FOCA Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention & Monitoring Program (OVERVIEW)

The Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA), in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF), has launched the FOCA Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention & Monitoring Program. This volunteer program helps lake associations and their members to prevent the introduction, as well as monitor for aquatic invasive species (AIS) on their waterbody.

This FOCA program promotes education and awareness of AIS, and facilitates prevention, early detection, monitoring and reporting using EDDMapS Ontario.

How can your Association get involved?

If your Association’s priorities include the prevention and monitoring of AIS, you are encouraged to access the Association AIS Toolkit.

Click here to access the Association AIS Toolkit!! The toolkit includes educational resources and materials to educate your association members and the general public about identifying, reporting and reducing the spread of AIS. Help us to rally the troops!

What can you do?

If you have an interest in AIS, you can start monitoring your lake on your own. By using the Volunteer Resources, and the links provided below, you can learn how to reduce the spread of AIS as well as identify invasive species and report them using the EDDMapS Ontario web tool.

Some general best practices are:

garden using only non-invasive plants
dispose of bait properly
buy firewood locally
inspect and clean your boat and motor when changing water bodies

Know what to look for and then take action!

If you identify any invading species near your cottage this summer you can also call the Invading Species hotline at 1-800-563-7711 and/or visit Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program.

Click the links below for more information: