Summer “Hit Squad” is Spreading the Word in Nottawasaga Valley

Marketwire– July 4 2011 

Invasive species pose a growing threat to Ontario’s biodiversity and cause billions of dollars in damage annually. With more invasive species found in Ontario than anywhere else in Canada, it is a good thing that there is someone from the Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP) working here in Utopia this summer.

Locally, Shannon Landovskis is an Invasive Species Technician working with Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).

“I can’t wait to make a positive impact in my community,” says Shannon. “We can all make a difference when it comes to preventing the spread of invasive species.”

The OFAH and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources partner to deliver the Invading Species Awareness Program, the largest of its kind in Canada, which uses public education and awareness 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 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. Conservation authorities, stewardship councils and other community groups are also providing assistance.

The public is invited to contact Shannon at 705-424-1479 ext 251 or email her at slandovskis@nvca.on.ca.

To report a sighting of an invasive species, or request informational materials, call the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or visit www.invadingspecies.com.