The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) is offering funding to local landowners to help combat invasive phragmites.
SCRCA Manager of Conservation Services Jeff Sharp said the highly aggressive, perennial wetland grass can negatively affect local wildlife and land.
He asking those who have phragmites to contact him to arrange help to get rid of them.
"The most effective way to control phragmites is with the use of herbicide. The conservation authority has licensed external exterminators and specialized equipment to complete this application work in these sensitive areas," he said. "
The SCRCA will cover the cost of the required control measures and equipment.
"There are lots of other invasive plants. There's lots of invasives in general, but controlling these invasives, because they do negatively impact our natural areas, is very important and one way that landowners can help improve the overall health of habitat on their property," he said.
This project is being undertaken with support from the Invasive Species Centre and in partnership with the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.
Landowners who have phragmites on their property and are interested in reducing or eradicating them can contact Jeff Sharp, at jsharp@scrca.on.ca or (519) 245-3710 extension 217.
