Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Thanks to an investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and
Forestry, the Invasive Species Centre is supporting 61 new collaborative action projects by community
groups, Indigenous organizations, and municipalities on critical invasive species, including invasive
plants, aquatic plants, and forest pests.
Invasive species are those that are introduced to an ecosystem outside of their native range and have
the potential to impact the ecology, economy, or society. Ontario is one of the highest-risk provinces for
the introduction of new invasive species in Canada. Invasive species can damage lakes, lands, forests,
and communities and are one of the greatest threats to the natural world. Invasive species are costly,
responsible for an estimated $3.6 billion dollars of impact each year to forestry, fisheries, agriculture,
infrastructure, tourism, and recreation in Ontario.
The Invasive Species Centre, through the first round of the Invasive Species Action Fund, is pleased to
support 151 groups, including 1,400 support staff and volunteers for on-the-ground action to stop
invasive species. The funding is supporting 61 Indigenous groups and communities and 72 municipalities
and conservation authorities. Projects will engage almost 8,000 people at 104 events, including over
1,800 youth in Ontario in 2023.
“Working collaboratively, the Invasive Species Centre helps communities reduce the spread of invasive
species which impact their parks, forests and lakes resulting in long-term positive change on the
landscape,” said Sarah Rang, Executive Director.
You can see all project recipients here.
About the Invasive Species Centre
The Invasive Species Centre is a not-for-profit organization that prevents the spread of invasive species in Canada and beyond by connecting with stakeholders to catalyze invasive species management and communicate policy and science knowledge. Visit our website to learn about invasive species, register for events, sign up to receive news and find out how you can take action. Funding from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry supports the Invasive Species Action Fund.
Media contact: Lauren Rogers, lrogers@invasivespeciescentre.ca
