PUBLIC NOTICE: PESTICIDE USE

Management control efforts for invasive phragmites will be taking place in roadsides throughout the City of Belleville and Prince Edward County starting the week of August 17th.

 

Learn more about the herbicide being used: 

Quinte Region Phragmites Management Area

In partnership with the Ontario Phragmites Action program. 

What is Phragmites?

Invasive Phragmites (Phragmites australis), known as common reed, is an aggressive subaquatic plant that spreads quickly in dense stands (with up to 200 stems per square metre) and has been causing damage to Ontario's biodiversity for decades by releasing biochemicals from its roots into the soil to hinder the growth of surrounding plants. 

This robust perennial grass can grow between 4 and 6 metres in height and has blueish-coloured leaves, tan or beige stems, and strongly tufted seed heads. 

It is not clear how it was transported to North America from its native home in Eurasia.

Why is it a problem?

  • Reduces plant biodiversity by crowding out native vegetation.
  • Reduces water levels through rapid growth.
  • Stands contain a higher percentage of dead stalks which increases the fire risk.
  • Provides poor habitat and food supplies for wildlife.
  • Affects agriculture, recreation, and road safety due to dense stands and tall height.

Learn More:

Or visit the Invasive Species Centre or the Invading Species Awareness Program for additional resources. 

The Invasive Phragmites Control Centre (IPCC) and Quinte Conservation are working with the municipalities of The City of Belleville and Prince Edward County to mitigate the spread of Invasive Phragmites in the Quinte Watershed. Starting the week of August 17, 2026, an experienced team team of professional applicators will be applying a pesticide treatment to the Invasive Phragmites colonies listed in the notices below.

Why Control Phragmites?

Invasive Phragmites is an aggressive non-native plant that:
•Reduces native biodiversity.
•Degrades wetlands and wildlife habitat.
•Restricts access to shorelines and waterways.
•Impairs drainage and water movement.
•Creates dense monocultures that displace native vegetation.

Controlling invasive Phragmites supports the restoration of native ecosystems and helps protect the environmental, recreational, and agricultural resources of Prince Edward County.

For More Information

Dan Butler, Invasive Species Technician with Quinte Conservation
dbutler@quinteconservation.ca

343-645-3311

Media Release

Click here to read the Media Release.

City of Belleville

The Invasive Phragmites Control Centre (IPCC), Quinte Conservation, and the City of Belleville intend to control invasive European Common Reed (Phragmites australis subsp. australis) within municipal road allowances and other City-owned properties throughout the City of Belleville. Treatments will target established populations of invasive Phragmites identified through the Quinte Region Phragmites Management Area (QRPMA) roadside monitoring program.

Treatment Areas

Treatment sites are located throughout the City of Belleville, including:
•Dundas Street West and Avonlough Road
•Haig Road and Oak Ridge Boulevard area
•Station Street corridor
•Airport Parkway West corridor
•Casey Road
•Cannifton Road
•River Road
•Mudcat Road and Country Charm Drive area
•Millennium Parkway commercial area
•Cloverleaf Drive
•Sidney Street corridor
•Bell Boulevard corridor
•Hannafin Road
•Enterprise Drive
•Wallbridge Loyalist Road corridor
•Moira Street West
•Point Anne Road
•Scuttlehole Road and Bronk Road area
•Bellevue Drive

A complete list of treatment locations is available through Quinte Conservation and the City of Belleville. Treatment areas include both terrestrial and wet roadside habitats. Several sites occur in wetlands, stormwater infrastructure, and drainage features.

Pesticides to be Used

The contractor will use pesticides registered under the Pest Control Products Act (Canada):

Terrestrial (Dry) Sites

VisionMAX Herbicide (PCP Registration No. 27736) / Timberline Herbicide (PCP Registration No. 33456)

Active Ingredient: Glyphosate (present as potassium salt).

Surfactant/Adjuvant: MSO Concentrate with Leci-Tech (PCP Registration No. 28385)

Active Ingredient/Guarantee: Methylated seed oil of soybean 70%.

Aquatic/Wet Sites

Habitat Aqua Herbicide (PCP Registration No. 32374)

Active Ingredient: Imazapyr (present as isopropylamine salt).

Aquasurf Non-Ionic Spray Adjuvant (PCP Registration No. 32152) 

Active Ingredient: Surfactant blend.

These pesticides will be used by licensed applicators to control invasive Phragmites populations in accordance with all federal and provincial regulations. The pesticide use is in accordance with the exception to Ontario's cosmetic pesticide ban under subsection 7.1(2) of the Pesticides Act for the management, protection, establishment, and restoration of natural resources as prescribed in Section 28(1) of Regulation 63/09.

Treatment Timing

Applications are expected to commence the week of August 17, 2026, weather permitting, and conclude by the end of the week. Treatment dates may vary depending on site conditions and weather.

Prince Edward County

The Invasive Phragmites Control Centre (IPCC), Quinte Conservation, and Prince Edward County intend to control invasive European Common Reed (Phragmites australis subsp. australis) within municipal road allowances and other County-owned properties throughout Prince Edward County. Treatments will target established populations of invasive Phragmites identified through the Quinte Region Phragmites Management Area (QRPMA) roadside monitoring program.

Treatment Areas

Treatment sites are located throughout Prince Edward County, including:

•County Road 2 corridor
•County Road 3 corridor
•County Road 4 corridor
•County Road 5 corridor
•County Road 10 corridor
•County Road 19 corridor
•County Road 23 corridor
•County Road 28 corridor
•North Big Island Road
•Marsh Road
•Bakker Road
•Gardenville Road
•Harbard Road
•Vienna Road
•Oram Road
•Ridge Road
•Miller Road
•Royal Road
•Salisbury Road
•Olde Stone Road

Treatment sites include both terrestrial and wet roadside habitats. Several locations occur within or adjacent to wetlands, including areas associated with Sawguin Creek Wetland and roadside drainage features.

Pesticides to be Used

The Invasive Phragmites Control Centre (IPCC) will use pesticides registered under the Pest Control Products Act (Canada):

Terrestrial (Dry) Sites

VisionMAX Herbicide (PCP Registration No. 27736) / Timberline Herbicide (PCP Registration No. 33456) 

Active Ingredient: Glyphosate (present as potassium salt).

Surfactant/Adjuvant: MSO Concentrate with Leci-Tech (PCP Registration No. 28385) 

Active Ingredient/Guarantee: Methylated seed oil of soybean 70%.

Aquatic/Wet Sites

Habitat Aqua Herbicide (PCP Registration No. 32374) 

Active Ingredient: Imazapyr (present as isopropylamine salt).

Aquasurf Non-Ionic Spray Adjuvant (PCP Registration No. 32152)

Active Ingredient: Surfactant Blend.

These pesticides will be used by licensed applicators to control invasive Phragmites populations in accordance with all federal and provincial regulations. Pesticide use is in accordance with the exception to Ontario's cosmetic pesticide ban under subsection 7.1(2) of the Pesticides Act for the purpose of managing, protecting, establishing, or restoring natural resources as prescribed in Section 28(1) of Regulation 63/09.

Treatment Timing

Applications are expected to commence the week of August 17, 2026 (weather permitting) and conclude by the end of the week. Treatment dates may vary depending on site conditions and weather.

 

The Quinte Region Phragmites Management Area (QRPMA) is a collaborative initiative led by Quinte Conservation to address the spread of Phragmites australis, an aggressive invasive plant that threatens local ecosystems. With support from the Green Shovels Collaborative, the Invasive Species Centre, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the QRPMA brings together municipalities, environmental organizations, and community groups to coordinate action across the watershed. The program’s goal is to prevent, control, and ultimately eradicate Phragmites, helping to protect native habitats, support biodiversity, and reduce both environmental and economic impacts in the Quinte region. 

The Quinte Phragmites Working Group has been actively working to manage and reduce the spread of Phragmites australis within the Quinte region. Their efforts include mapping infestations, engaging with local municipalities and community groups, and promoting best management practices. The group is also developing a coordinated regional strategy to support prevention, control, and eradication efforts. 

The Quinte Phragmites Working Group is looking ahead with a strategic focus on expanding the Quinte Region Phragmites Management Area (QRPMA). Upcoming initiatives include enhanced mapping and monitoring of infestations, increased community outreach through workshops and volunteer programs, and scaling up on-the-ground removal efforts using best practices. With continued support from provincial partners and local stakeholders, the group aims to strengthen regional collaboration and secure long-term funding to protect native ecosystems and biodiversity across the Quinte watershed. 

For a free Phragmites DNA testing kit or assistance with mapping Invasive Phragmites on your own property, email our Invasive Species Technician, Dan Butler: dbutler@quinteconservation.ca. 

Read the Quinte Phragmites Survey Documentation Guide

Use QC's Easy tool To Report Phragmites Sightings

You can play a vital role in protecting our local ecosystems by reporting sightings of invasive Phragmites australis. If you spot this tall, dense grass in wetlands, along roadsides, or near shorelines, let us know using our easy-to-use Survey123 reporting tool. Your reports help us map infestations, prioritize treatment areas, and track progress across the Quinte Region. 

Upcoming events

Stay tuned for volunteer removal and informational workshops with members of our working group. 

Gallery

A pile of invasive phragmites
Invasive phragmites
A person inspecting a dense, overgrown field with invasive phragmites.

Disclaimer: The Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program coordinates a collaborative, province-wide effort to combat the impacts and spread of invasive Phragmites. This initiative is made possible by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and led by the Invasive Species Centre and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, alongside a network of dedicated partners.

The views expressed here are those of Quinte Conservation and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, or the Ontario Phragmites Action program and its key partners.