Invasive Phragmites have been an ongoing annual threat to the ecology of Georgian Bay shores for years with limited means to combat the spread, but a $650,000 investment from the province this past week has been warmly received by the plant’s opposition.
In 2005, invasive Phragmites (pronounced frag-MY-tees) were recognized by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada as the country’s worst invasive plant. It is a tall perennial commonly known as the European common reed, found in wetlands, along roadside ditches, and in the shorelines throughout the Great Lakes.
According to Severn Sound Environmental Association executive director Julie Cayley, “Invasive Phragmites is a non-native plant species that spreads quickly, forming dense stands that replace native plants, reducing biodiversity and degrading habitats. This harms native wildlife that rely on those plants for food and shelter, disrupting the ecosystem. Additionally, Phragmites can clog ditches, block road views, increase fire risk, and pose safety hazards for drivers and pedestrians.”
To aid in mitigation efforts, 38 new collaborative projects were given attention by the Ontario Phragmites Action program and a $650,000 investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources through the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund.
“The SSEA will be receiving $25,000,” said Cayley, “which will be used to work with our eight municipal members and other partners to develop a comprehensive management plan for invasive Phragmites on roadsides and municipal properties, and to focus best management practices where they will be most effective.
“The grant… is a much needed and welcomed investment,” Cayley added. “Invasive Phragmites is quite widespread and efforts from a variety of stakeholders and organizations are needed to tackle it; we make a difference by working together.”
Cayley noted that advocacy to the province was made possible by groups such as the SSEA, Invasive Species Centre, Georgian Bay Forever, and the MTM (Marl-Tiny-Matchedash) Conservation Association.
“We at MTM Conservation applied for $4,400 under this (Invasive Phragmites Control Fund) umbrella,” said director Kate Harries, “and we are very pleased that our application was approved by the Invasive Species Centre.
“The amount is part of the $31,800 we need for the fourth year of Phragmites control at Tiny Marsh using the services of our contractor, the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre. The first three years of our control efforts were funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada, but the program we were able to access through them does not provide for extra funds beyond what had been initially approved, so we had to turn to our community for help,” Harries stated.
A key contributor to the MTM Conservation was the Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Club donating $10,000 this year, which Harries said made them “astonished and delighted.”
Harries also expressed gratitude for a $9,000 grant through Tiny Township, with additional contributions of $4,400 from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, a donation from Ducks Unlimited Canada for $3,000, and a $1,000 gift from the Tiny Township Lions Club.
“Invasive Phragmites degrades wetlands, making them inhospitable to native flora and fauna,” Harries explained. “Long-term, Tiny Marsh as we know it would disappear if nothing is done to control the weed.”
Cayley pointed out that invasive species aren’t respectful toward boundaries due to their ability to spread.
“That is why it is so important for all property owners — be they individuals, municipalities, or provincial or federal governments — to do their part to stop the spread.”
Robert Codd, president of the Midland-Penetanguishene Field Naturalists, said the funding is a good start.
“Although I can't speak for the SSEA, it's my belief that this funding represents a good start; any and all funding is welcome,” said Codd. “This money, however, falls short of what’s needed. For example, by year's end MTM will have spent approximately $120,000 (in capital costs) over four years to tackle Phragmites in the comparatively (roughly 40 times smaller) area that is Tiny Marsh.”
Codd stated that full credit was to go to Harries and naturalist David Hawke for their Tiny Marsh efforts, as well as the “amazing volunteer efforts and in-kind donations” that have kept the program successful.
“The time to act was yesterday. If left unchecked, Phragmites will quickly take over entire ecosystems,” said Codd. “Vast stretches of Severn Sound shoreline are in private hands. Property owners don't necessarily have the knowledge or the means to tackle Phragmites.”
Volunteers have employed a cut-to-drown method which deprives the species of sunlight and nutrients, but the window for operation is limited to mid-summer and able bodies are few. Other methods to control Phragmites include proven-but-expensive herbicides, and the introduction of a non-native moth species which could impart its own set of issues on fragile ecosystems.
In addition to the natural spread of Phragmites in the water, seeds can be carried by wind resulting in propagation along road sides, or by vehicle tires and boots travelling from one location to another. Coddagreed with a statement last year by Tay Township Deputy Mayor Norris, who claimed that municipalities were “the first line of defence.”
“Georgian Bay Forever runs a program to treat Matchedash Bay for invasive Phragmites while meters away, on provincial highways, large stands of the invasive reed lie waiting along roadsides to spread their seeds into treated areas,” noted Codd. “The province must become more involved and proactive in treating this problem. Concerned citizens should contact their elected representatives and demand action.”
Mitigation initiatives at Tiny Marsh this fall will be carried out through the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre using amphibious vehicles and other equipment needed for mechanical and chemical control; dates have yet to be determined. Harries added that information on the “Phrag Free Tiny Marsh” project from 2021 to 2023 can be found on the MTM Conservation website.
Cayley stated that the SSEA would be working with partners including the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters in Wye Marsh following the funding announcement. Links to various information, programs, mitigation techniques and more can be found on the invasive species section of the SSEA website.
