I believe the Flowering Rush…

I believe the Flowering Rush should be categorized as a Prohibited Species, not a restricted species.

I have grown up spending summer months in Minaki. Some of my fondest memories in the summer are canoeing into the bay across the island to watch wildlife. Today, that is no longer possible as flowering rush has taken over the bay. Even if we could get into the bay, there is no wildlife to see because of this plant. All of the water lilies are gone.

Flowering rush has also completely taken over the bay on our property. We spend weekends every summer cutting it down to try to get rid of it before it takes over even more of our bay. Soon, the plant will take over our swimming area, given how fast it is spreading.

This plant will affect all of the cabins on the Winnipeg River from Kenora to the White Dog and will negatively impact tourism. It has already started to negatively impact many public gathering areas, such as beaches.

Minaki is a beautiful place, and I hope that my family can continue to enjoy it's beauty for generations to come. I urge you to categorize the Flowering Rush as a Prohibited Species.