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Summer "Hit Squad" is Spreading the Word in Oshawa

Invasive Species Student is on the Job Fighting Unwanted Invaders

Invasive species pose a growing threat to Ontario's biodiversity and cause billions of dollars in damage annually. With more invasive species found in Ontario than anywhere else in Canada, it is a good thing that there is someone from the Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP) Hit Squad is working here in Oshawa this summer.

Locally, Ian Wolski is an Invasive Species Technician working with the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).

Ian Wolski warns about Invasive species

"I will be doing outreach in the Oshawa area, working for CLOCA in partnership with the OFAH to inform and engage the public in helping to stop the spread of invasive species," says Ian.

The OFAH and the Ministry of Natural Resources partner to deliver the Invading Species Awareness Program, the largest program of its kind in Canada, which uses public education to prevent the introduction of new invasive species, and to stop the spread of those already here.

Over the course of the summer, the Invasive Species Hit Squad, comprised of about 20 summer students, will monitor more than 200 local lakes, waterways and forests, looking for zebra mussels, spiny water flea, round goby, giant hogweed, garlic mustard, and other invaders. They will also contribute to a variety of efforts to control the spread of these invaders. Funding is being provided by the federal government's Canada Summer Jobs program. Conservation authorities, stewardship councils and other community groups are also providing assistance.

The public is invited to contact Ian at 905-579-0411 or email him at iwolski@cloca.com.

To report a sighting of an invasive species, or request information materials, call the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or visit www.invadingspecies.com.