NEWS RELEASE
PROVINCE OF ONTARIO
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The Ontario government is investing $500,000 to manage and prevent the spread of two aquatic invasive plant species recently detected in Leamington and Lake Simcoe.
Hydrilla was first detected in the Hillman Marsh Conservation Area located in Leamington. Water soldier was also detected in Lake Simcoe waters for the first time.
“Our government is acting quickly to prevent the spread of invasive species in Leamington,” said Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington. “A quick response will prevent the spread of invasive species which degrades water quality and harms natural habitats.”
The funding will be provided to the Invasive Species Centre to mobilize a rapid response plan against these two high-risk aquatic invasive plant species.
“With the recent findings of hydrilla and water soldier in Ontario, it’s more important than ever for us to take immediate action against these aggressive aquatic invasive plants,” said Graydon Smith, minister of natural resources. “This funding will support the Invasive Species Centre and local partners in quickly responding to these threats and protecting our natural environment and biodiversity in Ontario.”
This funding is in addition to the ministry’s $16 million investment to help municipalities, conservation authorities and Indigenous communities stop invasive species from establishing or spreading in the province.
“This funding will help prevent the spread of this invasive species in Lake Simcoe and help protect the important ecology of our region,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte. “Ensuring invasive species are quickly and carefully dealt with will help keep Lake Simcoe safe and healthy for years to come.”
“This new investment from the Ministry of Natural Resources will enable the Invasive Species Centre and our partners to support rapid response against two of Ontario's most aggressive invasive aquatic plants,” said Colin Cassin, Invasive Species Centre policy manager. “Quick action and collaboration among partners are key to protecting Ontario's lakes and rivers from the costly ecological and economic burdens these species present when left unchecked.”
The Ministry of Natural Resources will continue to work closely with the Invasive Species Centre and local partners to further assess the extent of these invasions and prevent, detect and respond to future threats. To support this work, Ontario is renewing the Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan to ensure we have the most robust plan possible in place
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