Phragmites Project seeking to add paid staff to their team

Local Journalism Initiative
·3 min read

MANITOULIN—Manitoulin Phragmites Project is gearing up for the summer season and are seeking to hire two full time summer employees. The grassroots community organization has been operational since 2015 and is tasked with the removal of invasive phragmites reeds and teaching citizens how to control the population of the plant to stop the spread.

Phragmites are a common reed originating in Eurasia, and can grow up to five metres tall. The invasive plant thrives in damp areas, making Manitoulin Island a prime host. Invasive phragmites swiftly spreads, outmatching native species in the struggle for water and nutrients. It releases toxins from its roots, sabotaging the growth of surrounding plants and leading to their demise.

Judith Jones, the coordinator for the organization, spoke with The Expositor about the upcoming 2024 summer season. “This will be our 9th summer, and so far we have gotten the entire south shore under control, and many more of our sites are doing really well also. We still have larger more complex sites to work this season.”

While Ms. Jones describes the work as “tedious” she also says that the work is extremely gratifying, and that anyone who enjoys the outdoors is encouraged to apply.

“We get to be outside on the water, go to a lot of different areas on the Island and educate the public about the threat of invasive species.”

“We are a special case, we are the rainforest of the Great Lakes, one quarter of flora of all of Canada, and more than 40 species at risk and numerous pristine sensitive areas that need to be protected. The policies put forward by the feds and the province don’t necessarily apply to the Island because of our unique ecosystem. But we do have a lot working in our favour, we have team spirit. People really love the Island and want to keep it healthy. We have more than 100 volunteers who work to remove the plants and 60 phrag watchers, they take control and keep checking on the sites to make sure they remain under control,” Ms. Jones went on to say.

Ms. Jones also pointed out that everyone is affected should phragmites become unmanageable, including hunters, anglers, beach-goers and all manner of outdoors persons. The invasive plant infests turtle habitats and shallow waters where fish spawn. They also pose a threat to wildlife, as the plants can overtake many of the plants that deer and other animals feed on. Beaches become unusable when the plant takes over an area, growing densely and blocking access to water. Ms. Jones also said that while most Islanders are engaged with protecting the biodiversity on the Island, many visitors do not understand how critical it is to prevent cross contamination to pristine sites.

“It’s a fight every day—everyone wants their cake and eat it too but we have to make changes. People who enjoy using a quad also have to recognize that areas will become inaccessible if phragmites are allowed to spread. The choices are to keep up on cleaning equipment and to learn to recognize which plants are invasive, not to drive through it, to drive around it,” Ms. Jones said.

The group has launched an educational awareness campaign to target sport utility users, with a large sign at Ramakko’s in Sudbury and will be providing an ATV washing station free of charge at the upcoming Fishing and Angling Show in Kagawong on May long weekend.

Applicants must be 19 years of age, reside on Manitoulin Island and possess at G2 or G class licence. Resumes or a list of outdoor experiences and names of references can be sent to manitoulinphrag@yahoo.com.

Jacqueline St. Pierre, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Manitoulin Expositor

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