Phragmites in Ontario

What is Ontario doing to help control invasive Phragmites?

Invasive Phragmites control techniques include mechanical excavation, flooding, pesticide application, or prescribed burning.

In collaboration with government and nongovernment agencies within Canada and the U.S., the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is working to identify research priorities and to determine the best methods for controlling invasive Phragmites. Research is being conducted on the distribution and the rate of spread of invasive Phragmites, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is establishing methods to map invasive Phragmites across the province using satellite imagery. Best Management Practice guidelines have also been developed to help private landowners and resource managers control invasive Phragmites.

Methods used for invasive Phragmites control vary based on site characteristics and local by-law restrictions and regulations. Control techniques include mechanical excavation, flooding, pesticide application, and prescribed burning. Due to its extensive root system, a single control measure may not always be effective. Furthermore, disturbance to an area may actually increase the density and spread of the targeted stand. Integrated management plans using two or more control strategies are usually more successful. Case-by-case assessment and site-specific solutions may be required. Initial treatments of affected sites should be followed up with frequent monitoring and re-assessment, and additional treatments may be necessary. When controlling or removing invasive Phragmites, care should be taken to minimize disturbance and cause as little damage as possible to native vegetation and wildlife. It is important to note that it is very difficult to completely eradicate an invasive Phragmites stand once it has been established.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources, operates the Invading Species Awareness Program. The program’s goal is to prevent and control invasive species by increasing public education through the production and distribution of educational materials and through outreach and awareness programs.

The program maintains an invasive species website (www.invadingspecies.com) and hotline (1-800-563-7711).

What you can do to help control invasive Phragmites:

• Learn how to identify invasive Phragmites and how to avoid accidental distribution of root fragments and seeds.
• Don’t plant invasive Phragmites. Gardeners should use only native plants in their water gardens.
• Avoid leaving designated trails or entering areas containing invasive Phragmites. Disturbance to natural areas can encourage the spread of this plant. When leaving an area containing invasive Phragmites, brush off clothing and clean equipment on-site to avoid the transfer of seeds to new areas. Remove all visible portions of plants and dispose of them in the garbage.
• Don’t attempt to compost invasive Phragmites. Seeds and rhizomes can survive and grow in a compost heap. Dispose of invasive Phragmites in the garbage or at a landfill, or by drying and burning the removed stems.

Hand-wicking involves direct contact with each individual Phragmites stalk using an absorbent glove which has been soaked in the herbicide. Photo: Darren Jacobs.