalities.

The project will map and prioritize phragmites populations by collecting existing data, conducting geographic information system analysis, verifying field conditions and drafting a strategic plan by winter 2025-2026. The resulting plan will guide collaborative, practical, and regionwide control efforts, define partner roles, and support long-term management of invasive phragmites in the region.

How to report sightings

Learn how to recognize invasive phragmites by visiting the Ontario Phragmites Action program聽.

Report sightings of invasive phragmites through the聽听辞谤听聽websites and mobile device applications. Your report should include an accurate location of the sighting, complete with photos.