The Ontario Phragmites Action program is funding invasive phragmites monitoring and management projects in 2026-27 through the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund. The money is from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and coordinated by the Invasive Species Centre and Nature Conservancy of Canada. “The total estimated benefits of phragmites control are $113.4 million annually,” said a news release this week from the Invasive Species Centre in Sault Ste. Marie. “It has economic impacts to agriculture, wetlands, property values, and tourism and recreation.” Invasive phragmites are an aggressive, dense grass that originated in Europe and Asia and can grow as high as 15 feet. It can push out native species and excrete toxins that harm wildlife. “Invasive phragmites is an aggressive plant that spreads quickly and out-competes native species for water and nutrients,” the province said in its fact sheet. “It releases toxins from its roots into the soil to hinder the growth of and kill surrounding plants. While it prefers areas of standing water, its roots can grow to extreme lengths, allowing it to survive in relatively dry areas.” Phragmites also threaten municipal assets including roads, drainage systems, and stormwater ponds. In addition, it causes road and fire hazards, blocks access to shorelines and directly impacts key habitats for species at risk. The Ontario Phragmites Action program helps fund programs run by municipalities, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities and non-profits to control the invasive species. “These initiatives contribute to a coordinated, province-wide program aimed at both managing and preventing the introduction and spread of invasive phragmites across Ontario,” the release said. This includes a project with Mattagami Region Phragmites Management Area, led by the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority. Early detection, monitoring “The Mattagami Region Conservation Authority, the City of Timmins, and Mattagami First Nation are working together … to strengthen the early detection, monitoring and management of invasive phragmites across the Timmins region,” the centre said. “Through shoreline, roadside, and aerial drone surveys, partners will identify and map new infestations, monitor known patches, and use DNA testing to confirm suspected invasive phragmites. Projects will also involve community education and youth engagement to help build local capacity while protecting shorelines, wetlands, and natural areas. “ “Investing in a collaborative, long-term approach to controlling and preventing invasive phragmites yields significant benefits for Ontario’s ecosystems, economy and communities,” Colin Cassin, Invasive Species Centre executive director, said in the release. “This project, along with the other projects funded by the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, is one of Ontario’s greatest assets in overcoming the challenges posed by phragmites.” “This is the first time any form of phragmites management/control has been conducted in our area and we are excited to be a part of it,” added Hack Waldon, regulations officer with the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority. Other groups receiving money from the fund include Timmins, Greater Sudbury, the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee, Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association and Nipissing First Nation. Learn more about the Ontario Phragmites Action program and the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund here.
