Common Reed Biocontrol Release

Common reed (Phragmites australis australis), an invasive alien species, has spread extensively becoming a major threat to North American wetlands and natural areas. In Point Pelee National Park, dense stands of common reed in the marsh, swamp thicket, beach-dune, and woodland ecosystems reduce biodiversity, habitat quality, and access to breeding areas for wildlife and species at risk like nesting turtles and migratory birds. In Spring 2026, researchers plan to release biocontrol moths at 2 locations in the marsh to establish nurse sites. The 2 European stem-boring moths (Archanara neurica and Lenisa geminipuncta) have undergone rigorous testing over 2 decades, demonstrated target specificity for common reed, and been released and monitored at 60 locations in Ontario since 2019, including Essex County. Nurse sites serve as areas where the insects can expand from to help control common reed by decreasing its competitive dominance and spread. Researchers will monitor the effectiveness and dispersal of the moths, and compare the results to the park's untreated and treated marsh restoration areas.

Latest update

March 26 2026 – The public comment period on the project is closed. Parks Canada is considering comments received to help inform its determination on whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Participate

Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
1 New project being assessed by Parks Canada – Public comments invited from February 24 2026 to March 26 2026 - February 24, 2026

Contacts

Point Pelee National Park
407 Monarch Lane, RR 1
Leamington, Ontario N8H 3V4
Telephone: 519-322-2365 or 1-888-773-8888
Email: pelee.info@pc.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Point Pelee National Park of Canada (Ontario)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Remediation and conservation

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2026-02-24

  • Proponent

    Parks Canada

  • Authorities

    • Parks Canada Agency

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    90247

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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