You might not know it’s there, but you have definitely seen it. Phragmites Australis, also known as the common reed, has become a prevalent plant in southern Ontario. It is commonly seen along the 400 series highways and is considered one of Canada’s five WORST invasive species.
Phragmites are widespread in North America now, so it is unlikely we will ever see it eradicated. However, we can control it and, unlike many other invasive species, keep it off the shores of our beloved bay.
In conjunction with Georgian Bay Forever (GBF), West Carling initiated a Phragmites management program last year. Some seed sponsorship funds were received from the Invasive Species Centre, and WCA was able to complete a coastline survey and several successful eradication events.
For over ten years, Georgian Bay Forever (GBF) has been working with communities to successfully tackle invasive Phragmites in southeastern Georgian Bay wetlands. In those years, they have developed experience in invasive Phragmites management and demonstrated the dedication required to eradicate this aggressive plant completely. GBF engages with various invasive species managers, such as those with the Ontario Invasive Plant Council and the Ontario Phragmites Working Group, to develop and deploy the best management practices for invasive Phragmites and is continuously involved in conferences and meetings with other managers to learn about new techniques.
While roadside control of phragmites is primarily done by spraying, this is unsuitable for the wetlands and coastal areas where these efforts are being focussed. GBF most uses “spading” and “cut-to-drown” techniques. These techniques require annual repetition, and it is typical for a stand to take three to seven years of successive cutting before it is eradicated.
GBF and local community groups have identified more than 1,000 sites throughout eastern Georgian Bay (Township of the Archipelago, Carling Township, Georgian Bay Township, Tay Township, and Matchedash Bay). They have eradicated nearly 50 per cent of those sites, meaning there is zero regrowth at these locations. GBF employs a full-time project manager and executes by hiring a team of six to eight students each year, which volunteers supplement. They have suitable watercraft and specialized equipment. Using their methods, eradicating invasive Phragmites takes three to seven years of repetitive removal efforts (once per year), depending on the site’s size, density, and environmental conditions. The 2023 report can be found on the GBF website here.
At the time of publication, GBF and WCA have applied to the Township of Carling for financial support that would allow GBF to spend 15 to 20 days in our area, mapping and eradicating. We remain hopeful that the funds will come our way and will let everyone know when they do. We will be doing survey work in late June and could use the help of a few members with solid knowledge of water and hazards around Carling. Late July will repeat the enormously successful “FUN WITH PHRAG” event we held in 2023, which cleared the beaches on Franklin Island around Regatta Bay. While the 12 hearty volunteers participating in the event brought tremendous cutting power, it took a surprisingly long to cut and remove the stalks. We will notify you about this year’s event in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.
