‘If left unchecked, water soldier has the potential …(to trigger) vital hurt to biodiversity and affecting property values, recreation, tourism and navigation,’ warns MPP
NEWS RELEASE
INVASIVE SPECIES CENTRE
************************
SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. – The Water Soldier Working Group has confirmed the presence of an aquatic invasive plant known as water soldier in Lake Simcoe waters for the primary time.
Water soldier is a perennial aquatic plant, prohibited underneath the provincial Invasive Species Act, that has lengthy, skinny, serrated leaves that develop in a round sample. They type dense mats that crowd out different vegetation and should alter water chemistry, impacting native aquatic species.
Water soldier might be submerged as much as 5 metres underneath water however floats to the floor in the summertime. This poses a menace to summer time leisure actions equivalent to fishing, boating, and swimming. Boat motors can break up vegetation permitting them to unfold and invade new areas.
Previous to being regulated as a prohibited invasive species, water soldier was used as a decorative plant in water gardens, which is the probably supply of its introduction to the wild.
Since receiving the preliminary report of water soldier in Lake Simcoe, members of the Water Soldier Working Group mobilized to survey the realm and proceed to discover administration and remedy choices. The Water Soldier Working Group members embody provincial ministries, Indigenous organizations, municipalities, conservation authorities, universities, federal companies, and different environmental organizations.
“Ontario recognizes the importance of the prevention, early detection and management of invasive species that pose a threat to Ontario’s native species and ecosystems. If left unchecked, water soldier has the potential to invade lakes and rivers throughout Ontario and the Great Lakes basin ecosystem, causing significant harm to biodiversity and affecting property values, recreation, tourism and navigation in aquatic systems,” mentioned Graydon Smith, Minister of Pure Sources.
“That’s why we’re working diligently with our partners to further evaluate the extent of this invasion and develop plans for its control.”
“The earlier an invasive species is detected, the better the chances of quick management,” says Colin Cassin, Coverage Supervisor on the Invasive Species Centre. “I encourage people to learn more about water soldier, keep an eye on Lake Simcoe, and report any water soldier to EDDMapS or the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711.”
“Water soldier is an invasive aquatic plant that can spread quickly. It is known to alter shallow water habitats by crowding out native plants and impacting living space for fish species,” says Brian Ginn, Limnologist, Licensed Lake Supervisor, Lake Simcoe Area Conservation Authority. “If not properly managed, it could have significant effects on both the ecology of Lake Simcoe and our recreational use of the lake.”
What group members can do:
Individuals may also help forestall the additional unfold of water soldier by:
Learn to acknowledge water soldier by visiting the Invasive Species Centre Water Soldier Species Profile and the Invading Species Consciousness Packages water soldier webpage.
Report sightings of water soldier via the EDDMapS or iNaturalist web sites and cellular system purposes, or by calling 1-800-563-7711. A great report contains an correct location of the sighting and images.
Clear, Drain, Dry your boat once you go away Lake Simcoe and different waterbodies so that you simply aren’t transferring water soldier or different invasive species in your boat. It’s the legislation in Ontario.
By no means purchase or preserve water soldier in your water backyard. Water soldier is a prohibited species in Ontario underneath the Invasive Species Act. This implies it’s unlawful to import, possess, deposit, launch, transport, breed/develop, purchase, promote, lease or commerce water soldier.
Eliminate water soldier within the rubbish or on dry land in a way that ensures that no a part of the plant will re-enter the physique of water or enter another physique of water.
Further assets:
*************************
