Editorial: Island needs more than volunteer sweat equity tackling phrag

The passage of Phragmites Week has gone nearly unnoticed this year, but as our Island communities gear up for the influx of humanity that accompanies the August Civic Long Weekend and with the Little Current Lions Club Haweater Weekend just around the corner along with the Wiikwemkoong Cultural Festival (and accompanying Wiikwemkoong Arts and Music Festival), we collectively need to take stock of our efforts to protect our shores—literally.

For nearly a decade dedicated volunteers (along with a few funded positions and municipal and First Nation contributions) were led in the battle against this pernicious invasive weed by Island biologist Judith Jones, but even the most dedicated warrior must sometimes yield to the demands of life and family. So, she has passed that mantle on to those most impacted by its spread.