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Nature Conservancy of Canada

Removing Phragmites from Georgian Bay Wetlands to Improve Habitat for Species at Risk​

Massassauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus),
Eastern foxsnake (Panterophis gloydi)
Eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)
Eastern musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus)

Project Details

Project Title: Removing Phragmites from Georgian Bay Wetlands to Improve Habitat for Species at Risk
Funding Recipient: Nature Conservancy of Canada
Funding Awarded: $27,547 (every year for 5 years)
Project Partners: Georgian Bay Land Trust (GBLT)
Targeted Species at Risk: Massassauga rattlesnake,  Eastern foxsnake, Eastern hog-nosed snake, Blanding’s turtle, Eastern musk turtle
Project Status: Ongoing (2019-2024)

Project Summary

The project aimed to combat invasive phragmites in the eastern Georgian Bay region, specifically targeting around Quarry Island, the Port Severn wetlands and Ogemawahj Road on the Moose Deer Point First Nation reserve. Mapping efforts were undertaken to plan control strategies, involving expanded data collection and establishing new partnerships with organizations such as the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere, Georgian Bay Forever, and the Severn Sound Environmental Association. Throughout the summer months, monitoring activities were conducted, leading to the identification and successful control of two new phragmites patches. Notably, invasive phragmites that were cut in 2020 and 2021 showed no signs of regrowth, but certain previously controlled patches exhibited signs of regrowth. In addition to the on-the-ground initiatives, the project included an educational component with the creation of video content to inform the public about phragmites control. Furthermore, the project actively engaged with the local community, including inland lake cottager associations along the eastern Georgian Bay coastline, to better understand challenges and encourage collective efforts towards invasive phragmites control in the region. Through collaboration and strategic initiatives, the project aimed to make significant strides in mitigating the impact of invasive phragmites on the local ecosystem therefore improving the habitat for SAR in the region.

Further Details

For more information about the ‘Removing Phragmites from Georgian Bay Wetlands to Improve Habitat for Species at Risk’, please visit the links below.

Nature Conservancy of Canada website

Georgian Bay Land Trust website

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