Ontario fights back against toxic invasive plant that destroys everything around it

The provincial government is fighting back against a harmful invasive plant that is devastating Ontario's native species.

The destructive plant known as phragmites (Phragmites australis) has been spreading across Ontario since first introduced from its native home in Eurasia, completely infesting coastal wetlands and sheltered bay coastlines across the province in recent years. 

Phragmites are particularly devastating to local ecology, releasing toxins from their roots in the soil to hinder the growth of and kill surrounding plants, resulting in decreased plant biodiversity. 

Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program says that the plant can increase fire hazards as stands are composed of a high percentage of dead stalks, and impact recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and angling. 

Growing to heights of up to five metres, with stems that are tan or beige in colour with blue-green leaves and large, dense seedheads, the invasive species can also be distinguished by its ability to grow in extremely dense clusters, with as many as 200 stems per square metre in infested areas.

As the threat grows with each passing season, the provincial government announced on Wednesday that it is fighting back with a $5 million investment to thwart the species' spread.

In a press release, the province announced that the investment in the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund will support "119 projects, support nearly 200 good-paying local jobs and prevent this invasive species from spreading across the province."

"Protecting Ontario's natural environment means taking action now against invasive species like phragmites, before they can do more damage," reads a statement from Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. 

"By investing $5 million in local partners, our government is moving to protect Ontario's biodiversity, strengthen local economies and preserve the outdoor spaces that our families and communities enjoy."

Among the hardest-hit communities, the Town of Pelham will receive funds to treat stormwater management ponds to help control the spread of phragmites.

"Phragmites are one of the most damaging invasive plants in Ontario, threatening our wetlands, shorelines and the natural spaces that communities value," said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources. 

"With this $5 million investment, our government is fighting invasive species, restoring affected ecosystems and protecting Ontario's communities and natural heritage for future generations."