As part of the City’s plan to eradicate phragmites along the Howard Watson Nature Trail, the trail will experience a moving closure June 18 and 19, and a full closure on June 20 and 21 between 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., weather permitting.
A temporary moving closure of the Howard Watson Nature Trail between Exmouth Street and Retford Avenue is required Monday, June 18 and Tuesday, June 19 for rolling of phragmites to prepare for spraying. This is an area with a high concentration of phragmites, an invasive perennial grass that has been problematic with fires in the past.
On Wednesday, June 20 and Thursday, June 21, touch-up spraying will occur on this section of the Howard Watson Trail. The trail will be closed 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on these dates.
Members of the public are asked to keep out of this area for their safety. Signage will be posted 24 hours in advance. A spotter will be on sight for protection of pedestrians who inadvertently enter the trail near the work zone. Notification will be hand-delivered to adjacent homeowners.
Eradication involves spraying the affected areas with pesticide. Following eradication of the phragmites, a suitable seed mix will be applied to allow native species to return to the area and limit the opportunity for invasive species to re-invade. City Staff will consult with Lambton Wildlife Committee and the Sarnia Environmental Advisory Committee to select an appropriate seed mix for the area.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has granted permission to the City for the eradication of invasive species including phragmites on the Howard Watson Nature Trail and in Canatara Park.