{"id":86933,"date":"2026-09-26T08:17:03","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T12:17:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/?p=86933"},"modified":"2026-09-26T08:17:03","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T12:17:03","slug":"ontario-phragmites-action-program-empowers-northern-ontario-to-protect-local-ecosystems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/26\/ontario-phragmites-action-program-empowers-northern-ontario-to-protect-local-ecosystems\/","title":{"rendered":"Ontario Phragmites Action program empowers northern Ontario to protect local ecosystems"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>The Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program is pleased to announce that they will be supporting\u202f120 invasive Phragmites monitoring and management projects in 2026-27 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.<\/p>\n

The total estimated benefits of Phragmites control is $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.<\/p>\n

The OPA program\u202fempowers municipalities, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, and incorporated not-for-profit organizations to implement on-the-ground Phragmites control efforts.\u202fThese initiatives contribute to a coordinated, province-wide program aimed at both managing and preventing the introduction and spread of invasive Phragmites across Ontario.\u202fThis includes a project with\u202fMattagami Region Phragmites Management Area (PMA), led by the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority.<\/p>\n

The Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA), the City of Timmins, and Mattagami First Nation are working together as a PMA to strengthen the early detection, monitoring, and management of invasive Phragmites across the Timmins region. Through shoreline, roadside, and aerial drone surveys, partners will identify and map new infestations, monitor known patches, and use DNA testing to confirm suspected invasive Phragmites. Projects will also involve community education and youth engagement to help build local capacity while protecting shorelines, wetlands, and natural areas.<\/p>\n

\u201cProtecting Ontario\u2019s 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\u2019s biodiversity, strengthen local economies and preserve the outdoor spaces that our families and communities enjoy.\u201d\u00a0\u2014 The Honourable Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources<\/p>\n

\u201cInvesting 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\u2019s greatest assets in overcoming the challenges posed by Phragmites.\u201d\u202f- Colin Cassin, Invasive Species Centre Executive Director.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur 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.\u201d \u2014 Brett Norman, Director \u2013 Habitat Restoration, Nature Conservancy of Canada<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has been a very positive experience working with the Ontario Phragmites Action program. This funding has allowed the MRCA to be the leader in identifying and assisting with Phragmites control in the Timmins area. \u00a0This is the first time any form of Phragmites management\/control has been conducted in our area and we are excited to be a part it.\u201d – Hack Waldon, Regulations Officer, Mattagami Region Conservation Authority<\/p>\n

Since 2024, IPCF has funded more than 260 projects\u202fthat help protect natural spaces in Ontario from the impacts of Phragmites. In 2026-27, OPA is pleased to support 16 organizations in northern Ontario:<\/p>\n