The Bad News – WE HAVE PHRAG!
The Good News – It may be early enough to bring this invasive plant species under control around the Kennisis Lakes.
Invasive Phragmites (pronounced like this) known as Phragmites Australis are a perineal reed that can grow up to 5 metres or more in height if left unattended and can result in complete loss of native vegetation and decreased plant biodiversity. Phragmites provides poor habitat and food supplies for wildlife, including several species at risk including turtles and amphibians.
Managing Invasive Phragmites has been identified as a priority by the Ontario government and the Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program is a new effort to enhance a coordinated response to invasive Phragmites across the province. The program is funded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and is implemented by the Invasive Species Centre, Nature Conservancy of Canada and a number of other key partners.
The KLCOA along with Redstone, Lipsy and Growler Lake Associations have partnered with U-Links Centre for Community Based Research to map these invasive plants in a limited part of the upper watershed in Dysart et al as well as 20 public water access locations across Haliburton County. The objective is to further understand the extent of the problem around our lakes and to develop mitigation strategies for this invasive plant.
At this point most of the roads around the Kennisis Lakes have been mapped. There are very limited or no invasive phragmites on Kennisis Lake Road, Watts Road, Wilkinson and spur roads. Some of these have been removed. Wilkinson has one significant Phrag stand near the marina. Westshore Road has extensive phragmites stands along the length of the road and on some spur roads.
This phase of the project was funded for identification only and not for mitigation or removal of invasive phragmites although a limited removal effort has been undertaken by the volunteers. A second phase of the project is in the planning stage, which will include removal and control for the phragmites.
The KLCOA would like to thank the volunteers for participating in the Phrag identification and removal training and completing the surveys around our lakes.
Additional information about Invasive Phragmites can be found here:Invasive Phragmites Backgrounder – Invasive Species Centre
Invasive Phragmites Seed Heads and Rhizomes (roots)
Invasive Phragmites on Westshore Rd nr Kennisis Lake Rd (SEP 2024)
