NVCA supports Ontario’s efforts to combat invasive species

News release from the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority

The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) commends the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s re-introduction of theInvasive Species Act.

The proposed act would be Canada’s first standalone legislation designed to address the problem of invasive species. It would give the province powers to intervene earlier with a wide range of potentially dangerous plants and wildlife. It also provides new regulations and penalties to help deter the introduction and spread of these species.

“If successful, the proposed legislation should help to prevent and slow the spread of those invasive species that pose the highest risk to our local environment and economy,” said NVCA’s Interim CAO, D. Gayle Wood.

Once passed, this legislation will give the provincial government new tools and authority to ban activities such as possessing and transporting certain high risk invasive species. It will put in place mechanisms to support preventative measures and address urgent threats. Measures could include “rapid response” actions like preventing the movement of contaminated firewood, bans on possessing and transporting certain invasive species, and modernized inspection systems.

Invasive species pose a significant threat to the Nottawasaga Valley watershed, displacing native wildlife and plants

“Phragmites is becoming a significant issue in our wetlands while garlic mustard is threatening our upland forests,” explained David Featherstone, manager of NVCA watershed monitoring. “Our forested swamps and upland forests are being threatened by emerald ash borer. Zebra and quagga mussels have impacted the Georgian Bay ecosystem and round goby has colonized our shoreline and larger river systems.”

Along with partners such as the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Nature Conservancy, the County of Simcoe and the Town of Collingwood among others, NVCA has worked to monitor and control invasive species for about a decade. Projects have included monitoring and/or removing garlic mustard at the Tiffin and Petun Conservation Areas and along the Bruce Trail. As well, NVCA and partners have been undertaking projects to monitor and control giant hogweed, wild parsnip, dog-strangling vine andPhragmites across the watershed.

“If approved, this legislation will strengthen our continuing efforts to manage the spread of invasive species across the watershed,” added Featherstone.