Campers at some of Ontario’s Provincial Parks this holiday weekend will be getting more information on how to stop the spread of invasive species.
Francine MacDonald is an invasive species expert with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
She says they are teaming up with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ontario Invasive Plant Council to get the message out on how to stop the spread of these destructive plants and marine life.
MacDonald says they want to make sure that campers and boaters are not helping invasive species expand their range via a free ride on boats, fishing lines, bait buckets and firewood.
She says this is the first time invading species program staff have taken their message inside a provincial park and if the project goes well be expanded to other parks over the course of the summer.
Macdonald says the will be telling campers not to bring firewood with them but buy it at the campground to try and slow the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer of Asian Longhorn Beatle.
She says anglers should make sure no invasive weeds have become attached to their boats when they leave the water, and they also should check the hull for any zebra mussels that may be hitching a ride.
MacDonald says already invasive species have cause a lot of damage in many of our lakes, rivers and forests and every effort must be made to try and slow their advance.
More information can be found at www.invadingspecies.com