PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 07/04/11 -- Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this release.
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) working here in Finch this summer.
Locally, Janet Greenhorn is an Invasive Species Technician working with South Nation Conservation and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).
"I'm looking forward to working with the community and sharing information about the invasive species that can be found in our area," says Janet. "We can all make a difference when it comes to preventing the spread of invasive species."
The OFAH and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources partner to deliver the Invading Species Awareness Program, the largest of its kind in Canada, which uses public education and awareness 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 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 Janet at 613-984-2948 ext 306 or by email at jgreenhorn@nation.on.ca.
To report a sighting of an invasive species, or request informational materials, call the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or visit www.invadingspecies.com.
To view the photo of Janet Greenhorn, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20110630-janet800.jpg
Contacts:
Media Contacts:
Sophie Bull
Invading Species Awareness Program Coordinator
705-748-6324 ext 274
sophie_bull@ofah.org
Janet Greenhorn
613-984-2948 ext 306
jgreenhorn@nation.on.ca