Media release from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Ontario Investing $1 Million to Fight Invasive Species
Funding will develop plan to stop the spread of invasive plants
TORONTO – Ontario is investing $1 million in the Invasive Species Centre and Nature Conservancy Canada to help combat the damaging and costly impacts of invasive species in the province.
“By investing in these trusted partners, the Ontario government is helping to prevent, detect and respond to the threats of invasive species,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “I would like to thank our partners for their continued efforts and dedication to preventing and reducing the ecological and economic harm caused by invasive species in Ontario.”
The government will be providing $750,000 to the Invasive Species Centre and $250,000 to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Half of the funding will support the implementation of a comprehensive Ontario-wide plan to fight invasive phragmites. Phragmites is an aggressive plant that spreads quickly, releasing toxins from its roots into the soil to hinder the growth of and kill surrounding plants.
The plan – developed by the Green Shovels Collaborative – will engage stakeholders, Indigenous communities and the public on phragmites management in Ontario.
The rest of the funding will be used to support projects led by community partners that will respond to and reduce the current ecological and economic harm caused by invasive species.
Quotes
“With this new investment, the Invasive Species Centre looks forward to establishing a new granting program for invasive species work that will start in spring and summer 2023. We are excited to work with community groups, Indigenous organizations, municipalities, and other partners to help support prevention and management of invasive species in Ontario”
-Bob Lambe
Chair of the Invasive Species Centre
“Invasive species are a leading cause of biodiversity loss and habitat degradation across Canada. They impact our environment, recreational opportunities, and the economy, costing Canada billions of dollars in losses in natural resources and other affected industries. The Nature Conservancy of Canada is pleased to continue our work on invasive species management with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, advancing programs and strategies that will serve as a model for the rest of Ontario.”
-Eric Cleland
Director – Invasive Species Program, Nature Conservancy of Canada
QUICK FACTS
- In addition to the new $750,000, the government has invested $1.2 million in the Invasive Species Centre.
- Invasive species cost an estimated $3.6 billion every year in Ontario.
- In Ontario, phragmites is a leading threat to 25 per cent of species at risk. It also reduces property values, deters recreation and tourism, and increases highway and drain maintenance.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
