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Writer's pictureRon Giofu

Regional phragmites program supported

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The County of Essex has agreed to look at a regional approach to deal with the problem of phragmites.


County council agreed at its August 14 meeting to support a motion from the Town of Amherstburg to have “a concerted effort to address phragmites across the county and investigate addressing phragmites on private property.”


The motion put forth by Amherstburg came from a June 25 meeting after resident and wildlife photographer Greg Nemeth sought action on the matter.


Nemeth told Amherstburg council in June the Big Creek watershed was proved to be flora and fauna productive but said in the last few years, the phragmites have made species documenting more challenging.


“Phragmites, the invasive grass, is now out-competing our own native species with its aggressive nature, transforming a once vibrant and valuable ecosystem to a battered and wounded landscape,” said Nemeth. “Wildlife would like to survive. It can’t without a place to live.”


In a letter to the County of Essex, Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue wrote: “Phragmites significantly threaten our local ecosystems, waterways, and infrastructure. Addressing this issue requires a unified effort from all municipalities within the County, as well as cooperation from private landowners. We believe that a concerted and coordinated approach is essential to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of phragmites across our County.


By working together, we can protect our natural environments and ensure the well-being of our communities.”


Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy called for county CAO Sandra Zwiers to address it at local CAO roundtable meetings. She said she will address it with her own CAO.


“I think it’s important. The letter speaks to a lot of things,” said Bondy.Flooding was another issue she believes is related to phragmites. She said she has done a number of garbage cleanups in ditches and believes phragmites impedes water flow and causes flooding.


Prue told county council the “serious delegation” at Amherstburg council resulted in the letter.


“The deputant was crystal clear and I agree 100 per cent with him that no matter what one individual municipalty does to fight the phragmites, it doesn’t work unless we all do it,” said Prue. “It doesn’t work unless there is a concerted plan. You can clear them off one side of the road and have the other side of the road produce the seeds and undo everything you did.”


Prue said they should do everything possible to make it a regional solution.


“It’s a losing battle if we do it alone,” said Prue. “If we all do it together, maybe in my lifetime, there won’t be any left.” Regional phragmites program supported

By Ron Giofu

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