Quinte Conservation is applying aquatic herbicides in areas of Prince Edward County to manage Water Soldier, an invasive plant species.
The aquatic herbicides will be applied in the following areas of Prince Edward County from Oct 6-9:
Sawguin Creek Wetland North
Blessington Creek
West Muscote Bay
Areas between Sawguin Island and Grape Island
Robinson Cove
Areas near the North Port boat launch
Pine Point
Cow Island
Click here to view a map of all areas receiving aquatic herbicide applications. Aquatic herbicides will not be applied in the intake protection zones for any municipal drinking water treatment plants in Prince Edward County. Municipally treated drinking water remains safe to use and consume.
Property owners that may be affected by the aquatic herbicide applications have received notifications from the Quinte Conservation Authority.
Water Soldier, first detected in 2021, poses a significant threat to the local and Great Lake ecosystems. Water Soldier forms dense mats of floating and submerged vegetation that aggressively outcompete native species, reduces biodiversity, and impedes recreational activities.
A technical working group consisting of municipalities, conservation authorities, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, government agencies, and other interest groups have been working since the plant was detected to coordinate research, monitoring, control, and prevention strategies.
To learn more about how you can help the management of invasive species and reduce the spread of water soldier in the Bay of Quinte, visit Quinte Conservation’s website.
For more information, or questions about aquatic herbicide application, contact Quinte Conservation at 613.968.3434.
For questions about the municipal drinking water systems or other municipal services, contact the County of Prince Edward at 613.476.2148 ext. 1023, 613.962.9108 ext. 1023, or info@pecounty.on.ca.
(HAILEY MACDONALD)
