Locals fighting Canada's 'worst invasive plant' get portion of $650K in funding

Local projects aimed at combating Phragmites — Canada's "worst invasive plant" — have been given a funding boost from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Supported by the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund with a total investment of more than $650,000, these initiatives help increase invasive species action by community groups, Indigenous organizations and municipalities across Ontario.

Among the recipients are Garden River First Nation Lands and Resources and the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre.

More information can be found in the press release below:

The Ontario Phragmites Action program, bolstered by a significant investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, is supporting 38 new collaborative projects to help combat invasive Phragmites impacts across the province.

These initiatives, supported by the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund with a total investment of more than $650,000, will increase invasive species action by community groups, Indigenous organizations, and municipalities across Ontario. For instance, Grand Council Treaty #3, the traditional government of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3, is leading a critical project within this framework, focusing on managing invasive Phragmites in their territory.

As a result of successful collaborations with the Invasive Species Centre in 2022 and 2023, which identified, mapped, and DNA tested Phragmites across the territory, the Council confirmed the presence of invasive Phragmites. With funding support, Grand Council Treaty #3 will continue and expand on these activities in 2024, targeting new regions such as Atikokan, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, and Upsala, as well as the 28 Treaty #3 First Nation communities to prevent the establishment of invasive Phragmites, safeguarding the environment and preserving traditional Anishinaabe practices.

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 disrupts wetlands, reduces habitat for wildlife, and impedes 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. 

Since 2019, the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund has funded 71 projects across the province that help protect natural spaces from the impacts of Phragmites. In Northern Ontario in 2024, the Ontario Phragmites Action program is pleased to support eight organizations: 

• Garden River First Nation Lands and Resources
• Grand Council Treaty 3 Representative Services
• Invasive Phragmites Control Centre
• Junction Creek Stewardship Committee Inc.
• Lakehead Region Conservation Authority
• Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
• Sheshegwaning First Nation
• Winter Spider Eco-Consulting

The new investment from Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is expected to support future calls to the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund as well. To learn more about grant opportunities, sign up to receive updates about upcoming funding cycles at www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/grants.

Quotes:

“The Ontario government is dedicated to preventing new invaders from arriving, slowing or reversing the spread of those that are already here and reducing the overall impacts to our province. The $11 million investment our government recently made to help communities address Phragmites and provide vital funding through the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund is the latest step we have taken to protect Ontario’s critical industries and our natural environment so the people of Ontario can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of our province.”

- Minister Graydon Smith, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

"The Invasive Phragmites Control Fund is delighted to support these projects in Northern Ontario. This funding will support a range of activities - such as planning, mapping, and control activities - to help reduce the amount of invasive Phragmites present in our part of the province. These projects, as well as the many others supported under the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, will help grow the number of communities leading the charge to control Canada's "worst" invasive plant."

- Jenna White, Northern Regional Coordinator, Invasive Species Centre

“Grand Council Treaty #3 is excited to work with the Invasive Species Centre to build on its successful Invasive Phragmites Early Detection Project. The goal of this work is to identify and map the spread of invasive phragmites across Treaty #3 and begin building the foundations for a Treaty #3 invasive species management system.”

- Chris Herc, Environmental Manager, Grand Council Treaty #3