“Hit Squad” training in Peterborough

OFAH FILE: 842
June 6, 2013

“Hit Squad” training in Peterborough
Students from across Ontario in town to fight invasive species

Invasive species pose a growing threat to Ontario’s biodiversity and cause billions of dollars in damage annually. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) partner to deliver the Invading Species Awareness Program and work to inform and engage the public in using prevention and control measures. Helping the program achieve this important task is the “Invasive Species Hit Squad” which spreads out across Ontario every summer and is in Peterborough next week for a summer boot camp.

More than 20 college and university students are gathering at the OFAH | Mario Cortellucci Hunting & Fishing Heritage Centre for two full days of training that will prepare them to work in their home communities. Over the next few weeks, the students will participate in a variety of local events and presentations, share information and engage local media to help raise awareness about invasive species affecting their communities.

The students are being partnered with over 20 organizations, including conservation authorities, First Nations and non-government organizations, as well as several MNR offices, stewardship councils and the OFAH. The federal Canada Summer Jobs Program is providing funding assistance.

The following host communities and organizations are involved in the summer student program. To be in touch with students or for more information, call Sophie Monfette, Invasive Species Awareness Coordinator (contact information below).

Eastern Ontario:

• Chute a Blondeau, Voyageur Provincial Park
• Finch, South Nation Conservation
• Lanark, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
• Lanark, Plenty Canada
• Manotick, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

Northeastern Ontario:

• Kirkland Lake, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
• Manitowaning, Manitoulin Area Stewardship Council, Manitoulin Streams

Northwestern Ontario:

• Nipigon, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Central Ontario:

• Mississauga, Credit Valley Conservation
• Nobel, Killbear Provincial Park
• Orillia, Kids For Turtles Environmental Education
• Oshawa, Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
• Peterborough, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
• Sutton West, Sibbald Point Provincial Park
• Trenton, Lower Trent Conservation
• Utopia, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
• Wasaga Beach, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
• Whitney, Algonquin Provincial Park

Southwestern Ontario:

• Grand Bend, Pinery Provincial Park
• Morpeth, Rondeau Provincial Park
• Wheatley, Wheatley Provincial Park
• Windsor, University of Windsor

-30-

Contacts: