RIDEAU VALLEY, October 22, 2026 – The Rideau Valley's phragmites working group can step up its fight against the invasive species thanks to a $29,000 grant from the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund (IPCF).
The new funding was coordinated by the Invasive Species Centre through the Ontario Phragmites Action program, with support from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. It will help the Rideau Valley Phragmites Management Area working group map the reed across the watershed, which will aid in the development of a regional management plan.
“The first step to managing invasive phragmites is knowing where it is,” said project lead Meaghan McDonald, lake planning and shoreline stewardship co-ordinator for the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA).
Invasive phragmites, also known as the European common reed (Phragmites australis), is a non-native grass species that spreads aggressively in Ontario. It can be found in dense stands along roadways, shorelines, wetlands, and other natural areas.
Growing several metres tall, phragmites can eliminate habitat for native plants, fish, birds, and other wildlife, degrading critical wetland ecosystems. Its thick root systems and accumulated plant material can reduce sight lines along roadways, increase fire risks and block drainage systems, causing flooding and increased infrastructure maintenance costs.
Phragmites can also invade agricultural areas and spread rapidly along shorelines and in shallow lakes, limiting access for recreational activities and negatively impacting tourism and property values.
Thanks to the new funding, RVCA staff began mapping roadside stands in target areas this summer and fall. They’re also asking for the public’s help for mapping non-roadside stands using the free reporting tool, which can be found at www.rvca.ca/phragmites or through the Survey123 app.
McDonald encouraged residents to report all phragmites sightings, especially in areas like shorelines, trails, parks, private roads and other private or inaccessible areas.
“If left unmanaged, phragmites will continue to spread through our watershed and will have significant impacts on natural habitats like wetlands as well as municipal infrastructure,” McDonald said.
Phragmites Working Group
RVCA staff began recruiting working group members in January 2026, welcoming local partners with experience in mapping or managing invasive species.
The working group now meets several times a year following guidance from the Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program, a province-wide effort to stop its spread. The Rideau Valley group works closely with neighbouring Phragmites Management Areas as well as municipalities and local partners.
To learn more visit www.rvca.ca/phragmites or email
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