Industrial Vegetation
Specialists for Ontario's Infrastructure & Public Works.
Purpose-built for construction sites, roadways, and industrial environments. Guaranteed, compliant invasive species eradication and total vegetation clearing to keep your projects moving safely and on time.
"We understand the complexities of working on active construction sites, highway rights-of-way, and municipal drainage infrastructure — because that's all we do."
RE2 Industrial Vegetation Management
Environmental Authority. Industrial Precision.
RE2 is a specialized contractor division backed by the established environmental authority of Reclaim Environmental Inc. — purpose-built for the demands of heavy civil, municipal, and industrial sectors.
The result: fully compliant site clearing, reduced liability for the general contractor or municipality, and long-term infrastructure protection — delivered on your timeline.
Built for Heavy Civil
We operate within your site safety protocols, tight MOL compliance requirements, and zero-delay expectations. Our crews are mobilized around your critical path, not around ours.
Precision Chemical Programs
Targeted applications calibrated for species, soil type, and site conditions. We eliminate invasive species at the root level with documented, repeatable programs.
Fully Compliant, Every Time
MECP licensed operators, OIPC-certified phragmites programs, and full OTM Book 7 compliance for roadside and highway work. Compliance documentation provided at bid.
Reduces GC & Municipal Liability
Invasive and noxious species on a project site are a documented liability risk. Our certified eradication programs create the paper trail that protects your organization.
Phragmites australis: Ontario's Most Aggressive Invasive Species.
The European strain of Common Reed — Phragmites australis subsp. australis — was introduced to North America in the early 1800s via ship ballast water. Today it is classified by Environment and Climate Change Canada as one of the most ecologically destructive invasive plants in the country.
Unlike its native North American counterpart, the European strain is chemically allelopathic — it actively suppresses competing vegetation by releasing toxins into the soil. Combined with an aggressive rhizome network that reaches depths of 3 metres and spreads laterally up to 5 metres per year, it converts diverse wetland and riparian habitat into impenetrable, biologically dead monoculture.
Road salt, soil disturbance from construction, and altered hydrology are the primary drivers of its expansion across Ontario's highway corridors, drainage ditches, and municipal infrastructure. Left unmanaged, a small colony will colonize hundreds of metres of ditch line within a single decade.
Ontario is the Epicentre
The Great Lakes Basin has the highest density of European Phragmites infestation in North America. Over 100,000 hectares are now affected across the province — with municipal drainage corridors and highway rights-of-way among the most impacted landscapes.
Annual Lifecycle — Understanding the Biology
Effective eradication requires working with the plant's biology, not against it. Each phase presents different management constraints and opportunities.
April – May
Spring Emergence
Dormant rhizomes push new shoots upward from depths of 1–3 metres. Even after above-ground knockdown, intact root systems re-sprout aggressively.
June – August
Summer Establishment
Explosive vertical growth at up to 4cm per day. Canopy closes rapidly, shading out native plants and suppressing competing vegetation entirely.
August – September
Seed Dispersal
Feathery seed heads release thousands of windborne seeds across hundreds of metres. A single colony can produce over 35,000 seeds per square metre.
Late August – October
Nutrient Draw-Down (Eradication Window)
As seed heads form, the plant begins pulling carbohydrates from its canopy into the deep rhizome network to fuel spring regrowth. This translocation phase is the critical treatment window for systemic root-kill.
November – April
Winter Dormancy
Standing dead biomass — 2–4 years of accumulated dry stalks — creates extreme fire fuel loads and continues to block drainage infrastructure.
Why Removal is Not Optional in Ontario.
The consequences of inaction compound annually as colonies expand and root systems deepen.
Wetland Drainage & Hydrology Loss
Phragmites rhizomes accumulate organic matter at rates exceeding 2cm per year, progressively raising the ground elevation of wetland beds. This compresses the water table, converts open water to dense terrestrial monoculture, and fundamentally alters the hydrology of drainage corridors, stormwater ponds, and Great Lakes coastal marshes.
Biodiversity & Habitat Collapse
A single established Phragmites colony displaces over 40 native plant species, eliminating the structural diversity that supports nesting, foraging, and shelter for over 80 bird species, numerous amphibian populations, and fish nursery habitat. Native cattail marshes that once supported species like Least Bittern and Muskrat are particularly vulnerable.
Drainage & Infrastructure Blockage
Dense Phragmites stands in municipal drainage ditches, culvert approaches, and stormwater management ponds reduce hydraulic capacity by up to 80%. The result is chronic flooding, accelerated channel erosion, and costly emergency clearing programs — particularly following spring freshet or high-rainfall events.
Extreme Fire Hazard
Phragmites accumulates two to four seasons of standing dead stalks within its canopy — creating one of the densest combustible fuel loads found in Ontario landscapes. Fires spread rapidly and burn intensely, threatening adjacent infrastructure, rural properties, and highway corridors. Post-fire regrowth is vigorous and typically accelerates colony expansion.
Highway Sightline Obstruction
Stands reaching 4–6 metres eliminate sightlines at highway intersections, interchange ramps, and rural at-grade crossings. This is a documented contributor to collision risk on provincial highways and county roads, and a liability concern for roadway authorities under the Highway Traffic Act.
Rapid Spread via Disturbance
Construction activity, ditch grading, flood events, and vehicle movement are primary vectors for Phragmites spread. Rhizome fragments as small as 3cm can establish new colonies. This is why clean equipment protocols and EDRR programs are non-negotiable on active construction and infrastructure sites.
Ontario-Specific Context
- Over 100,000 hectares of Phragmites infestation documented across Ontario
- The Great Lakes Basin is the epicentre of invasion in North America
- European strain introduced via ship ballast water in the early 1800s — now genetically distinct from the native strain
- Road salt and soil disturbance from infrastructure projects are the primary expansion drivers in Ontario
- Municipalities have obligations under the Municipal Drainage Act to maintain drainage works — Phragmites blockage creates direct legal liability
Take Action
Early intervention is the most cost-effective strategy.
A colony detected at 50m² can be eradicated in one to two seasons. The same colony at 5,000m² requires a multi-year program at 20 to 40 times the cost. RE2 provides free site assessments and EDRR response programs.
Comprehensive Industrial Vegetation Management
From initial knockdown to cleared-to-grade delivery — full scope, fully compliant.
Invasive Phragmites Eradication
OIPC-compliant phragmites eradication for municipal drainage corridors, ditches, and site preparation. Full documentation included for compliance sign-offs.
- Initial Knockdown — Full-canopy herbicide application at peak biomass
- Regrowth Treatment — Secondary application targeting re-sprouting rhizomes
- Spot-Treatment — Targeted elimination of survivors before project close-out
Each program includes written documentation for OIPC compliance and site sign-off purposes.
Hazardous & Noxious Weed Control
Safe, certified chemical neutralization of plants that pose a direct health and safety risk to your work crews, inspectors, and the public.
- Giant Hogweed — Causes severe phototoxic burns; requires specialist handling
- Wild Parsnip — Widespread in Ontario roadside environments; chemically controlled
- Poison Ivy — Common on disturbed construction sites; full eradication programs available
All treatments performed by licensed Exterminator-class applicators with proper PPE and site documentation.
Right-of-Way & Brush Clearing
Chemical eradication of woody brush and broadleaf weeds to maintain access, line-of-sight, and structural integrity across linear infrastructure.
- Roadways & Highway Corridors — OTM Book 7 compliant roadside programs
- Pipeline Rights-of-Way — Woody vegetation and invasive control for integrity programs
- Hydro & Utility Corridors — Line-of-sight and access maintenance programs
Chemical clearing programs are often more cost-effective than mechanical cutting and provide longer-lasting results.
Physical Clearing & Biomass Removal
Through our trusted network of heavy-equipment partners, we facilitate the physical, mechanical removal of dead biomass after the chemical eradication phase.
- Post-eradication biomass removal — Coordination of mechanical mulching, cutting, or excavation
- Debris hauling & disposal — Full site clearing to finished grade
- Integrated project management — Single point of contact from chemical treatment to cleared site
This partnership model delivers a true end-to-end site clearing solution under one coordinated program.
Built for Ontario's Most Demanding Sectors
Our programs are purpose-engineered for the regulatory requirements, site conditions, and operational demands of each industry we serve.
Heavy Civil Construction & Developers
Site prep, invasive species clearance for environmental approvals, and noxious weed control to protect your workforce on active construction sites.
- Pre-construction invasive species assessment & eradication
- Environmental compliance documentation for sign-offs
- Active site hazardous plant removal (Giant Hogweed, Wild Parsnip)
Municipal Public Works
Phragmites and invasive vegetation management programs for municipal drainage ditches, stormwater infrastructure, and public roadside corridors.
- Municipal ditch Phragmites eradication programs
- Annual roadside noxious weed maintenance contracts
- Stormwater and wetland buffer management
Provincial Highways & Roadways
OTM Book 7 compliant roadside vegetation management programs for provincial and regional highway authorities.
- Highway right-of-way brush control
- Invasive species monitoring and response programs
- Full traffic management compliance (OTM Book 7)
Industrial Rights-of-Way
Long-term vegetation suppression programs for pipeline operators, utility companies, hydro corridors, and rail infrastructure owners.
- Pipeline integrity vegetation management
- Hydro and transmission corridor programs
- Rail right-of-way brush and invasive control
Not sure if we serve your sector?
If it grows where it shouldn't, we can help.
Contact our team to discuss your specific project. We provide free site assessments and detailed commercial bids for all qualifying projects in Ontario.
Request a Free Site AssessmentThe Science of Eradication: IPM-Driven Results.
RE2 follows the Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework (PAMF) — the gold standard across the Great Lakes Basin. We don't spray and pray. We monitor stem density, identify biological phases, and deploy treatments timed for maximum Rhizome Exhaustion using Site-Specific Guidance and Predictive Modeling to drive Landscape-Scale Success.
Each RE2 program cycles through four evidence-based phases, iterated annually until eradication thresholds are met.
Tactical Toolbox — Beyond Chemical Applications
Depending on site conditions, regulatory requirements, and biological phase, RE2 deploys the appropriate method from our validated toolkit.
Precision Spading
Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR)
For sensitive ecological zones or EDRR scenarios, we cut Phragmites at a precise 45-degree angle below the soil surface. This disrupts meristematic tissue and shocks the growth cycle without soil disturbance — preserving site integrity while delivering immediate biomass knockdown.
- Sub-surface cut at 45° angle below crown node
- Minimal soil disturbance — ideal for buffer zones
- Effective for early-stage colony containment
- Repeatable as part of a multi-year suppression program
Cut-to-Drown
Hydrological Stress Method
For high-sensitivity infrastructure zones where chemical applications are restricted, we coordinate with partners to perform underwater cutting — severing the stem at or below the waterline to deprive the rhizome network of oxygen and starve the root system. A proven non-chemical alternative for wetland margins and regulated shoreline corridors.
- Targets rhizome oxygen supply at the source
- Non-chemical alternative for high-sensitivity zones
- Partner-coordinated for regulated water features
- Supports hydrological connectivity restoration goals
Nutrient Translocation Monitoring
Timed Herbicide Application
Our primary eradication tool. We time herbicide applications to the biological window when Phragmites is actively pulling carbohydrates and nutrients down into the rhizome system — ensuring maximum translocation of our treatment into the deep root architecture. This drives Rhizome Exhaustion at depth, not just surface dieback.
- Application timed to peak nutrient draw-down phase
- Systemic treatment reaches rhizomes 1–3m below grade
- Dewatered application protocols for all site types
- Predictive Modeling used to identify optimal strike window
Biological Timing & Translocation Science
Nutrient Translocation Monitoring
The difference between a surface kill and a true eradication is timing. RE2 monitors Phragmites colonies for the late-season nutrient draw-down window — the biological phase when the plant actively pulls carbohydrates from its canopy into the deep rhizome network in preparation for winter dormancy.
By striking during this window, our systemic herbicide treatments travel the same translocation pathway — reaching rhizomes 1 to 3 metres below grade. The result is progressive Rhizome Exhaustion rather than annual re-sprouting from intact root systems.
Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) Alignment
Strategic Framework Commitment
RE2 operates in alignment with the Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program and its "Strategic Framework for Coordinated Management in Ontario.\" Our programs are designed to contribute to landscape-scale outcomes — not just site-level compliance.
This means our documentation, monitoring data, and treatment records are structured to support OPA reporting requirements, municipal stewardship programs, and provincial infrastructure partner reporting — delivering value beyond the contract close-out date.
GLPC & Michigan DNR Integration: Our programs incorporate validated methods from the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative and reference Michigan DNR research to ensure our protocols reflect the most current science available across the basin.
The Credentials That Qualify Us for Your Contract.
Government and municipal procurement requires proof. We carry every license, certification, and insurance policy required to work on regulated Ontario infrastructure. Our phragmites management follows OIPC guidelines and the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative (GLPC) framework — supplemented by Michigan DNR research — giving clients confidence in compliant, science-backed eradication programs.
Standard Documentation Package
- Certificate of Insurance (CGL + Environmental Impairment)
- MECP Operator's License Certificate
- Individual Applicator License Copies
- WSIB Clearance Certificate
- Company Safety Policy & OHSA Compliance Docs
- Clean Equipment Plan (OIPC / GLPC Standards)
All compliance documentation provided at time of bid submission upon request.
MECP Operator's License
RE2 operates under a valid Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) Operator's License. All pesticide applications comply fully with Ontario's Pesticides Act.
Industrial Exterminator Licenses
Every field applicator holds an active Ontario Industrial Vegetation Exterminator License, qualifying them to perform regulated pesticide applications in commercial and industrial environments.
Environmental Impairment Liability
We carry the heavy Environmental Impairment / Pollution Liability Insurance coverage required to qualify for municipal and provincial government contracts.
Best-Practice Clean Equipment Plans
Site-specific Clean Equipment Plans developed in accordance with OIPC guidelines and the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative (GLPC) framework, with additional reference to Michigan DNR protocols — preventing cross-contamination of invasive seeds and plant material between sites.
OTM Book 7 Traffic Management
All roadside and highway work performed in full compliance with the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7, ensuring the safety of workers and the public.
Site Safety & COR-Ready
Our crews maintain comprehensive JSAs, hazard assessments, and safety documentation to meet GC and municipal safety requirements on any project.
Request a Commercial Quote
Complete the form to submit your project details. Our commercial team will review your request and respond within one business day with a detailed proposal or site assessment arrangement.
Ontario-Wide Service
We service construction sites, highway corridors, and municipal infrastructure across Ontario.
Projects of All Sizes
From small municipal ditches to large-scale pipeline right-of-way programs — we scope accordingly.
Built for Procurement
We provide all compliance documentation required for municipal and government procurement.