Ontario Continuing Fight Against Invasive Species

Written by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources on 16 August 2017

Purple loosestrife, seen here along an Ontario road, is a wetland plant native to Europe and Asia that has spread across the province since its introduction in the early 19thcentury and is now being bio-controlled using beetles, one of the methods used in Project Purple. Credit: Dave Britton

Province Working With Partners to Create Awareness of Invasive Species and Protect the Environment

Ontario continues to combat invasive plants and animals in order to protect the environment and allow people across the province to continue to enjoy rivers, lakes, parks and other green spaces.

Kathryn McGarry, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and Jeff Leal, MPP for Peterborough, were in Peterborough today to announce a number of new investments in programs to combat invasive species.

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

Ontario will continue to support the successful implementation of the Invasive Species Act and regulation through public education and working with neighbouring jurisdictions.

Creating awareness of invasive species and protecting our environment is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

Quick Facts

For 2016-17, Ontario is investing $1.6 million in invasive species partnerships.
Ontario provides annual support to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters to deliver the Invading Species Awareness Program to track invasive species sightings and provide public education and outreach.
Invasive species often out-compete native species for food and take over their habitats, threatening both the environment and economy.
In 2016, Ontario prohibited and restricted 19 invasive species to prevent their arrival, control their spread in the province and protect the environment.
Sightings of invasive species can be reported using the interactive application at EDDMaps.org/Ontario or by calling the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711.