The Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program will be supporting 120 invasive Phragmites monitoring and management projects in 2026-27, including Quinte Conservation and West Lake Community Association, through the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund (IPCF).
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.
The total estimated benefits of Phragmites control are $113.4 million annually. It has economic impacts to agriculture, wetlands, property values, and tourism and recreation, as well as to key municipal assets including roads, drainage systems, and stormwater ponds.
In addition, it causes road and fire hazards, blocks access to shorelines, and directly impacts key habitats for species at risk.
The OPA program 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 both managing and preventing the introduction and spread of invasive Phragmites across Ontario. This includes a project with Quinte Conservation.
Quinte Conservation aims to continue advancing the Quinte Region Phragmites Management Area (QRPMA).
The goal of their project is to develop a coordinated, science-based framework for invasive Phragmites management in the Quinte watershed.
Using the baseline mapping and monitoring completed in the first year of the initiative, the project will take an integrated management approach to reduce invasive Phragmites impacts at two priority wetlands, Sawguin Creek Wetland and Big Island Marsh.
In partnership with municipalities, industry partners, researchers, and local communities, Quinte Conservation will also expand mapping, public outreach, and stewardship efforts to increase awareness, support early detection, and build long-term capacity for invasive Phragmites management while protecting wetland health and biodiversity.
Quinte Conservation manually removing invasive Phragmites as part of their integrated Phragmites management plan. (Photo: submitted)
QUOTES:
“Protecting Ontario’s natural environment means taking action now against invasive species like phragmites, before they can do more damage. 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.” — The Honourable Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources
“Investing in a collaborative, long-term approach to controlling and preventing invasive Phragmites yields significant benefits for Ontario’s ecosystems, economy, and communities. This project, along with the other projects funded by the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, is one of Ontario’s greatest assets in overcoming the challenges posed by Phragmites.” - Colin Cassin, Invasive Species Centre Executive Director.
“Our experience tackling invasive Phragmites proves that together we can transform and revitalize landscapes. These projects improve roadway safety, protect critical infrastructure and reduce long-term maintenance costs for municipalities. As our partnerships grow, so does our impact for people, communities and native wildlife across Ontario.” — Brett Norman, Director – Habitat Restoration, Nature Conservancy of Canada
“What makes the Quinte Region Phragmites Management Area so significant is the level of collaboration it has inspired. By working together, our partners have identified and mapped hundreds of Phragmites populations, increased public awareness, and taken meaningful steps toward long-term control. The work completed so far is helping us move from understanding the extent of the problem to actively restoring and protecting some of the region’s most valuable habitats.” – Dan Butler, Invasive Species Technician, Quinte Conservation
Since 2024, IPCF has funded more than 260 projects that help protect natural spaces in Ontario from the impacts of Phragmites.
In 2026-27, OPA is pleased to support 13 organizations in eastern Ontario:
- Cataraqui Conservation Authority
- City of Ottawa
- Lower Trent Conservation
- Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
- Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA)
- Quinte Conservation (QC)
- Raisin Region Conservation (RRCA)
- Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
- River Institute
- South Nation Conservation
- South Nation Conservation
- United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry (SDG)
- West Lake Community Association
Learn more about the Ontario Phragmites Action program and the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, visit www.ontariophragmitesaction.ca
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