Funding in Huron County helps manage invasive Phragmites

Phragmites along the coast of Lake Huron.

Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program’s Invasive Phragmites Control Fund provides funding for 87 projects to manage the threat posed by invasive plants.

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is a 2025 funding recipient for its Phragmites initiative in Huron County.

For more than a decade, ABCA has been helping landowners and communities manage what is considered Canada’s worst invasive plant.

Phragmites australis (European Common Reed) is a tall reed that takes over wetlands and out-competes native plants.

According to the ABCA, the organization expanded its regional Phragmites management across Huron County by engaging at least 15 partners, including municipalities, landowners, conservation organizations, and volunteer groups.

Funding from the OPA will support projects by ABCA that aim to control Phragmites on more than 1,700 kilometres (km) of roads, while mapping an additional 1,200 kilometres to prepare for future management, and target 12 new sites for treatment.

“We are very appreciative of the new Invasive Phragmites Control fund to help us build upon our efforts to manage this threat in Huron County and local municipalities,” said Nathan Schoelier, ABCA Stewardship, Land and Education Manager.

“The County of Huron is a local leader in management of Phragmites.”

A new Invasive Species Management category in the County of Huron’s Huron Clean Water Project (HCWP) 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 region.

“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, Ontario’s 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.”

Phragmites is an aggressive, perennial, towering grass that can grow taller than the tallest of humans. It spreads rapidly through seeds and root fragments (rhizomes), which can be transported by wind, water, vehicles, heavy machinery, and human activity.

According to ABCA, once established, Phragmites form dense, monoculture stands that out-compete native vegetation, leading to reduced biodiversity.

The OPA empowers municipalities and conservation authorities to implement one-the-ground Phragmites control efforts. This includes the project with ABCA.

“Addressing the 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.”

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.

To learn more about the Ontario Phragmites Action program and the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund visit ontariophragmitesaction.ca

There is support for private landowners in Huron County to manage Phragmites. If you would like to manage invasive Phragmites on your property, contact ABCA at 519-235-2610 or visit https://www.abca.ca/contact/staff/