PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 07/04/11 -- Editors Note: There is one photo associated with this Press 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 Simcoe County and Muskoka this summer.
Locally, Elisha Persaud is an Invasive Species Technician working with Kids for Turtles Environmental Education and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).
"I am happy to be part of the Invading Species Awareness Program. It enables me to inform people in Simcoe County and Muskoka about the threats that invasive species pose to our natural resources and hopefully engage them in helping to prevent and control the spread of these unwanted invaders in our communities," says Elisha.
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 Elisha at 705-325-5386 or email her at outreach@kidsforturtles.com.
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 associated with this Press Release, please visit: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20110630-ofah-simcoe800.jpg.
Contacts:
Media Contacts:
Sophie Bull
Invading Species Awareness Program Coordinator
705-748-6324 ext 274
sophie_bull@ofah.org
Elisha Persaud
705-325-5386
outreach@kidsforturtles.com