Officials in the north worry destructive invasive species will emerge this summer
Researchers in the north are warning one of Canada's "most invasive plants" could be popping up this summer.
The tall, robust grass known as phragmites can destroy natural habitats and have a financial impact on northern cottagers.
Judith Jones has been monitoring the phragmites population on Manitoulin Island for more than a decade. Seven years ago, she launched the Manitoulin phragmites project, with the reedy grass getting out of hand, posing a danger to the Island's natural habitats and its resident's wallets.
"It's a big problem if you have a beach in front of your cottage and it's completely covered in Phragmites," said Jones
"It might impact your property value. It's a huge infrastructure problem because if it's in a sewage lagoon, that could be very costly."
The Invasive Species Centre in Sault Ste. Marie said it is one of the country's worst invasive plants because it spreads through vehicles.
"Prevention was a great focus, especially in the north," said, Collin Cassin of the Invasive Species Centre.
"It's a really important message we love to get across."
That's why groups like the Manitoulin Phragmites Project are so important. Jones said it will take out large infestations, simultaneously teaching locals on the Island how to monitor and get rid of phragmites.
"We've done a lot of work with the public to get people to recognize it," she said.
"We have stuff online to help you recognize it and we now have 60 people who are signed up as volunteers, so I think we're doing pretty well at Manitoulin. We're just starting to reach out outside of our area."
The invasive species centre said it's unlikely groups will be able to get rid of the plant. But with enough education, it can be reduced to a controllable level.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
B.C. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing
The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
It's the biggest election in history. Here's why few Indians in Canada will take part
In the Indian general election that gets underway on Friday, almost a billion people are eligible to vote, but a vast majority of the overseas Indian community in Canada won't be casting a ballot.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Juror dismissed in Trump hush money trial as prosecutors ask for former president to face contempt
Prosecutors in the hush money trial of Donald Trump asked Thursday for the former president to be held in contempt and fined because of seven social media posts that they said violated a judge's gag order barring him from attacking witnesses.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.