The Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program is an exciting new effort to enhance a coordinated response to invasive Phragmites across Ontario. The program has been made possible thanks to an important new investment from Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and is implemented by the Invasive Species Centre, Nature Conservancy of Canada and a number of other key partners.
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What is invasive Phragmites?
What is invasive Phragmites?
Invasive Phragmites has been referred to as Canada’s “worst” invasive plant species. It is an aggressive grass that spreads quickly and outcompetes native species for water and nutrients. It costs our environment economy and society in significant ways every year.
Invasive Phragmites can reach heights of up to 5 metres and has stems that are tan in colour with blue-green leaves and large, dense seed heads. It is commonly spread through wind-dispersed seeds, or root material found on contaminated equipment or soil.
The impacts of invasive Phragmites
The impacts of invasive Phragmites
Environmental
Crowds out native vegetation, resulting in decreased plant biodiversity.
Provides poor habitat and food supplies for wildlife, including several species at risk.
Grows very quickly, causing lower water levels as water is transpired faster than it would be with native vegetation.
Increases fire hazards as stands are composed of a high percentage of dead stalks.
Economic
Burdens municipalities and other roadside managers with increased maintenance costs such as more frequent ditching.
Effects on agriculture and crops can lead to economic losses, while monoculture stands can affect property values and raise aesthetic concerns.
Social
Can affect agriculture, cause road safety hazards, and impact recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and angling.
Developing a coordinated response
Developing a coordinated response
Phragmites does not respect property lines. It is important to treat the patch, not just the edge! A collaborative approach is necessary for long-term success.
The impacts of Phragmites are felt across Ontario and beyond and each region has its own unique strengths, challenges and needs.
Some regions have seen extensive Phragmites growth while others are on the edge of expansion and successful management plans need to consider the bigger provincial picture.
There is already great work being done on the landscape; however, this is mostly done in localized areas. Coordination through a regional lens allows the opportunity to leverage available resources, expertise, and funds to make the most impact across Ontario.
To successfully manage Phragmites, an integrated, landscape-scale implementation plan that includes all necessary partners, rights holders and stakeholders within a region is needed.
Find my regional coordinator
Find my regional coordinator
- Eastern Ontario – Matthew Bolding, Ducks Unlimited Canada
- Central Ontario – Terry Rees, Invasive Species Centre
- Southwestern Ontario – Kyle Borrowman, Nature Conservancy of Canada
- Northern Ontario – Derissa Vincentini, Invasive Species Centre
Get in touch here.
How OPA Can Help
Ontario Phragmites Action program pillars
Invasive Phragmites Control Fund Recipients (since Fiscal Year 2026)
You can use filters to see specific years and types of projects. See all past recipients here.
The call for proposals to the 2026/2027 Invasive Phragmites Control Fund is now open! Interested applicants can learn more here.
Upcoming Events
Check back soon!
Additional resources
- Ontario Phragmites Management Regional Plan Guidebook
- Phragmites species profile
- Phragmites Technical Bulletin (Ontario Invasive Plant Council)– ENGLISH
- Phragmites Technical Bulletin (Ontario Invasive Plant Council) – FRENCH
- Phragmites Best Management Practices (Ontario Invasive Plant Council
- Socio-Economic Impacts of Phragmites
- Invasive Phragmites Factsheet (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources)
- Clean Equipment Protocol (Ontario Invasive Plant Council)
- Clean Equipment Protocol Summary (Ontario Invasive Plant Council)
- Phragmites Cost-Benefit Analysis
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