Quebec invests $8M to fight ‘zombie plant’ species

Quebec says it will spend about $8 million over five years to fight invasive plant species.

Today’s announcement comes just a few days after a coalition of groups called on Quebec to act immediately against one plant in particular because it has invaded at least 200 rivers and lakes in the province.

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The Eurasian watermilfoil, or so-called zombie plant, hurts recreational activities as well as aquatic flora and fauna.

READ MORE: Biologists work to save Quebec’s ‘most urban’ snake as construction booms 

Environment Minister Isabelle Melançon says a Quebec wildlife foundation will get $1.25 million a year over five years to run the program.

Another $1.75 million will be spent on research and awareness.

The Quebec Environment Department says 87 floristic species in the province are considered harmful to the environment, the economy or society as a whole. They include Japanese knotwood, common reed, water chestnuts and giant hogweed.