Do You Have Invasive Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, or Phragmites on Your Property?

The 糖心直播 (UTRCA) Invasive Species Collaborative Program Opportunity

The UTRCA is developing a funding initiative to address the growing concern of three invasive plants:

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum),
Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), and
Phragmites (Phragmites australis).

As part of this initiative, we are reaching out to landowners whose property may be affected by or could have a role in the control and long-term management of these highly invasive species, and is located along the Thames River.

Giant Hogweed poses significant ecological and public health risks. When its sap is exposed to sunlight, it can cause severe skin irritation, burns, and long-lasting scars. Environmentally, these species outcompete native vegetation, disrupt biodiversity, and contribute to riverbank erosion. Effective management requires timely identification, safe handling, and sustained control efforts across both public and private lands.

The UTRCA is requesting your support in the form of written permission to contact you for the purpose of:

Surveying and mapping Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, and Phragmites听 populations along the Thames River corridor,
Participating in voluntary identification, education, and monitoring events in your area, and
Potential collaboration with UTRCA on invasive species control, under mutually agreed-upon terms.

All control work will be carried out by trained UTRCA staff or qualified contractors, in accordance with strict safety and environmental guidelines. The UTRCA and its funding partners will leverage available funding to help reduce removal costs, and all activities will be coordinated to minimize disturbance to your property.

Your participation is vital. A collective, landscape-level approach greatly improves the effectiveness and long-term success of invasive species control efforts. Additionally, your support will strengthen our funding initiative, demonstrating strong community collaboration and landowner engagement.

Are you interested?听Please complete the following form:

Contact:听Rob Davies, Supervisor, Forestry and Restoration, or call 519-451-2800 ext. 243.