2. Impacts to Recreation Water soldier is an invasive perennial aquatic plant. It is native to Europe and northwest Asia and is a popular ornamental plant used in water gardens. When a population of water soldier is established it forms dense mats of floating vegetation. Not only does this negatively impact native biodiversity, the aquatic plant can also hinder recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing. This aquatic plant also has sharp serrated leaf edges that can cut swimmers and individuals who handle the plants. So far water soldier has only been found in the wild within the Trent River and the Black River in Ontario. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Parks Canada and other partners are working collaboratively to prevent the spread of and eventually eradicate this invasive species. Water soldier is regulated in Ontario under the Invasive Species Act as a prohibited invasive species. 3. Impacts to Landscape and Structures Eurasian water-milfoil is an invasive aquatic plant. It is native to Asia and northern Africa and was introduced to North America in the 19th century most likely from shipping ballast or aquarium release. This aquatic perennial grows very fast and creates dense underwater mats that shade other aquatic plants. Once a population is established the landscape of a waterfront will change very dramatically. Native aquatic plants are soon replaced by the invasive milfoil and as large stands die off the process of decomposition creates anoxic conditions that can result in fish kills. These stands can become so thick that they create areas of stagnant water, which is an ideal habitat for mosquitos. Many lakes in Ontario have already seen the landscape and structures of their waterfront change drastically due to Eurasian water-milfoil invasions. In Ontario, this invasive aquatic plant can be found in the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River and many inland lakes throughout southern and central Ontario. 1. Impacts to Biodiversity Invasive species impact biodiversity by outcompeting native species for the resources required to survive and degrading habitats. Native Plants and Trees: Invasive Phragmites (European common reed) is an invasive grass that is impacting the biodiversity of wetlands in Ontario. It is an aggressive perennial grass that spreads quickly and out- competes native plant species for water and nutrients. This invasive plant can grow extremely tall, blocking waterfront views and causing significant habitat losses for several species of wetland and dune dependent wildlife. As it grows the plant releases toxins into the soil that can hinder the growth of surrounding native plants. This invasive species has already caused extensive damage to native plant communities across the southern part of the province, with scattered occurrences as far north as Lake Superior. Until recently invasive Phragmites was sold as an ornamental plant in Ontario. It is now regulated in Ontario as a restricted invasive species, and is illegal to provide for sale. Native Wildlife: The Round goby is native to the Black and Caspian seas in Eastern Europe, it was first found in North America in 1990 in the St. Clair River north of Windsor, Ontario. It is a small, bottom dwelling fish that feeds aggressively on insects and other small organisms found on lake and river bottoms. The Round goby is threatening Ontario’s aquatic biodiversity due to its voracious eating habits and ability to spawn several times a season. The Round goby competes with native bottom dwelling fish for resources and it is depleting the population of many popular sport fish (such as small mouth bass) by consuming large numbers of their eggs and larvae. This fish was most likely brought to North America in the ballast water of ships from Europe. Since 1990 the Round goby has successfully spread through all five Great Lakes and has begun to appear in a few location inland. Round goby is illegal to possess live in Ontario under the Ontario Fishery Regulations. 05 04 Water soldier: F. MacDonald, MNRF Eurasian water-milfoil: J. Hardy Phragmites: J. Gilbert, MNRF