Beetlemania Hits Northern Ontario

July 8, 2003
For Immediate Release 

This summer, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) has joined forces with Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the biological control company Ontario Beetles in an effort to combat the spread of purple loosestrife in northern Ontario.

Purple loosestrife is an invasive wetland plant, native to Eurasia that was introduced to North America in the early 1800s. Widely considered to be one of Canada’s most invasive plants, purple loosestrife has become established in more than half of southern Ontario wetlands and is rapidly expanding north. Purple loosestrife forms dense stands which are unsuitable as cover, food or nesting sites for a range of wetland species such as waterfowl, bitterns and muskrats.

The program, will involve the release of loosestrife-eating Galerucella beetles, which have been successfully used to control purple loosestrife at more than 200 sites in southern Ontario. Galerucella beetle packages will be distributed to community groups, government and conservation organizations for release in 40 loosestrife-infested wetlands across the north. Financial support for this innovative program has been provided by the Ontario Living Legacy Trust.

Galerucella beetles were initially brought to Canada and the United States in 1992 to control purple loosestrife. Canadian and U.S. regulatory agencies approved their release after stringent research, conducted in Europe, established the beetles’ as harmless to native species and the environment. The beetles are now being used successfully in nine Canadian provinces and 33 U.S. states and this natural control has become recognized as a viable alternative to more traditional methods of control.

“This program will make a significant contribution to reducing the extent and spread of purple loosestrife in northern Ontario,” O.F.A.H. Executive Director Mike Reader said. “Invasive species such as purple loosestrife are one of the greatest threats to the health and productivity of Ontario’s wetlands”.

The beetle releases will be conducted in cooperation with community based volunteers from angling and hunting clubs, naturalist groups, trappers, and academic institutions. Volunteer responsibilities include the identification of suitable release sites, the actual release, and monitoring the success of beetle populations.

“The participation and support of the community is critical to the success of this program,” Ontario Beetles founder Donna Mackenzie said. “This hands-on program will help promote environmental awareness of the impacts of purple loosestrife and provide opportunities for individuals to become caretakers of northern wetland environments.”

Although numerous organizations have already signed on to assist with the program, there are still opportunities for other interested groups to participate in the program. Potential volunteers can register their interest by contacting the O.F.A.H. Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or Ontario Beetles at (519)-442-3921.