ISAP is a collaborative initiative led by the OFAH to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species and to protect the province’s biodiversity
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) have renewed their partnership to deliver Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP).
The ISAP is a collaborative initiative led by the OFAH to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species to Ontario’s forests and waters and to protect Ontario’s biodiversity. The program provides information and guidance to industry, citizens, communities, and both government and non-government agencies to undertake prevention, monitoring, control, and outreach activities. With $275,000 in funding provided by the MNRF for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the OFAH will continue to increase awareness of the environmental, economic, and social impacts of invasive species and engage the public in prevention and early detection measures.
In 2021-2022, the ISAP will be delivering digital outreach through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@invspecies), hiring a team of summer staff to deliver community-based initiatives, attending events and/or meetings, receiving reports of suspect invaders through the Invading Species Hotline (1-800-563-7711) or the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (eddmaps.org), and continuing to support efforts to eradicate water soldier from Ontario. The ISAP will also be delivering aquatic invasive species outreach as part of the binational Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz, and through the delivery of campaigns like Operation Boat Clean and Operation Bait Bucket in the Lake Simcoe watershed.
“Over the course of 28 years, we have successfully raised the profile of invasive species among our membership and the broader outdoors community – anglers, hunters, trappers, hikers, boaters, cottagers, and property owners. Everyone needs to be engaged to ensure they do their part to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species” said Angelo Lombardo, OFAH executive director. “Despite the COVID-19 challenges of the last 16 months, we have been able to continue that great work. The 2021-2022 work plan remains focused on engaging people virtually, and where and when possible, in person, mobilizing them to take deliberate actions to prevent the spread of invasive species.”
“We are proud to partner with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters to raise awareness of invasive species and take steps to prevent their introduction and spread,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. “We applaud the work of the OFAH to conserve and protect our natural resources and curb the ecological and economic impacts of invasive species across our province.”
To learn more about Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program, visit www.invadingspecies.com. The public is also invited to contact ISAP staff at info@invadingspecies.com.
Contact:
Sophie Monfette, ISAP Program Coordinator — sophie_monfette@ofah.org
Shawn Cayley, OFAH Manager of Communications — shawn_cayley@ofah.org