Battling Phragmites in your waterway? Gov't money available to help

A group fighting a plant that is taking over Ontario wetlands is looking to fund organizations looking to join the battle.

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 disrupt wetlands, reduce habitat for wildlife, and impede 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. 

The plant can be found in numerous sites locally, including Lake Nipissing.

The Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program has announced the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund (IPCF) call for proposals. IPCF was made possible by funding from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. These funds will support local on-the-ground action on Phragmites and amplify and expand control activities as part of a provincial-scale, coordinated Phragmites program.

Municipalities, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, and other incorporated not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to apply. 

See: Province to spend $13M over 3 years to fight the invasive plant Phragmites

And: Ontario Phragmites Action program supporting projects in northern Ontario

“As we launch this round of the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, we are taking another vital step toward protecting natural landscapes and preserving biodiversity,” says Colin Cassin, Executive Director of the Invasive Species Centre. “Through this Fund, we’re able to help provide communities with the resources they need to take meaningful action on invasive species." 

OPA works with many partners to address the threat of Phragmites australis, commonly referred to as Canada’s worst invasive plant. Phragmites is a perennial grass from Europe and is rapidly spread by seed and root fragments (rhizomes) carried by wind, waves, vehicles, heavy equipment, and people. Once established, Phragmites can grow into dense, single-species stands that can degrade local environments including reducing biological diversity, and impacting infrastructure, agriculture, recreation, tourism, and public safety. 

Controlling Phragmites pays dividends by avoiding the many costs of Phragmites to Ontario such as reduced agricultural production, reduced public access to water, increased flooding, increased roadside maintenance costs, and lost tourism revenue. 

Projects can receive up to $50,000. Eligible applicants can visit www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/grants to apply. The Invasive Species Action Fund is also accepting applications for non-Phragmites invasive species projects in Ontario.