I am part owner of two…

I am part owner of two cottage properties in Minaki Ontario on the Winnipeg River downstream from Kenora. The infestation of Flowering Rush along the shore lines of both properties has been devastating! It has deteriorated the water quality, jeopardized access to water supplies for multiple properties and, in one bay, prevented access to all but 2 cottages to the water for recreational activities including swimming and boating. The choking effect of this weed not only disallows access from the water to the shoreline but also creates zones of 'dead water' that not even the water birds can navigate. Despite extensive (annual) efforts using prescribed techniques to "exhaust" the plants through cutting, I have watched the growth spread over the past 10-15 years at an alarming rate, resulting in the loss of fish spawning grounds and the destruction of many natural beaches. The impact on fisheries, tourism and native wild rice stands in the region is evident. Flowering Rush should not just be "restricted" - it MUST be on the prohibited list of invasive species to more effectively and appropriately respond to the disastrous effects of this ruinous weed.