Kathryn McGarry, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and Jeff Leal, MPP for Peterborough, were in Peterborough yesterday to announce a number of new investments in programs to combat invasive species on behalf of the Ontario government.
New investments this year include:
- Support for the Invasive Species Centre’s work to further research into new biological control agents for phragmites and dog-strangling vine.
- Additional support for the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Invading Species Awareness Program—which is marking its 25th anniversary—to strengthen the reporting invading species hotline, online tracking system and mobile application, management, and eradication of water soldier in the Trent-Severn Waterway, as well as public outreach initiatives.
- New funding for the Ontario Invasive Plant Council, so they can engage municipalities in the development of municipal invasive plant management strategies.
- Support for the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations and their work with lake front property owners to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, including A Shoreline Owner’s Guide to Invasive Species.
In total, Ontario will invest $1.6 million in partnerships with organizations working on the problem of invasive species.
A recent mapping project conducted by NASA produced probability maps of phragmite invasion throughout the Great Lakes watershed.
In May, another study focused on aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes basin. Using a particle transport model, researchers generated predictions for the spread of Eurasian ruffe and golden mussels via major tributaries and ports in the Great Lakes.
