MANITOULIN – Invasive species pose a growing threat to Ontario’s biodiversity and cause millions of dollars in damage annually. There are more invasive species in Ontario than anywhere else in Canada, so it is a good thing the Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP) Hit Squad is working across the province again this summer to spread awareness about the impacts invasive species are having on our environment, economy, and society. One Hit Squad member will be located in Manitoulin this summer.
Locally, Eric Labelle is an Invasive Species Community Outreach Liaison working with Manitoulin Streams and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).
“I am excited to promote awareness of invasive species in Ontario as a member of the Invading Species Hit Squad.” Labelle says. “Raising awareness about invasive species prevention is key to stopping the spread or introduction of invasive species in Ontario.”
[pullquote]”I am excited to promote awareness of invasive species in Ontario as a member of the Invading Species Hit Squad.” Labelle says. “Raising awareness about invasive species prevention is key to stopping the spread or introduction of invasive species in Ontario.”[/pullquote]
The OFAH partners with the Ministry of Natural Resources to deliver the Invading Species Awareness Program. This program uses public education to prevent the introduction of new invasive species, and to stop the spread of those already here.
Over the course of the summer, the Invasive Species Hit Squad, comprised of about 25 summer students, will monitor more than 200 local lakes, waterways and forests, looking for zebra mussels, spiny water flea, round goby, giant hogweed, garlic mustard, and other invaders. They will also contribute to a variety of efforts to control the spread of these invaders. Funding is being provided by the federal government’s Canada Summer Jobs program.
To report a sighting of an invasive species, or request information materials, call the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711, visit www.invadingspecies.com or EDDMapS.org/Ontario. You can follow the Hit Squad progress on Twitter @invspecies or @ofah.
The public is invited to contact Eric Labelle at eric_labelle@ofah.org. To arrange a media interview, please contact the OFAH Manager of Communications. A high-resolution photo of the student is available upon request.
