The public is invited to attend an information session on Sept. 16 to learn about the negative impacts Water Soldier (Stratiotes aloides) has on local aquatic ecosystems and the proactive measures Quinte Conservation, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation & Parks, and the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters are taking to combat this species in the Bay of Quinte.
Water Soldier is an extremely invasive perennial aquatic plant originating from Europe and Northwest Asia. Prior to being regulated as a prohibited invasive species under Ontario’s Invasive Species Act, it was sold for use as an ornamental plant in water gardens, and has since spread to other waterbodies, such as the Trent-Severn Waterway, the Black River (near Sutton, ON), the Bay of Quinte, Red Horse Lake (north of Gananoque), and Cook’s Bay in Lake Simcoe.
Water Soldier negatively impacts aquatic ecosystems by:
Forming dense mats of floating vegetation which creates stagnant water and impacts water-based recreational activities
Reducing plant biodiversity by crowding out native species
Altering water chemistry which may harm phytoplankton and other important aquatic organisms
Causing dangerous swimming conditions due to sharp, serrated leaf edges
The Water Soldier information night will provide participants with detailed information about this invasive aquatic plant, prevention methods, ways to identify and report sightings, as well as up-coming volunteer opportunities, both on water and land.
The event happens from 5:00pm – 6:00pm (information booths) 6:00pm – 8:00pm (presentations) on the 16th at Quinte Conservation’s office on 2061 Old Hwy 2, Belleville.
(BROCK ORMOND)
