Looking for action on invasive plant species

What’s growing around you?
AWARE Simcoe news release – April 8 2012
A meeting being held this Saturday April 14 at the Elmvale Arena is aimed to be the start of a county-wide effort to control and eradicate invasive alien plant species.

This is not just about public education, said AWARE Simcoe Vice-Chair Kate Harries.
“This is about taking action on an urgent problem that is staring us right in the face – plumes of Phragmites are waving along the edges of highways, Glossy Buckthorn and Japanese Knotweed are spreading through the ditches and Garlic Mustard edges the paths in our forests and parks.”
All invasive alien plants displace native plants and trees, and create areas devoid of the food and shelter required by native insect and bird species. Some, like Giant Hogweed cause painful rashes and can be very harmful to humans.
People need to learn what these plants look like, and municipal staff need to learn about eradication methods.
Volunteers in one Simcoe County municipality identified 35 Giant Hogweed plants last year – but the municipality did not address the problem until July, by which time those plants had set seed. “That, based on a count of 2,000 viable seeds per plant, has set the stage for 70,000 new plants this year,” Harries said.
Many municipalities are unaware of the invasion of destructive alien species – at a time when it is reaching a level that exceeds their capacity to respond, in terms of finances and staff.
“That’s why we want to involve the public, the province, municipalities and volunteer organizations in a county-wide response that could be modelled on the Adopt-A-Highway program,” Harries said.  “We have a panel of three of the province’s leading experts, and senior local officials and politicians will be in attendance.”
The most important participants, however, will be members of the general public, she said, urging everyone to attend to become informed about what’s growing around them.
Details:
When Saturday April 14, 9:30am-12:30pm
Where Elmvale Arena 13 George St., Elmvale
Panellists:
Orillia naturalist and environmental consultant Bob Bowles
Rachel Gagnon, coordinator of the Ontario Invasive Plant Council, will talk about efforts being made by volunteer groups around the province.
Ericka Weisz, invasive species biologist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, will talk about government’s role.
Other participants include Jeff Monague of Beausoleil First Nation; Graeme Davis, Simcoe County Forester; and David Featherstone of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority.
Note: Questions about invasive insect and aquatic species will not be addressed although individuals can talk to panellists about these concerns after the meeting.