WHEREAS Phragmites australis (herein referred to as “Phragmites”) is an invasive perennial grass that continues to cause severe damage to our wetlands, beaches and municipal drainage systems across Essex County;
WHEREAS Phragmites grows and spreads rapidly, allowing the plant to invade new areas and grow into large monoculture stands in a short amount of time, and is a plant that secretes toxins from its roots in the soil which impede the growth of neighbouring plant species;
WHEREAS Phragmites results in loss of biodiversity and species richness, loss of habitat, changes in hydrology due to its high metabolic rate, changes in nutrient cycling as it is slow to decompose, an increased fire hazard due to the combustibility of its dead stalks, and can have an adverse impact on agriculture, particularly in drainage ditches;
WHEREAS invasive Phragmites has been identified as Canada’s worst invasive plant species by Agriculture and Agrifood Canada;
WHEREAS controlling invasive Phragmites before it becomes well established reduces environmental impacts, time and costs;
WHEREAS according to the Ministry of the Environment, best management practices for Phragmites include early detection, herbicide application, mowing, compressing or rolling, prescribed burning, and controlled flooding;
WHEREAS these best management practices are most effective when used in tandem as opposed to when used as stand-alone control measures;
AND WHEREAS herbicides containing surfactants are prohibited for use in aquatic environments in Canada, meaning that municipalities are not able to fully implement best management practices;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities calls on the Government of Canada to expedite the review of herbicide products that can be safely used in aquatic environments for the control of Phragmites in order to support local governments in their efforts to eradicate this invasive species.