1.1.1 - identification - It…

1.1.1 - identification
- It would be great to include whether or not the hybrid has been detected in Canada. You have stated findings in USA, and not Ontario, but what about the rest of the country?
- In following the above note, a possible hybrid was detected in Ontario through the Invasive Species Centre DNA kits that are handed out for free each year. Further investigation and testing is needed to confirm this identification and hopefully more answers will be given after the current season (2025). This specific site was located amongst many other native and invasive patches in a wetland in southeastern Georgian Bay.
- With the high possibility of having the hybrid lineage begin to exist in Ontario, how will the MTO respond in terms of management? Working with researchers, land managers, and those with phragmites management experience will be essential. Does MTO plan to control hybrid sites?
- Could MTO outline what their response is to controlling patches that are mixed native/invasive?

1.5 - Invasive Species Act
- MTO states that when working through a Park or Conservation Reserve, great care shall be taken to ensure clean equipment (i.e., Clean Equipment Protocol (?)). We strongly recommend and encourage MTO to follow clean equipment practices on ALL highways. We understand some habitats surrounding the highway may be considered more sensitive than others, but it is important to understand that phragmites knows no boundaries and following clean equipment protocol in ALL highway regions is essential to preventing the spread.
- Could you clarify why the MTO is not bound to the Invasive Species Act (2015)?

2 - Phragmites Inventory
- Is there a way for the public to contribute to this inventory?
- Working with surrounding landowners should be a priority to achieve successful eradication or management of phragmites. Clarification is needed on whether or not phragmites patches that are not 100% MTO property will be controlled?

3 - Phragmites Management
- Many highway sites that have been sprayed will see regrowth in future years. In post-treatment monitoring, how will MTO keep track of this and respond to regrowth? For how many years will MTO continue to monitor?

- If sites are left untreated due to the presence of SARs, how long will the MTO continue to monitor that specific phragmites patch and the species present? Would the patch be controlled in the future if no SARs are present? Clarification on this process is needed.
- Following herbicide application, the dead biomass remains standing as a dense monoculture. It is nearly impossible for new vegetation to grow. The document outlines that cutting is encouraged, but it should be a priority to help restore these habitats.

6 - management of waste
- it is important to note that though cut stalks can remain onsite, they should be kept high and dry, away from any possibility of wind or water relocating them. In addition, if seedheads have developed, they should be removed and disposed of in a bag and taken off site.