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Programs| Invasive Species Management
Phragmites australis
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Out-competes other plant species
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Develops dense mono-cultures with up to 200 stems per square metre
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Impacts include changes to hydrology, nutrient cycling, habitat loss for wildlife, along with economical impacts
Brucedale Phragmites Fight
Brucedale Conservation Area, owned by the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, is located in Bruce County within the Municipality of Kincardine, Ontario. The coastal marshes at Brucedale are a small piece of the larger Provincially Significant MacGregor Point Wetland Complex.
Starting in 2015, remarkable efforts have been made to bring this beautiful piece of Lake Huron shoreline back through restoration. Watch what can be achieved when we all work together with the common goal of shoreline conservation and restoration!
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This was made possible by: Incredible Volunteers, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, Municipality of Kincardine
Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation, Enbridge
Significance
Phragmites australis (Common Reed), a non-native, invasive grass has become widespread throughout southern Ontario. Phragmites can out compete other plant species and develop into a dense monoculture stand with up to 200 stems per square metre. Impacts on coastal wetlands include changes to hydrology, nutrient cycling and lost habitat for wildlife.
Phragmites is not just a problem for ecology; it is also impacting local economies, particularly shoreline communities. It impacts property values, and reduces recreational opportunities. Phragmites control action is a priority for this area due to the negative impact this plant is having on the ability of the park visitors to see and enjoy the lake.
Funding
Enbridge has provided funding to control this invasive plant and begin restoration of the wetland at Brucedale. The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation, the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, and the Municipality of Kincardine are working in partnership with Enbridge to remove the Phragmites, improve wetland habitat, reduce human impacts on wetland health, and provide educational opportunities for local residents and school groups.
The Story...
2017
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The long awaited amphibious cutter is here!
This specialized, phrag-fighting machine is the first of it's kind in Canada. This machine allows for more efficient management of phragmites by cutting low and high
density patches using specialized blade attachments,
and removing the phragmites using the basket loader
as shown in the video.
In the 4 days that this machine was at Brucedale, the contracted team made a huge impact on the waterfront.
Before
After
2016
Areas at Brucedale CA that were treated with herbicide in the previous year were reported as having no regrowth in 2016. The areas that were cut in 2015 had a significantly reduced density of Phragmites stems. Cutting activities were continued, but herbicide use was reduced because of the higher water levels. Amphibians, Great Blue Herons, Great Egret's and a number of other wetland birds were reported to be using the wetlands.
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Before
After
2015
Brucedale CA was designated as high priority due to the invasion of Phragmites impacting the ability for park visitors to enjoy the waterfront. An estimated 1.5 hectares of Phragmites was removed from the Brucedale Conservation Area using gas powered reciprocating saws. The removed Phragmites was contained and burned, and the site was monitored for regrowth into the Fall.
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Before
After
Additional Resources
Partners
This project was undertaken with the financial support of:
Thank you to our project partners:
