Invasive Species - What are they?
Invasive species are most often non-native species that out-compete native species for resources and dominate space. They may directly kill others (predate or release toxins), introduce disease and/or hybridize with other species (genetic contamination). Non-native invasive plants typically prefer disturbed habitat; are aggressive; have high reproductive rates; travel easily and far by humans, wildlife, wind and water; and lack natural predators.
Unfortunately, many invasive species have made their home in the Credit River Watershed. For a list of these species and more information, please see the links below.
Three groups of invasive species are of particular interest to CVC. These are invasive plants, invasive aquatic fauna, and invasive forest pests. Click the links below to learn about a species from each category that we have in our watershed.
Invasive
Plants |
Invasive
Aquatic Fauna |
Invasive
Forest Pests |
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Why should we be concerned?
The rapid spread of invasive species has become a major concern among ecologists, naturalists, biologists and land managers worldwide. From an ecological perspective, the concern centres on:
- displacement of diverse native species;
- impacts on interrelated species
(those that rely on native plants for food or other values); and
- reduced genetic diversity.
In fact, threats posed by invasive species are now considered one of the most serious threats to global biodiversity and have been recognized by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada and the Ontario Biodiversity Strategy (Action 17).
From an economic perspective invasive species can have far-reaching impacts and often unseen consequences (at first) and associated costs. From increased maintenance associated with cleaning zebra mussels from water-taking pipes in infested lakes, to decreased forest productivity, the costs are substantial. For more information visit The Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada which has tried to quantify some of these economic impacts.
Examining just 18 species for which published information is available, a conservative estimate of cumulative annual costs is between $13.3 and $34.5 billion federally. These estimates are known to be incomplete, and it is widely estimated that the damage resulting from past introductions of harmful invasive plant pests on agricultural crops and forestry in Canada is $7.5 billion annually. Manitoba alone estimates its economic losses due to Dutch Elm disease at roughly $30 million, and a single invasive alien thistle species impacting a single crop, canola, carries an annual cost of $320 million on the prairies. Estimates of the cumulative impact of zebra mussels range from $3 billion to $7.5 billion for the Great Lakes.
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Zebra mussels
Photo courtesy of Amy Benson,
U.S. Geological Survey, Bugwood.org |
Dutch elm disease
Photo courtesy of
Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources Archive, Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources, Bugwood.org |
What is CVC doing?
CVC, like Ontario's other Conservation Authorities, is in a unique position to help deal with this problem by possessing the capacity to integrate the most up-to-date science available with the on-the-ground stewardship, land-use planning and public outreach needed to tackle invasive species concerns. CVC has been busy managing invasive species on its own properties and creating comprehensive management plans. Please click below to review some of our most recent documents:
- CVC Invasive Species Strategy - The CVC Invasive Species strategy is considered a living document, subject to periodic reviews and updates as science advances and knowledge is gained. If you would like to receive a copy of the strategy, please feel free to contact CVC.
- Rattray Marsh Invasive Species Management Plan - To receive a copy, contact CVC.
What can the public do?
There are some simple measures that everyone can take to do their part in managing this problem:
- learn how to identify invasive species in your own neighbourhood. Contact CVC or see this website for a list of priority species, to report sightings or for more information;
- plant only native and non-invasive species;
- ask local nurseries to provide information on species invasiveness at point of sale and to promote the use of native species in home gardening;
- do not dump baitfish, crayfish, and unwanted pets such as goldfish and pet turtles in natural water bodies;
- do not dispose of your yard waste in natural areas or parks, since this can introduce weed seeds into natural areas and is also illegal;
- organize/conduct your own community project that could assist with this problem. CVC staff may be able to assist with this;
- volunteer at events that contribute to removing and managing invasive species; and
- do not disturb natural habitats, which may further spread invasive species. Keep yourself or your pets to walking trails in natural areas. Invasive species can also 'hitch a ride' on recreational equipment (e.g. personal watercraft, all-terrain vehicles or bicycles), so be sure to clean equipment before moving between water bodies and other natural areas. Be aware of the risk of spreading forest pests such as the Asian Long-horned Beetle (ALHB) and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) when transporting wood, and respect ALHB and EAB quarantine zones.
CVC Reports
Additional links
CVC is not alone in its efforts and works closely with member municipalities, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and many other agencies engaged in this battle. Please see the additional links below for more information and links to our partners' websites:
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