By Rosalind Russell – The Town of Espanola is developing a strategy to deal with an invasive plant.
According to the release, invasive Phragmites (FRAG-mighties) australis (aws-STRAY-liss), is a foreign perennial grass that has been called the worst invasive plant species in Canada.
The Town will be undertaking a targeted invasive species management program along selected road rights-of-way this July having retained a qualified contractor to run the program.
Signs will be posted as legally required by the Pesticide Act and the product to be used is RoundUp Weathermax (glyphosate).
Officials say Phragmites is considered a destructive grass since it spreads aggressively, and outcompetes native species for water, sunlight, and nutrients, eventually destroying the natural vegetation. As a result, it alters ecosystems function by reducing biodiversity and habitat quality.
Phragmites spreads mainly from fragments of plants stuck to vehicles and machinery, but also by seed and underground rhizomes.
Additional information about invasive Phragmites, treatment methods, and project updates will be posted on the Town’s website throughout the season.
Photo of Phragmites provided by Town of Espanola
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