Thanks to a recent funding announcement from the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, Cataraqui Conservation is able to step up its efforts to identify, map and mitigate the impact of this destructive invasive wetland plant species within the Cataraqui Region watershed.
The Ontario Phragmites Action program, bolstered by an investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, is supporting 38 new collaborative projects to help combat invasive Phragmites impacts across the province. These initiatives, supported by the Fund with an investment of $650,000 province-wide, will increase invasive species action by community groups, Indigenous organizations, and municipalities across Ontario.
Cataraqui Conservation is the lead agency of the newly created Cataraqui Region Invasive Phragmites Working Group, which currently features representatives from 15 organizations (and growing) including area municipalities, provincial and federal parks, regional land conservancies and other ENGO (Environmental Non-governmental Organizations.) Its mandate covers the same geographical footprint as that of Cataraqui Conservation.
The new funding will allow Cataraqui Conservation to facilitate the efforts of this Working Group, which is currently gathering information about the presence and extent of Invasive Phragmites. A survey has been created for the Working Group members, other interested community groups and the public to be able to log observations of the invasive plant in real time, helping to populate a watershed-wide map noting the impact of the threat. The map is located at the link below and it will automatically update when new observations are submitted. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/23004e61f827485cb1d0aa1ca7b054f0.
Phragmites, also known as the European common reed, is one of the most aggressive invasive plants in Canada. It rapidly spreads and forms dense stands, outcompeting native vegetation, altering habitats, and impacting biodiversity. Phragmites disrupts wetlands, reduces habitat for wildlife, and impedes drainage in agricultural lands, leading to significant ecological and economic consequences. Managing and controlling Phragmites is crucial for preserving natural ecosystems and supporting the well-being of communities in Ontario.
“Everyone is encouraged to learn about Invasive Phragmites, including how to identify it, and use the survey to help fill gaps in our regional map: https://arcg.is/0r0uGS. It’s as easy as downloading the Survey123 app and using the link to access the survey. You do not need a special account to participate, simple chose the ‘continue without signing in’ within the app,” said Holly Evans, Watershed Planning Coordinator for Cataraqui Conservation, which is spearheading the initiative.
“Information from the surveys and other citizen science data sources will be used to compile a map so that the Cataraqui Region Invasive Phragmites Working Group can better coordinate plans and projects to reduce the negative impacts of this plant on our sensitive wetlands, streams, and lakeshores.”
For more information, visit https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/invasive-species.