Phragmites Management February 20, 2013

Transcription

1 Public Works Department Environmental Services Division February 20, 2013 ~Providing services that bring our City to life! Administrative Secretary Utilization Review

2 Introduction Phragmites australis (European common reed) Invasive perennial grass causing severe damage to wetlands and beaches. Identified in 2005 as Canada s worst invasive plant species by researchers at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada.

3 Introduction Seeds: Phragmites produces a large number of seeds per year (up to 2,000 per seed head). Stolons: are stems that are connected to the parent plant that grow along the soil surface and can form roots and shoots. Rhizomes: Rhizomes are underground stems that are connected to the parent plant that are capable of growing roots and shoots. (can be over 20 feet long in a season)

4 Issues

5 Issues Aggressive spread into our wetlands and roadsides It can attain heights of 5 metres or more.

6 Issues Example of the spread of Phragmites in Dundas Desjardins Canal 2002 Desjardins Canal 2010

7 Issues Identification is difficult from a distance. The native variety is not found in mono stands and poses no threat to the environment. Differences: Seed density & timing Height Stand density Stem colour Stem texture Stem flexibility Leaf colour and sheaths

8 Issues Changes in the water cycles of affected locations Negative changes in nutrient cycling Increased fire hazards Negative effects on agriculture and crops which may lead to economic losses Monoculture stands can affect property values, and raise aesthetic concerns Creation of a monoculture out competing native species/ species at risk Affects recreation and tourism

9 Methods for control Mechanical excavation Flooding Prescribed Burning Chemical Herbicide wipe, dap and spray Mowing Roll and tarp Replanting with native plants

10 Action Plan Inventory, Mapping and Monitoring Aim to develop plans for controlling Phragmites Year one trials Regrowth after first spray Bulrushes coming back

11 Action Plan Year two trials Develop plans for outreach and education about Phragmites Sharing of information Securing funding to assist with the costs of control

12 Education/ Communication Aim: Promote the Management of invasive Phragmites Target Audience Councillors Neigbouring property owners Key partners and influencers Key Messages Awareness Management

13 What others are doing Hydro One vegetation management Beverley Swamp rototill and spray (fire concern???huron lake shores - spot spray and helicopter spray (challenging) Grandbend Municipality spraying (backpack application) and have $23,000 from Great Lakes Funding (can t fund spraying), they have council support and good partnerships Longpoint Water fowl association dredging Whapole/ Sarnia municipality spraying and then touch ups (Aug-Sept most effective time) Halton Conservation monitoring and mapping , other invasive species also targeted Grand River Conservation Authority - monitoring

14 What others are doing Golden horseshoe Invasive Plant council - Lobbying for investigations and use of herbicides over water Lampton Shores - willing to host a Municipal training workshop RBG monitoring, would like to contain and stop spread MNR invasive species project, clean equipment protcol, training for municipal employees, mapping MTO vegetation management Rondeau Provincial Park controlled burns, soil sampling and spraying, flooding, rolling, tarping have some results they can share good resource Ontario Phragmities Management Group developing web site, tool kit, facilitating exchange of information and education

15 Next Steps Creation of a Tool Box Sharing of results

16 Resources Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Invasive Phragmites Best Management Practices, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, Ontario. Version p