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FEDERATION OF ONTARIO COTTAGERS ASSOCIATIONS 5 by Deanna Panitz FOCA Membership Programs Coordinator Invasive species have the potential to seriously affect biodiversity and the quality of life in Ontario. Unfortunately we have already seen the impact of some invasive species introductions such as forest pests like the emerald ash borer and aquatics like the zebra mussel. These invaders have already altered the native environment and negatively impacted our communities. FOCA encourages you to take action now so that we can all continue to enjoy the native species in our waterfront environments. In partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry MNRF FOCA encourages you to get involved in the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Monitoring Program. This volunteer program helps lake associations and their members to prevent the introduction of and to monitor for aquatic invasive species AIS on their waterbody. Find out more about how you and your association can join the dozens of FOCA-member groups already involved httpfoca.on.caais-monitoring-program. MNRF has also launched a public awareness ad campaign see the ad below to educate Ontario citizens about the threat of invasive species. The underlying message Be careful what you bring to the cottage and be equally careful what you take home FOCA continues to watch the status of the Invasive Species Act Bill 37. This Bill was introduced to the Ontario Legislature in November 2014 and second reading was debated in May 2015 as we go to print it is not yet scheduled for the required third reading. If passed this Act will address the threat that invasive species pose to the natural environment of Ontario and will outline designating criteria as well as prevention response and enforcement measures to be taken. Remember if you identify any invading species near your cottage this summer call the Invading Species hotline at Invasive Species Update Prevention is the Intention 1-800-563-7711 or visit Ontarios Invading Species Awareness Program at httpwww.invadingspecies.com. Some important reminders for cottage country Buy your firewood locally and leave behind any you do not use. Never bring in firewood from another location because it may be home to an invasive species that could cause irreparable harm. Teach kids not to release aquarium plants or pets e.g. goldfish at the cottage or anywhere else. Note it is illegal to release live fish into an Ontario waterbody unless it is a fish that youve just caught at that location Garden using only non-invasive plants. Find good Grow me Instead options here httpwww.ontarioinvasiveplants.caindex.phppublications. After fishing do not release any live bait or dump the contents of a bait bucket including the water into Ontario waters or within 30 metres of Ontario waters. Learn what species are permitted as live bait httpswww.ontario.cafaq-what-kinds-baitfish-can-i-use- live-bait. Before heading home clean all your gear including watercraft trailers bikes ATVs and boot bottoms. Remove plant materials and seed-spreading mud. Give your pets coat a good brushing to remove any seeds it might have picked up