The County of Brant was awarded $5,820 from the Green Shovels Collaborative’s Invasive Phragmites Control Fund to combat the invasive plant, Phragmites.
This project joins 20 others from across Ontario supported through the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, a granting program made possible by an expanded investment of $250,000 from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Invasive Phragmites is an aggressive plant that spreads quickly and poses a considerable threat to Ontario’s environment and economy. Phragmites outcompetes native species for water and nutrients. Growing up to 5 metres in height and up to 1 metre below ground, Phragmites forms dense stands that generally provide poor habitat and food for wildlife, including several species at risk.
Investing in a collaborative, sustained solution to Phragmites is well worth it. A study estimated total economic benefits realized by controlling Phragmites could exceed $113 million annually in Ontario. An investment in Phragmites control would pay dividends in preventing the many costs of Phragmites to Ontario through reduced agricultural production, reduced public access to water, increased flooding and lost tourism revenue.
The County of Brant Phragmites Control Project is an ongoing, collaborative project using proven strategies to control Phragmites in the county. Dense Phragmites patches throughout the community negatively impact native plants and animals, reduce property values, block river access, and significantly reduce wetland habitat for several flora and fauna.
“Reducing Phragmites populations along roadsides, environmentally significant areas, and parks will preserve habitat for native species and provide residents with safe, enjoyable spaces while ensuring the long-term sustainability of municipal infrastructure,” said Meghan Hunter, Manager of Parks and Forestry, County of Brant.
You can learn more about the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund here.
About the Green Shovels Collaborative
The Green Shovels Collaborative is a coalition of conservation organizations that share an interest in preventing and managing invasive species. It includes Invasive Species Centre, Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Ontario Invasive Plant Council, and Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. The Green Shovels Collaborative works to reduce the spread of invasive species, including aggressive invasive Phragmites australis (Common reed).
About the Invasive Species Centre
The Invasive Species Centre is a not-for-profit organization that prevents the spread of invasive species in Canada and beyond by catalyzing invasive species management and communicating policy and science knowledge. Visit our website to learn about invasive species, get technical information, and training, take action, register for events, and sign up to receive news. The Invasive Species Centre is the Coordinator of the Green Shovels Collaborative.
