Invasive Species Reporting
Across Ontario, Invasive Species represent an area of concern for nearly every lake and waterway. Per the Government of Canada, “Invasive species are plants, animals, and micro-organisms introduced by human action outside their natural past or present distribution whose introduction or spread threatens the environment, the economy, or society, including human health”.
Think You Found An Invasive Species? Report it!
Call: 1-800-563-7711 for the Invading Species Hotline
Report Using EDDMapS Ontario - Click Here or Download The App
(Apple) or (Android)
Reporting is critical in the provincial management of invasive species, as often these species are introduced without knowledge and can spread rapidly without proper action.
What Is EDDMapS?
Originally launched in 2005 by the Centre for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia, it has been developed and grown and funded by the Ontario Invasive Species Centre, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. By reporting your invasive species sighting through EDDMapS, the system helps to standardize the data to share amongst the many parties involved in managing invasive species, improving their ability to detect and respond. Over 51,600 reports have been recorded through EDDMapS in Ontario, representing over 381 species.
How Does it Work?
From th EDDMapS Site: Users simply enter information from their observations into the standardized on-line data form, which allows specific information about the infestation and images to be added. Information entered is immediately loaded to the EDDMapS website for verification.
All information is reviewed by OFAH staff to ensure it is accurate before it is made viewable by the public. Once verified, the information is made freely available to scientists, researchers, land managers, land owners, educators, conservationists, ecologists, farmers, foresters, government personnel, and members of the public.
Download the App
EDDMapS also has apps for iPhones, iPads and Android devices. These apps include high-resolution images, descriptions and distribution maps. Users can take pictures and use the built in GPS to quickly report from the field.
What Invasive Species Should I Watch For?
There are many types of Invasive Species in Ontario and in the region. In Crane Lake and the surrounding area, the following is a short list of some that have been spotted, as well as links to resources on how to identify them:
