Control Program Updates and Plans

Public Notice

Notification of Herbicide Application for the Management of Invasive Phragmites within the Long Point Region

PLEASE VISIT OUR HOME PAGE FOR LOCATION SPECIFIC UPDATES DURING TREATMENT

Environment and Climate Change Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy of Canada will conduct annual management of Phragmites in the Long Point Region. Plants in selected areas will be treated with an herbicide (RoundUp Custom or Habitat Aqua) to manage the growth and limit the spread of Phragmites.

Herbicide application will be completed in compliance with all regulations, and in appropriate weather conditions, beginning on August 1st, 2023 and will be completed prior to October 31st, 2023.

The following locations will be treated:

Long Point and Big Creek National Wildlife Areas – scheduled to commence on August 28th, 2023 and be completed by mid-October, and will occur using ground application methods.

Long Point Crown Marsh, Turkey Point Marsh, Long Point Company Marsh, and Lower Big Creek Wetland Complex – scheduled to commence August 1st, 2023 using ground application methods.

As a precautionary measure, during treatment dates, all residences using a surface water system for consumption (for example: taking water directly from the boating channel or inner Long Point Bay to drink, cook or for food preparation) should shut down their water system and avoid consumption of the water for a minimum of 48 hours following herbicide application and then flush their systems for at least 20 minutes before consuming again. Please note: the precautionary measures outlined above are only for those with private water systems drawing water from the channel or lake. If you get your water from the Port Rowan Municipal Water System, no action is required.

Bottled water will be available free of charge at the Big Creek National Wildlife Area for those who require it. Residents or businesses in need of water may contact 437-993-4191 to make arrangements for pick up. Project notification signage will be posted throughout the Long Point region.

PLEASE NOTE: there is NO RESTRICTION on the USE OF WATER for RECREATION OR DOMESTIC PURPOSES (i.e. toilets, showers, etc.) following direct application of the herbicide. DRAFT | 21

Updates, including the start and completion of herbicide application and the resumption of using surface water systems, will be available at www.longpointphragmites.ca and at the Environment and Climate Change Canada- Canadian Wildlife Service office at Big Creek National Wildlife Area, or by contacting the Project Supervisors below.

Project Manager – Herbicide Application on National Wildlife Areas: Environment and Climate Change Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service, 437-993-4191, or by email at madeline.sutton@ec.gc.ca

Project Supervisor – Ground Herbicide Application on private lands: Nature Conservancy of Canada, 226-231-0331, or by email at brett.norman@natureconservancy.ca