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Gilbert urges local club to pressure government for funds to eradicate phragmites

October 26, 2017

While the issue of the invasive reed species, phragmites australis, is not new to most residents of the Lake Huron shoreline, members and guests of the Huron Fringe Field Naturalists found a presentation by Dr. Janice Gilbert shocking and galvanizing, Tuesday evening at Pine River United Church.

Gilbert (above right, with club member Jeni Pepper) is a wetland ecologist specializing in freshwater wetland ecosystems, and an expert in the control of the invasive reed. She has extensive involvement in wetland restoration projects throughout Ontario and founded the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre, a not-for-profit organization providing solutions and services for phragmites control (www.phragcontrol.com).

Phragmites australis is a robust reed that out-competes native plants (including a native phragmites sub-species) and has spread extensively through waterways, wetlands, roadside ditches and agricultural drainage conduits. Fast-growing, with many ways to propagate, phragmites is very difficult to control.

Its dominance in the landscape is of great concern in many areas: reduction of biodiversity impacts habitat and food sources for many species of animals, insects and plants, many of which are already at risk; the wall of reeds reduces recreational opportunities and enjoyment of property; dry stands of phragmites can be fire hazards; and the hardy reed can even grow through asphalt.

Gilbert explained in detail various methods of control, most of which she conceded were inadequate to address the magnitude of the problem. Non-chemical methods, such as manual cutting, can be effective but are labour intensive. Recently, a Swedish amphibious cutting vehicle cleared the Brucedale Conservation Area shoreline and will be deployed in other areas of Lake Huron's and Lake Erie’s coasts.

Gilbert said the most effective control methods involve application of specialized herbicides followed by complete removal of biomass. Challenges include avoiding harm to sensitive plant and animal species, and regulatory restrictions particularly when spraying near water.

She praised the foresight of local municipal officials for early recognition of the problem and adoption of management plans, and highlighted the work of local conservation and community-based groups such as Kincardine Residents Against Phragmites. She exhorted her audience to maintain pressure on all levels of government to continue financial support, develop management plans, and provide public education.

Throughout the presentation, Gilbert made her point with astonishing photos contrasting impenetrable reed walls and subsequent tranquil coastal views. Her passion was intense and her message resonated deeply with the nature-loving audience.

The next Huron Fringe Field Naturalists meeting will be held Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 7:30 p.m., at Pine River United Church. Guest speaker Liz Miltenberg will share her experiences planting trees in British Columbia.

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