Funding is now available to tackle specific invasive species in Ontario.
Groups can apply for funding for Green Shovels Collaborative, which is a project involving a number of groups.
Colin Cassin says right now they are targeting phragmites, which are considered the worst plant invasive species.
“Looking to the Kenora region and Lake of the Woods general area, we’re really hoping to try and get ahead the species up there,” Cassin says.
“Because that’s generally the leading edge as it starts to expand into north and northwest, into the prairies.”
Cassin says phragmites can outgrow many native species.
“Its a really tall plant. How tall it is depends on where you area and if it’s been mowed or not of course, but sometimes we see it up to 12, 14, or even 16 feet tall in its absolute element. Where sometimes we can see it in road ditches a little shorter, maybe its three or four feet tall.”
Cassin says the deadline to apply for the funding is August 5th.
$40,000 dollars is being made available for groups that have projects targeting phragmites.
Grants of up to $10,000 each are available to support on-the-ground control programs.
Interested applicants can visit the Green Shovels website at: www.greenshovels.ca
