Within this guide, you will find downloadable informational sheets on invasive species in and around The Land Between as well as important native species that are often labelled as "weeds". You can also find where to report invasive species along with additional resources and reading! You can use the below buttons to navigate to these sections of the guide.
Invasive Aquatic Plants
To learn more about invasive aquatic plant species in The Land Between, why they are a problem, what they look like, and how they can be managed, click on the links below.
There are also a number of invasive aquatic plants that surround The Land Between. To learn more about them, why they are a problem, what they look like, and how they can be prevented from entering The Land Between, click on the links below:
Invasive Invetebrates
Invasive invertebrates (animals that lack a vertebral column, or backbone) in The Land Between often get introduced via ballast water, bilges, the movement of bait, the aquarium trade, or intentional, unauthorized introductions. Once in a lake ecosystem, they tend to outcompete native species, disrupt food webs, interfere with native fish spawning grounds and food supply, clog water intake pipes, and act as a nuisance to fishing, boating and recreational activities.
To learn more about invasive invertebrate species in The Land Between, why they are a problem, what they look like, and how they can be managed, click on the links below.
Invasive Fish
Invasive fish in The Land Between can get introduced via ballast water, the movement of bait, the aquarium trade, or intentional, unauthorized introductions. Once in a lake ecosystem, they tend to outcompete native fish for food and habitat, disrupt food webs, and even eat the eggs and young of sport fish. It is important to note that moving fish such as Bass or Walleye into other lakes where they don’t already exist, although they are native species to The Land Between, can create problems by disrupting food webs.
To learn more about the invasive fish species in The Land Between, why they are a problem, what they look like, and how they can be managed, click on the links below.
There are also a number of invasive fish that surround The Land Between. To learn more about them, why they are a problem, what they look like, and how they can be prevented from entering The Land Between, click on the links below:
A Weed or An Important Native Plant?
In recent years, gardening for aesthetic and ornamental purposes has grown in popularity. Societal norms have pressured perfect lawns and manicured gardens. Intrusive plants that weren’t intentionally planted are removed and labeled as a nuisance, or weed. Any unwanted plant has been labelled a weed but many of these "weeds" are actually native plants thriving in their preferred habitat! Societal views have skewed our understanding of native plants, which offer economic, environmental and societal benefits.
Check out these important native species that are commonly mistaken as unwanted weeds!
Reporting Invasive Speices
The best way to prevent the establishment of non-native species is through early detection and reporting. It helps scientists, land managers and fisheries personnel locate, assess and manage invasive species, hopefully before they have time to fully establish. You can report sightings of any invasive species online through EDDMapS Ontario, a web-based mapping system which also has an app, or through the Invasive Species in Ontario project on iNaturalist.org. You can also use either of these maps to see where certain invasives are already a problem so you can plan to take specific precautions. Keep reading to learn more about the common invasive species plaguing lakes in Cottage Country, and some ways in which they can be identified and mitigated.
Additional Reading & Resources
A Shoreline Owner's Guide to Invasive Species, produced by the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations with support by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Curly Leaf Pondweed Fact Sheet, produced by the Alberta Invasive Species Council
Great Lakes Nonindigenous Species Information System, produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Grow Me Instead (Southern Ontario) Brochure, produced by the Ontario Invasive Plant Council
Invasive Aquatic Plant Species: A Quick Reference Guide, produced by Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program and Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Invasive Japanese Knotweed - Best Management Practices in Ontario, produced by the Ontario Invasive Plant Council
Invasive Phragmites - Best Management Practices, produced by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Invasive Reed Canary Grass Best Management Practices, produced by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Landowner Guide to Protecting Water
Methods to Control Invasive Species, produced by Credit Valley Conservation
Ontario Invading Species Awareness Program, developed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).
Prevention and Response Plan for Water Soldier (Stratiotes aloides) in Ontario, produced by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Purple Loosestrife Best Management Practices in Ontario, produced by the Ontario Invasive Plant Council
Purple Loosestrife: What You Should Know, What You Can Do, produced by Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Strayer, D., & Findlay, S. (2010). Ecology of freshwater shore zones. Aquatic Sciences, 72(2), 127–163. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00027-010-0128-9
Zebra Mussel Fact Sheet, produced by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters