Montreal-area plant getting some help to stave off extinction

A plant that's indigenous to the Montreal area is getting some much-needed funding to try to stave off extinction, something conservationists say could have a big impact on the local ecosystem.

The American water-willow is a threatened species in Quebec and Ontario.

"It's a plantthat's always been here," said Duane Boisclair, guardian ofRock Island, a small island in the St. Lawrence River, not far from the Lachine Rapids and Nun's Island.

"But it's in danger because of human activity."

The federal government has announced its intention to invest $100,000 over the course of three years to help fund conservationist group HritageLaurentien's efforts to save the water-willow.

Jason Di Fiore, the group's president, says the plant is extremely important to maintaining the local ecosystem.

"It's a plant that can maintain soil and stop erosion," Di Fiore said. "It's a plant that thrives in fast-flowing water."

An invasive plant called phragmite and human activity are the twomain threats to the water-willow, which can also be found inthe Mille-les River and Nicolet River.

Boisclairoften has to cut down phragmitenear Rock Island in order to keep it under control.

He says there are massive quantities of water-willows and phragmite around the island, and they are "in competition" for resources.

Raising awareness critical

Addressing the second largest threat to the water-willow's survival human activity is equally tricky.

People often aren't aware of how their actions can affect the plant.

For that reason,HritageLaurentiensays it will try to limit points of access to Rock Islandto minimize the potential damage.

Visitors on boats and kayaks will often step on water willows when docking, which is why some recreational water sport businesses are making it a point to inform customers.

"It's an aquatic plant that looks like any other. People don't know it's endangered," said Hugo Lavicire, the owner of kayak shop KSF.

"I think it's important to inform people."