The Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program is pleased to announce that they will be supporting 87 new invasive Phragmites management projects in 2025 through the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund.

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.

Phragmites australis, also known as the European common reed, is widely considered to be Ontario’s worst invasive plant.

This aggressive perennial grass is spread rapidly through seeds and root fragments (rhizomes), which can be transported by wind, water, vehicles, heavy machinery, and human activity.

Once established, Phragmites forms dense, monoculture stands that outcompete native vegetation, leading to reduced biodiversity.

“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.”

OPA empowers municipalities, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, and incorporated not-for-profit organizations to implement on-the-ground Phragmites control efforts.

These initiatives contribute to a coordinated, province-wide program aimed at managing Phragmites across Ontario. This includes a project with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.

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.

“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,” said 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,” said 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 more than 131 projects that help protect natural spaces in Ontario from the impacts of Phragmites. In 2025, OPA is pleased to support several organizations in southern Ontario, including the following:

• Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
• Birds Canada
• Caldwell First Nation
• City of St. Thomas
• Corporation of the County of Perth
• County of Wellington
• Eelŭnaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation)
• First Nations Phragmites Control
• Grand River Employment and Training INC dba Kayanase
• Haldimand Stewardship Council Inc.
• Long Point Region Conservation Authority
• The Corporation of Norfolk County