PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 07/04/11 -- Editors Note: There is a 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 Sault Ste. Marie this summer.
Locally, Candace Leffler is an Invasive Species Technician working with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH). Her focus is on public outreach and engagement.
"The Invading Species Awareness Program gives me the opportunity, through education, to engage the community in helping prevent the spread of these unwanted invaders into the Sault Ste. Marie area," says Candace. "Everyone can make a difference when it comes to preventing the spread of invasive species."
The OFAH and the OMNR 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 Candace at 705-941-5103 or by email at candace.leffler@ontario.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 associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20110630-sault800.jpg.
Contacts:
Media Contacts:
Sophie Bull
Invading Species Awareness Program Coordinator
705-748-6324 ext 274
sophie_bull@ofah.org
Candace Leffler
705-941-5103
candace.leffler@ontario.ca