Phragmites australis control projects at Long Point and Rondeau

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1 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Phragmites australis control projects at Long Point and Rondeau Emergency Use Registration for application of herbicide over water Saturday April 22, 2017 Dustin Veenhof Partnership Specialist Aylmer District MNRF

2 PILOT PROJECT SUMMARY In September 2016, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry successfully undertook a combination of aerial and ground herbicide treatments (as part of an Emergency Registration) to control Phragmites in wet areas at Rondeau Provincial Park and several sites in the Long Point area in partnership with several organizations This work was completed as a pilot project to protect the significant natural values of these important wetland ecosystems that were in danger of being lost. The pilot also included an extensive environmental monitoring program to assess the effects of the project.

3 Project Objectives Continue to support and enhance biodiversity conservation by reducing the threat of invasive species through wetland restoration in strategic locations in Long Point and Rondeau

4 2016 Phragmites Control MNRF was approved for an EUR by Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) to control Phragmites in wet areas at Rondeau Provincial Park and Long Point area using glyphosate. Highlights Aerial and ground treatments (500 ha) between Sept 6 and ha in Long Point 80 ha of the 400 ha in the Crown Marsh. 1st time a project of this scale was undertaken in Canada to control Phragmites and supported by; Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Long Point Waterfowlers Association, Bird Studies Canada Local Community and First Nations Neighbouring jurisdictions (States of Michigan and Ohio) Environmental monitoring with University of Waterloo to assess the project (ongoing into 2017 and beyond)

5 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION (PRE-TREATMENT) Notifications at Rondeau Campers Park day-users Cottage leaseholders and other tenure holders Park staff Friends of Rondeau Rondeau Yacht Club and boaters Waterfowl hunters Local municipality, police service, OPP, fire department Health unit and local hospitals Notification at Long Point Residents Long Point Ratepayers Association Bird Studies Canada Boaters Waterfowl hunters Local municipality, police service, OPP, fire department Health unit and local hospitals 5!

6 FLIGHT CONDITIONS AND ACCURACY! Conditions: Wind and Weather No rain or forecasted for 12 hours No morning dew present Winds less than 16km/hour Speed & Height Restrictions Accuracy: Maximum helicopter speed while spraying is 60km/hour Treatment occurs at 3m above plant MNRF provided GIS data mapping of high density Phragmites cells; data was loaded into an automated navigation system Boom width is not more than 65% of the propeller diameter (down draft) 6!

7 7! AERIAL TREATMENT

8 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION Chemical Control: Herbicide application followed all requirements outlined by PMRA, MOECC, and product label Application occurred during vulnerable life stages of Phragmites (after seed-set) Reducing non-target impact to wildlife and plants: Herbicide application occurred over dense Phragmites stands Timing window factors Outside of bird breeding/nesting window Critical insect life stages complete Most native plants passed maturity and in decay Amphibians and reptiles will be staging Outside of hunting days 8!

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10 FLIGHT SUMMARY: LONG POINT REGION! Total aerial treatment: ~350 hectares 10!

11 FLIGHT SUMMARY: RONDEAU PROVINCIAL PARK Total aerial treatment: ~100 hectares 11!

12 Prescribed Burn The initial plan was to conduct a high complexity burn in the Crown Marsh using MNRF Aviation Services to eliminate seed heads and biomass Deep freeze conditions were needed for rolling and burning Rolling/cutting was still completed in the Crown Marsh with intentions to improve herbicide contact in 2017 if the EUR is approved Phragmites in parts of Long Point and Rondeau Provincial Park was left standing This will allow us to compare results and determine best management practices for future management

13 March 2017

14 Marsh Master Hydraulic Mower Note scattered stalks and exposed water which allows light penetration to surface

15 Rolling/Cutting March 2017 Rolling was applied to approximately half the area that was treated with herbicide Conditions were not favourable for this hard on equipment and a lot of area couldn t be accessed with the machines The marsh master was able to cut phragmites in wetter/remote areas, resulting in post-treatment of some kind to approximately 90% of what was sprayed

16 Comparing Results Rolled Mowed

17 Comparing Results! Cutting (Marsh Master):! Versatile, can reach most areas of the Crown Marsh! Cuts phrag of all life stages! Ice may cause damage to the Marsh Master and therefore timing window for use may be limited some years! Scatters the biomass and allows light to penetrate ground surface or water! Fire would only an option in dryer areas and even then may not readily carry fire no removal of biomass and seed heads! For this specific project cost per hectare was approximately half compared to rolling! Rolling (Centaurs/Argos with rollers):! Limited access, 30 cm of water is the max limit for the equipment machinery is prone to getting stuck past that! Young and spry phrag stems do not roll well in warm/wet conditions! Effectiveness is dependent on deep freeze conditions! When ideal conditions are met, rolling creates a thick mat of phrag which readily carries a fire! Resources for rolling are currently more readily available and when ideal conditions are met the job can be done quite quickly (ideal for working within a burn window)! 17!!!

18 Recommended Approach for 2017/18! Submit ER for 2017/18 for Rondeau Provincial Park and Long Point area! Up to1000ha, including Crown and private lands, aerial and ground application! Monitor and compare results of post-treatment activities and determine best management practices for future management! Confirm interdivisional support! staffing and resources! Build capacity of partners to take leadership role in future EUR! 18!

19 In closing. A big thank you to all partners and contractors involved with marsh management this year. Looking forward to the remainder of Please forward any questions to: Dustin Veenhof MNRF Aylmer District dustin.veenhof@ontario.ca