Funding is coming to the region to assist organizations in combating invasive phragmites.
Phragmites, also known as the European common reed, is a dense rapid spreading plant, which can outcompete native vegetation, disrupt ecosystems, and reduce biodiversity.
The Ontario Phragmites Action Program, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, is supporting eight organizations with a total of $160,481 in funding to manage and control the spread of the plant.
In northern Ontario, it is easier to fight against the plant’s spread as its population is relatively spread out, allowing for early intervention before it spreads.
“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,” said the Invasive Species Centre in a release.
In northwestern Ontario, the following organizations are receiving funding:
| Recipient | Project Title | Location |
| Invasive Phragmites Control Centre | Northern Ontario Invasive Phragmites Control Pilot Project | Various cities across the region |
| Lakehead Region Conservation Authority | Thunder Bay Phragmites Monitoring & Management | City of Thunder Bay, Municipalities of Neebing, Shuniah and Oliver Paipoonge and the Townships of Conmee, O’Connor, Gillies and Dorion |
| Grand Council Treaty 3 Representative Services | GCT3-TPU Phragmites 2024 | Treaty #3 Territory including Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances, and Red Lake |
“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 LRCA Watershed Biologist, Jessie McFadden. “Thanks to the funding, LRCA and the Thunder Bay Regional Phragmites Collaborative plan to manage an additional 15 stands of invasive Phragmites this year.”
Since 2019, the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund has funded 71 projects across the province that help protect natural spaces from the impacts of Phragmites.
