Free Expert Webinar for the Identification and Authorized Control of Invasive Plants European Water Chestnut and Water Soldier

Kingston, Ont. — Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) will host a free live webinar on March 25, 2021, to assist waterfront property owners and outdoors enthusiasts in supporting effective management of two invasive aquatic plants in Ontario, European water chestnut (Trapa natans) and Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides).

Zones where water chestnut or water soldier have been identified include:

• Water chestnut: Rideau River downstream from Ottawa’s Vimy Memorial Bridge and the Ottawa River near Hawkesbury, as well as coastal wetlands of Wolfe Island and along the Greater Cataraqui and St. Lawrence Rivers, near Kingston.
• Water soldier: Trent-Severn Waterway near the Hamlet of Trent River, the Black River near Sutton, and the newly discovered population in Red Horse Lake north of Gananoque.

The webinar will be helpful for waterfront property owners, landowners with a pond or water garden on their property, and anyone who spends time near shorelines and wetlands to learn how to recognize, report and remove these prohibited invasive species in Ontario.

WEBINAR INFORMATION

Waterfront owners and people who spend time in aquatic habitats, such as hunters, fishers, boaters and hikers, can help identify and report invasive aquatic plants. The webinar will provide guidance for identification and control of outbreaks, and tips for removing two of Ontario’s worst wetland invaders.

European water chestnut (Trapa natans) and Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) are both classified as prohibited invasive species as laid out in Ontario Regulation 354/16 made under the Invasive Species Act, 2015.

Date: Thursday March 25, 2021
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. EST

 Webinar topics:

• life stages of the plants and how to identify them
• impacts on waterways and what to do if you spot the plants
• overview of provincial Prevention and Response Plans
• tips and best practices for how to help manage invasive plants
• the opportunity to ask questions directly to invasive species experts

Images to download

Robert McGowan (OFAH)

Water Soldier © OMNRF

Water Soldier © OMNRF

Water Soldier © OMNRF

Water Soldier

European water chestnut © Ducks Unlimited Canada

European water chestnut at Belle Island near Kingston © Ducks Unlimited Canada

Kyle Borrowman © Ducks Unlimited Canada

European water chestnut seed © Ducks Unlimited Canada

Water Soldier © OMNRF

QUOTES

“We encourage the public to attend this free online webinar,” says Robert McGowan, Management Technician for OFAH. “While the pandemic unfortunately limits our ability to hold in-person outreach events, we recognize the importance of continuing to engage waterfront property owners, landowners with a pond or water garden on their property, and anyone who ventures into the outdoors to hunt, fish, boat or simply enjoy a walk along our waterways. Early detection and swift action are crucial to controlling these species. The more eyes we have on the lookout for these plants, the better.”

“Our water resources need looking after, and that’s a big job,” says Kyle Borrowman, Ducks Unlimited Canada’s invasive species specialist in Ontario. “We’re asking everyone to watch over Ontario’s shorelines and shallow bays while having fun outdoors. If we can recognize, report and remove these prohibited invasive plants in waterways, we just might be able to stay ahead of them before they drastically alter our natural ecosystems.”

Background

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) are working together to raise awareness and support for management of the invasive aquatic plants, European water chestnut (Trapa natans) and Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides).

When it comes to invasive species, awareness, collaboration and swift action are key. Invasive species are an ever-growing environmental and economic threat in Ontario. These aquatic invaders take over their new surroundings, shade out native plants, reduce biodiversity, affect water quality and interfere with recreation.

This webinar is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry following the release of Prevention and Response plans for European water chestnut (Trapa natans) and Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) in September 2020 that set out practices to manage the species and identify and authorize certain persons or groups to undertake specified control and eradication activities, under the Invasive Species Act, 2015.

About Ducks Unlimited Canada

Ducks Unlimited Canada delivers wetland conservation that benefits every Canadian. We keep the water in your lakes and rivers clean. We protect your community from the effects of flood and drought. We save wildlife and special natural places. We use science to find solutions to the most important environmental issues of the day and we collaborate with people who are helping create a healthier world. The wetlands we save aren’t just for ducks; they’re for all of us.

About OFAH

As the voice of anglers and hunters, and as a leader in fish and wildlife conservation in the Province of Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) will: strive to ensure the protection of our hunting and fishing heritage and the enhancement of hunting and fishing opportunities; encourage safe and responsible participation; and champion the conservation of Ontario’s fish and wildlife resources, which so enrich our lives.