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The implications to municipal governments of rapid spread of invasive Phragmites plant presentation at NW Ontario Municipal Association 2023 Conference & AGM - Environmental Communication Options/Huff Strategy

The implications to municipal governments of rapid spread of invasive Phragmites plant presentation at NW Ontario Municipal Association 2023 Conference & AGM

Apr 26th, 2023 6:39 AM

Media Advisory

From Highways to Habitats: The Imminent Threat of Invasive Phragmites to Northern Ontario Municipalities. Phragmites australis one of Canada's worst invasive species is moving into Northern Ontario. 

“Phrag" is a very tall and fast-growing perennial grass, well adapted to flourish in the Northern climate and wetlands. It contributes to accidents by hampering sight lines at rural intersections and blocks municipal drains which adds new costs to municipal budgets. It creates ecological dead zones, lowers real estate values and impacts all at-risk species, it is trouble in so many ways anywhere In Ontario.

Who: Eric Cleland, Director - Invasive Species Program, Ontario Region, Nature Conservancy of Canada, on behalf of the Green Shovels Collaborative.

What: A new map will be unveiled showing where the invasive plant has already been found and projections for its spread in the North. If action is not taken. The economic, environmental, wildlife and municipal government implications and potential responses will be presented.

When:  9:40 a.m. Friday, April 28, 2023

Where: Victoria Inn, 555 Arthur St. W., Thunder Bay

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To secure a high resolution version of the Phragmites spread projection map or to schedule interviews with Eric Cleland, please contact eric.cleland@natureconservancy.ca or call 226-231-8213. 

Working together, The Green Shovels collaborative has extensive expertise and networks who share a common interest in protecting the environment and economy from invasive species. The Green Shovels coalition includes Ducks Unlimited Canada, Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, Invasive Species Centre, The Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ontario Invasive Plant Council and Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.