The Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program is pleased to announce that we’ll be supporting 87 new invasive Phragmites management projects in 2025 through the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund (IPCF). This funding is made possible thanks to an investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and coordinated by the Invasive Species Centre and Nature Conservancy of Canada.
The OPA program empowers municipalities, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, and incorporated not-for-profit organizations to implement regional on-the-ground Phragmites control efforts. These initiatives contribute to a coordinated, province-wide program aimed at managing invasive Phragmites across Ontario. This includes projects with the Algoma Phragmites Management Area (PMA), the Region of Durham, Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.
The Algoma Phragmites Working Group, supported by a broad network of partners, is taking preventative measures to address the growing presence of invasive Phragmites in the region before it becomes as widespread as it is in other areas of Ontario. The project, coordinated by Lake Huron North and based at Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, focuses on early intervention through detailed mapping of more than 1,275 kms (about the distance from Florida to New York City) of roads, community outreach, standardized data collection, and training for effective future management. These efforts align with the “Phrag Free by 2033!” regional strategy and aim to protect the Algoma Region’s wetlands, biodiversity, and economy from the ecological and financial impacts of Phragmites.
The Region of Durham and its partners are developing the first comprehensive invasive Phragmites management plan to coordinate efforts across all eight local municipalities. The project will map and prioritize Phragmites populations by collecting existing data, conducting GIS analysis, verifying field conditions, and drafting a strategic plan by winter 2025-2026. Conservation authorities, municipal staff, and local groups will contribute to data collection, mapping, and verification. The resulting plan will guide collaborative, practical, and region-wide control efforts, define partner roles, and ensure consistent data use to support long-term management of invasive Phragmites in the Region of Durham.
In 2024, the Cataraqui Region Phragmites Management Area (CR-PMA) collected baseline data on the presence, extent, and growing conditions of invasive Phragmites to inform a regional management plan. This year, the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority will begin implementing control efforts, starting with municipal road allowances. Additional monitoring will address data gaps from the initial survey, focusing on shorelines, private roads and properties, and secondary roads. To support this work, Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority will continue collaborating with municipalities, conservation organizations, and lake and watershed associations. With expanded knowledge of the presence and extent of Phragmites within the region, the CR-PMA can further refine their management plan and priorities.
In 2025, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority will expand regional Phragmites management across Huron County by engaging at least 15 partners, including municipalities, landowners, conservation organizations, and volunteer groups. Their project aims to control Phragmites on over 1700 km of roads, map an additional 1200 km to prepare for future management, and target 12 new sites for treatment. A new Invasive Species Management category in the Huron Clean Water Project will provide cost-share funding to increase participation and improve coordination. With support from the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, this project will scale up efforts, reach under-engaged areas, and strengthen long-term invasive species control throughout the county.
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“By investing in the management of invasive Phragmites, our government is taking decisive action to protect Ontario’s wetlands, roadways, and community spaces,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “With more than 80 projects underway across the province, we’re strengthening communities, preventing costly future impacts, and preserving our rich biodiversity.”
“Addressing this invasive species proactively helps avoid substantial costs, including reduced agricultural yields, obstructed public access to waterways, increased flooding, higher roadside maintenance expenses, and lost tourism revenue,” says Colin Cassin, Invasive Species Centre Executive Director. “This project, as well as the other projects funded by the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, are one of Ontario’s greatest assets in overcoming the challenges posed by Phragmites.”
“The Nature Conservancy of Canada is proud to collaborate with the Invasive Species Centre, local communities and partners to manage invasive Phragmites and restore resilient ecosystems that support people and economies,” says Brett Norman, Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Director of Habitat Restoration. “We’re excited to see continued growth of this coordinated effort, and grateful for the support from Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources to accelerate this important work across the province.”
Since 2019, the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund has funded 139 projects that help protect natural spaces in Ontario from the impacts of Phragmites.
Learn more about the Ontario Phragmites Action program and the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, visit www.ontariophragmitesaction.ca
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About the Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program
The Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program coordinates a collaborative, province-wide effort to combat the impacts and spread of invasive Phragmites. This initiative is made possible by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and led by the Invasive Species Centre and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, alongside a network of dedicated partners.
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 mobilizing action against invasive species that harm the economy, society and environment. Visit our website to learn about invasive species, get technical information, training, take action, register for events, and sign up to receive news.
About the Nature Conservancy of Canada
As Canada’s largest environmental charity, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has worked with partners to conserve natural landscapes since 1962. Together, we deliver solutions to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale and long-term conservation. We create lasting change for the planet and its people by partnering with Indigenous Nations and communities, governments and businesses around shared interests. Nature makes it possible. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.
