Project: 959 CVC INVASIVE SPECIES STRATEGY Size: 8.5”w x 11”h folded, 17”w x 11”h flat Colour: 4C Pages: 56 Date: FEB 12 Due Date: Revised Date: Jun 9/21 Revision: 6 Approved by client: Date: Rubberband Creative P: 416-992-4659 [email protected] Invasive Species Strategy 2020-2030

December 2020 Acknowledgements

Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) acknowledges that the land on which we gather, and the entire Credit River Watershed, is part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The Credit River Watershed is also part of the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee, and home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples today. Treaties made with Indigenous Peoples are enduring and include responsibilities for both parties. We affirm that this land and water is our common source of life and we must all share responsibility for its care and stewardship for now and future generations.

We would like to thank the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation for their support during the Invasive Species Strategy (ISS) process.

CVC would also like to acknowledge the assistance of all those who have worked and commented on the Invasive Species Strategy (ISS):

• The many stakeholders who gave their time and energy to participate in workshops and review the draft technical report.

• The contributions of North-South Environmental Inc. and the sub-consultant Urban Forest Innovations Inc. for their work writing the Background Report, helping to structure and revise Credit Valley Conservation Board of Directors the document as it went through various draft stages, and working with CVC staff to host internal and external workshops. Resolution #113/20: Approval of CVC Invasive Species Strategy The management of invasive species supports CVC’s mission. This strategy reflects efforts from CVC staff from all departments. Many CVC staff contributed to the ISS, either by writing sections Date: December 11, 2020 for early drafts, providing statistics, figures, tables, and maps, or through review and feedback. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the work of the ISS’s Steering Committee: Dawn THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the report entitled “CVC Invasive Species Strategy” Renfrew and Jon Clayton, as well the input from Bryana McLaughlin, Joe Pearson, Jacquelyn be received and appended to the minutes of this meeting as Schedule ‘B’; and Kiers and Laura Timms. Lastly, the direction and feedback provided from Rod Krick, Kate Hayes, Tim Mereu and Deborah Martin-Downs. THAT the Board of Directors approve the CVC Invasive Species Strategy; and

THAT CVC staff be directed to begin implementing the objectives and actions laid out within the Invasive Species Strategy as part of annual work planning; and

THAT staff be directed to pursue various fundraising opportunities to enable full Freyja Whitten, M.Sc. implementation of the Invasive Species Strategy; and further Program Manager, Terrestrial Restoration, CVC December 2020 THAT staff report back to the Board of Directors on progress in achieving the objectives and actions every two years

iii Executive Summary

Invasive species are one of the top threats facing biodiversity and natural systems across the globe. Invasive species are non-native species that displace native species, dominate ecosystems, and impact ecological integrity and ecosystem function. Their proliferation decreases biodiversity and can lead to significant environmental, social, and economic impacts. Ontario has the highest number of invasive species of any province or territory in Canada and the Credit River Watershed is no exception. Invasive species coverage in the lower and largely urbanized watershed is more than double that of the upper watershed and is increasing 1.5 times faster. Invasive species spread through a variety of vectors (e.g. wind, water, birds and other wildlife), but 53 per cent of them can be attributed to human activities.

There are currently 184 documented invasive Over 90 per cent of surveyed vegetation There are 56 additional invasive species Disease) and emerging (Oak Wilt, Asian species in the Credit River Watershed. Over communities across the watershed have been that are at risk of being introduced to the Long-horned Beetle, Beech Leaf Disease, and the past decade, CVC has recorded that found to contain at least one invasive plant watershed. These invasive species are known HWA) forest pests, 51 per cent of our several of the documented invasive species species with the potential to dominate the to have significant economic, health, or inventoried woodlands within the watershed are increasing in abundance or range native ecosystem. When scaled down to environmental impacts elsewhere in Canada are vulnerable. Although species that are at including European Reed (Phragmites), LDD just CVC properties this increases to over or in the United States. Some of these, such risk of arriving are of significant concern, (formally known as Gypsy Moth), and Round 95 per cent. As such, the health and resilience as Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), which has 72 or 39 per cent of invasive species currently Goby. Most noticeable in recent years was the of almost all vegetation communities in the the potential to decimate Eastern Hemlock, found in the watershed are considered arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) which watershed is either compromised or at high is currently less than 100km away and could immediate management priorities (58 plants, over a 10-year period has resulted in the risk of being compromised. easily appear in our forests at any time. When 7 forest pests and 7 aquatic species). death or decline of virtually all ash trees in considering all current (EAB, LDD, Beech Bark the watershed.

iv v The ISS provides five guiding principles which establish the context within which invasive species management in the Credit River Watershed should be conducted:

Implement invasive species management practices that respond to 1 the guidance set in Ontario.

Restore impacted habitats in a manner consistent with CVC  2 restoration practices and guidelines.

Use a science-based approach to a) develop invasive species  3 priorities and b) guide invasive species management on CVC lands and within the watershed.

Employ adaptive management to continuously improve invasive 4 species management and restoration of impacted native habitat. Since the publication of the first Invasive being tracked and treated; however, new Species Strategy (ISS) in 2009, Credit Valley species are often introduced and climate- Align this strategy with existing CVC, municipal, provincial and Conservation (CVC) has emerged as a regional assisted range expansion of more southernly 5 federal strategies and plans. leader in invasive species management. species leaves the Credit River Watershed Significant changes have occurred in this time vulnerable to new invasions. with regard to federal and provincial invasive species policies, distribution of invasive Invasive species do not recognize boundaries species, science and research pertaining to between provinces, municipalities or privately To respond to the threat of invasive species over the invasive species management, and the owned properties, making invasive species next decade, the ISS is grouped into the following three implementation of invasive species management an issue for all residents of the broad themes, with seven high level objectives: management plans by Ontario municipalities watershed. This strategy calls for all levels of and conservation authorities. This updated government, conservation authorities, strategy guides CVC’s continued invasive non-government organizations (NGO), and 1 Protect and manage healthy ecosystems species management activities over the next land managers and owners to be aware of 10 years. Vascular plants, invasive fish, and the impacts of invasive species and work  2 Connect with local communities, stakeholders and the public invasive forest pests and diseases are together to decrease their spread. identified as actionable groups that CVC Successful management requires input  3 Ensure public health and safety may be able to exert some control over, and across organizational levels, from high-level priority for management will be placed on policy decisions down to local on-the-ground infestations that have the greatest negative control efforts. With so many organizations impacts to ecosystems. engaging in invasive species management For each theme supporting objectives, targeted actions and timelines within the Credit River Watershed, there over which these actions should take place is provided. Some actions are CVC controls infestations on properties it are ample opportunities for partnership ongoing, such as monitoring and partner engagement, whereas others owns and/or manages using mechanical, and collaboration but there is also danger are distinct tasks to be completed over a given time period. chemical, and biological methods in of duplicating efforts or leaving gaps adherence with current best management between programs. practices. Known priority infestations are vi vii Theme 1: Protect and manage healthy ecosystems

The first theme identified within the strategy is to protect and manage healthy ecosystems. The suite of objectives and actions within this theme focus on:

Determining the status of invasive species in the watershed.

Preventing the entry and establishment of new invasive species.

Eradicating new infestations before they have a chance to become fully established.

Managing existing populations of priority species to prevent them from spreading to other areas in the watershed.

Many of the actions outlined within this theme are already underway and only require regular re-assessment of priorities as new data on the status of invasive species in the watershed becomes available. However, there are some new initiatives outlined that benefit from a more coordinated approach to invasive species management to enable CVC to make Review existing CVC inventory, monitoring, the best use of available resources. Actions Theme 2: Connect with local and restoration performance monitoring to ensure CVC is managing invasive species communities, stakeholders programs and integrate invasive species responsibly include: and the public monitoring where appropriate within the watershed. Formalization of an integrated pest Invasive species spread rapidly once Prepare a marketing and communications management framework (process for established and move beyond property plan to achieve education and awareness. Working with partners to formalize an managing ecosystems which includes boundaries; as such, collaboration by CVC early detection and rapid response prevention, early detection through with municipal partners, stakeholders and the Collaborate with municipalities, other program within the watershed to ensure monitoring, rapid response to new public is critical to ensuring impacts are partners and the public to maximize new species do not get established. infestations, management of new and minimized throughout the watershed. efforts and impacts. existing priority species, and ongoing Public engagement has been a focus of the Prioritization of species (e.g. Dog- restoration) to prevent the worst Invasive Species Management Program Work with the private contractor industry strangling Vine) and sites for management impacts of invasive species using (ISMP) over the last 10 years. Actions to and partners to develop a training through a science-based project decision effective, economic, and environmentally ensure that CVC maximizes its resources program to increase ecologically sound flowchart and the creation of a project sound techniques. going forward through collaboration and invasive species management on private prioritization tool to ensure on the ground engagement include: and public lands. management is occuring where it will have the greatest impact.

viii ix Theme 3: Ensure public health and safety

The final theme covered in this strategy is Critical actions for future success of the ensuring public health and safety. ISS include: Safeguarding people, property, and communities from hazards is a priority for Creation of an integrated pest CVC, and is also an objective of CVC’s management framework Sustainable Forest Management Plan (2020). Aligning with this, the ISS prioritizes Comprehensive and integrated management of invasive species occurrences monitoring program or their impacts that could threaten the health and safety of staff, visitors, and Rapid response plan of action properties’ natural and capital assets. Actions on CVC owned and managed lands include: Project prioritization process

Control of invasive species that are a Management of priority invasive species health and/or safety hazard or can impact natural and capital (infrastructure) assets Existing funding will be allocated to enable (e.g. Giant Hogweed, Zebra Mussel). CVC to best achieve of all these key actions. However, fully addressing the Control of invasive species that can scope of the ISS in the long term will indirectly result in the creation of a hazard require additional funding, either through (e.g. hazard trees caused by EAB). internal reallocation or through new and supplementary funding opportunities. Existing and future invasive species are a threat to the health of the Credit River Managing invasive species is an objective Watershed. Without a defined management shared with many of CVC’s partners and strategy, the threat and the consequence exploring opportunities for leveraging will only magnify. In response, CVC has resources and expertise with both prepared a comprehensive invasive species municipalities and NGOs is mutually management strategy that will guide our beneficial. CVC is well positioned to support response in the coming years. CVC will municipal partners with on-the-ground continue to focus on maintaining healthy invasive species management. CVC will also ecosystems, connecting with partners and continue to support outreach and education landowners, and ensuring the health and activities to ensure residents are informed safety of public and staff. Preventing the and aware of the impact invasive species have introductions of new invasive species and on the watershed. limiting the spread of established invasive species are among the most important and Achieving the objectives of the ISS will not challenging aspects of invasive species happen overnight. Implementing the actions management. The ISS identifies key and acquiring the resources to do so will be objectives and actions that respond to the an ongoing and challenging pursuit. CVC’s challenges facing the Credit River Watershed continuing commitment to managing invasive ISS over time, we are taking the necessary better prepared for climate change. The and charts a path forward to promote species goes beyond the 10 year term of this steps towards a healthier watershed, one that reward will be a thriving environment that long-term ecosystem health and resilience. strategy. By prioritizing and implementing the supports native species biodiversity and is protects, connects and sustains us.

x xi Table of Contents LIST OF ACRONYMS USED IN REPORT

ALHB Asian Long-horned Beetle List of Acronyms Used in Report xii BMPs Best Management Practices 1.0 Introduction 2 CFIA Canadian Food Inspection Agency 1.1 Purpose and Scope of the Invasive Species Strategy 4 CVC Credit Valley Conservation 1.2 Plan Development and Engagement 6

DFO Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2.0 Invasive Species in the Credit River Watershed 8 DSV Dog-strangling Vine 2.1 What are Invasive Species? 9

ECCC Environment and Climate Change Canada 2.2 Current State of Invasive Species in the Credit River Watershed 10 2.3 What are the Impacts of Invasive Species? 23 EDDMapS Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System 2.4 Management Techniques for Invasive Plants and Animals 26 EDRR Early Detection and Rapid Response 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities, and Program Gaps and Opportunities 31 EAB Emerald Ash Borer 3.1 Roles and Responsibilities 31 HWA Hemlock Woolly Adelgid 3.2 Program Gaps and Opportunities 42 IAS Collaborative Invasive Alien Species Collaborative 3.2.1 Research, Science and Monitoring 42 3.2.2 Outreach and Education 44 IPM Integrated Pest Management 3.2.3 Coordination 44 ISAP Invading Species Awareness Program 3.2.4 Site Level Management 45 ISC Invasive Species Centre 4.0 Guiding Principles, Objectives and Actions 46 ISMP Invasive Species Management Program 4.1 Guiding Principles 47 ISS Invasive Species Strategy 4.2 Themes, Objectives and Actions 48 IWMP Integrated Watershed Management Program 4.2.1 Theme 1: Protect and manage healthy ecosystems 48 4.2.2 Theme 2: Connect with local communities, stakeholders and the public 51 NGOs Non-governmental Organizations 4.2.3 Theme 3: Ensure public health and safety 54 OFAH Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters 5.0 Implementation of the ISS 56 OIPC Ontario Invasive Plant Council 5.1 New or Significantly Modified Priority Actions 56 OMAFRA Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 5.2 Next Steps 65 OMNRF Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry 6.0 Conclusions 66 P.O.W.E.R. Protect Our Water and Environmental Resources 7.0 References 68 SOR Statutory Order and Regulation

UN United Nations Appendix A: Summary of ISMP activities (2008-2019) 70

Appendix B: Summary of CVC Teams Involved in Implementing the ISS 71

Appendix C: CVC 2020 Invasive Species Lists 73 xii xiii LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Species Regulated under the Ontario Invasive Species Act 11 Table 2. Invasive species groups that are in and out of scope 14 Table 3. Known invasive species outside of the Credit River Watershed 17 Table 4. Invasive species currently present and prioritized for management 21 Table 5. Examples of strategies prepared by other organizations in Ontario 33 Table 6. Invasive species management roles and jurisdictional responsibilities 41 Table 7. Theme: Protect and manage healthy ecosystems 49 Table 8. Theme: Connect with local communities, stakeholders and the public 52 Table 9. Theme: Ensure public health and safety 54

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Invasive Species Management Program accomplishments 2 Figure 2. The top five threats to biodiversity 9 Figure 3. Invasive plant species pathways of introduction 10 Figure 4. Vegetation communities with least one moderate to transformative invasive species present at CVC properties 13 Figure 5. Round Goby detections within the Credit River Watershed 15 Figure 6. Inventoried woodland community percentages vulnerable to invasive forest pests and diseases 18 Figure 7. Inventoried woodland communities locations vulnerable to one or two invasive forest pest species either present or emerging across the watershed 19 Figure 8. Garlic Mustard invading the forest understory 23 Figure 9. Giant Hogweed invading a wetland 23 Figure 10. Generalized invasion curve 24 Figure 11. Chemical control of Dog-strangling Vine 28 Figure 12. Common Carp detections in the Credit River Watershed 43 Figure 13. CVC invasive species resources 44 Figure 14. Organization of the ISS management direction 46 Figure 15. Invasive species project decision flowchart 58

xiv 1 1.0 Introduction

Part of the core mandate of conservation authorities is to conserve natural resources for economic, social, and environmental benefits (Conservation Authorities Act, 1990). Therefore, in 2009 Credit Valley Conservation created an Invasive Species Strategy (CVC, 2009) to respond to the threat that invasive species pose to natural and human health and welfare in the Credit River Watershed (watershed). The Invasive Species Strategy (ISS) lays out goals, objectives, and an implementation framework to focus CVC’s resources and prioritize on-the-ground efforts.

Implemented 196 invasive Hosted over Planted over 8,100 trees CVC is now recognized as a regional leader in The past decade has also witnessed species control 100 volunteer events and shrubs to restore invasive species management and has been significant changes to federal and provincial projects managing and workdays natural habitat actively controlling invasive species, building invasive species policies, in the distribution of 940 ha of natural areas partnerships, conducting research, and invasive species, advances in the science and monitoring since at least the early 1990s. research pertaining to invasive species Following the completion of the first ISS and management, and in the development and the establishment of CVC’s Invasive Species implementation of invasive species Management Program (ISMP), CVC’s invasive management plans by Ontario municipalities species management projects and funding and conservation authorities. From 2009-2019 the Invasive Species Management Program has: have expanded substantially, allowing for considerable work to be accomplished In response, CVC’s ISS has now been updated including control projects, early detection to guide invasive species management in the Completed early detection Delivered Removed over 10,000 monitoring, volunteer events and workdays, Credit River Watershed until approximately monitoring at 197 sites 37 workshops hazard ash trees to workshops and presentations, restoration 2030. The updated ISS will ensure that CVC across the watershed and presentations keep our lands safe for sta‚ and visitors plantings, and hazard ash tree removals continues to take a coordinated and (Figure 1). pragmatic approach to invasive species management and contributes to invasive species management objectives at the regional, provincial, federal and global scales.

Figure 1. Invasive Species Management Program accomplishments (2009-2019).

2 3 1.1 Purpose and Scope of the Invasive Species Strategy

CVC’s 2009 ISS was one of the first such Changes in the distributions of invasive action, foster commitment of resources and To ensure that intent and scope remain strategies created by a conservation authority species both locally and globally strengthen on-going partnerships. relevant, this ISS will be reviewed in 2025 or municipality in Ontario. Since then, a associated with various dispersal pathways through a mid-term report created to substantial amount of work has been done by as a result of climate change and other Furthermore, between 2017 and 2019 the address any major developments. This CVC to manage invasive species on CVC environmental change. Invasive Species Centre (ISC) reached out to ISS is intended to be adaptable to new lands, private lands, and public lands in the municipalities and conservation authorities in management needs and changing watershed. Invasive species management Extensive impacts and related costs of Ontario to find out the annual expenditures environmental conditions, especially in the activities completed by CVC since 2009 are Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis - they are incurring related to invasive species face of climate change and its implications summarized in Appendix A, and the teams EAB) in the Credit River Watershed. management. This information was released for invasive species management. involved in implementing the ISS are in a report stating that the estimated total summarized in Appendix B. Advances in the scientific understanding of annual expenditure on invasive species Actions in this strategy are intended to be invasive species biology and management. management by municipalities and implemented as a part of CVC’s day-to-day Since 2009, there have been significant conservation authorities is $50.8 million operations and management of CVC lands, changes in the science and approaches to To reflect these changes, CVC initiated the ISS (Vyn, 2019). Therefore, the need for CVC to as well as provide support, education and invasive species management, including: update in 2018, consulting with internal staff have an up-to-date and comprehensive outreach to watershed partners and and external partners at key points in the strategy providing priorities for invasive landowners. They consider the direct and Implementation of invasive species process. The updated ISS is intended to species management is not only imperative indirect health and safety impacts of invasive strategies and management plans by contribute to CVC land management, planning, from an ecological perspective, but a species on staff and conservation area municipalities, other conservation and restoration programs over the next ten socio-economic one as well. As the users. This document may also serve as a authorities, and non-government years through the prioritization of invasive leading conservation organization within model to other private and public land organizations (NGOs). species and sites for management. It is also the watershed CVC needs to continue to holders of what they can do to address the intended to support watershed municipalities, lead in invasive species management spread of invasive species. To that end, Enactment of invasive species legislation other partner agencies, NGOs, and individuals including prevention, early detection, and CVC will encourage uptake and/or integration and implementation of new regulations by involved in land management and long-term control. of this ISS with partners. the federal and provincial governments. conservation. Finally, it is meant to encourage

4 5 Goal Three, Direction Seven: Implement priority actions from the Invasive Species Strategy focusing on surveillance and response to emerging threats on our lands and adjacent lands where new invasions can be controlled, including Forks of the Credit and Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area.

Goal Three, Direction Eight: Manage, enhance or restore natural features in existing and new conservation lands, including projects at Pinchin Pit, Terra Cotta and Silver Creek.

The ISS harmonizes with other CVC plans and strategies such as the Sustainable Forest Management Plan (CVC, 2020a - SFMP), the Credit River Fisheries Management Plan (CVC and Ministry of Natural Resources, 2002), 1.2 Plan Development and and the Ecological Restoration Strategy and Engagement Guidelines (CVC, 2020b).

High-level direction for all of CVC’s programs In developing this strategy CVC leveraged is provided by its three-year strategic plan – the diverse perspectives, expertise, and Our Future Taking Shape: Strategic Plan interests of CVC staff, stakeholders, and 2020-2022. While many directions and partners, through personal correspondence, outcomes within the strategic plan link to meetings, workshops, and draft reviews. the delivery of the ISS, the following are This engagement helped to identify and most pertinent: prioritize a wide range of issues for the ISS and played a key role in developing the Goal One, Direction One: Study and principles, objectives, and actions. CVC’s ISS monitor our environment ensuring we have is not intended to replace or supersede any the right information to base our decisions plans or strategies external to CVC. Some and management actions on to maintain a municipalities and NGOs in the watershed healthy natural heritage system and manage invasive species but lack a formal address climate change, land use change plan or strategy. CVC’s ISS or related and invasive species. elements can be adopted at a high level by these organizations to guide invasive species Goal One, Outcome Two: A comprehensive management within their local context. understanding of watershed stressors, CVC has developed partnerships with many including climate change, land use change of these organizations and will continue to and invasive species, that inform strategies actively engage with external partners designed to address protection, mitigation, (see Section 3.2.3). restoration and adaptation.

6 7 2.0 Invasive Species in the European Reed, commonly Changes in 01 Direct referred to as Phragmites, is an land and Credit River Watershed exploitation invasive perennial grass found water use of organisms throughout the Credit River 02 Watershed in wetlands, on edges 05 Biggest of waterbodies, and in roadside Threats to ditches. It creates dense stands In 2011, the United Nations (UN) Convention on Biological Invasive Biodiversity that displace native species, fills Diversity recognized invasive species as one of the most alien Worldwide Climate in wetlands, creates fire hazards significant threats to biodiversity worldwide Figure( 2). species change from the dead stalks, creates Healthy ecosystems with high biodiversity provide sight line issues along roads, and crucial ecological services including pollination, seed impedes recreational activities dispersal, water purification and nutrient cycling. 03 04 including boating, angling and Pollution swimming (OFAH/OMNRF Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program, 2012). It is estimated that Ontario municipalities and Figure 2. The top five threats to conservation authorities spend biodiversity as defined by the United over $3 million annually managing Nations Convention on Biological Phragmites (Vyn, 2019). Diversity (2011).

2.1 What are Invasive Species?

Biodiversity is not only important for provide the ecological goods and services we For the purposes of CVC’s ISS, invasive ecosystem health and function, but also rely on and enjoy. In response to critical species are defined asnon-native species crucial for human survival providing food, concerns regarding loss of biodiversity, the that displace native species, dominate shelter, fuel, and medicine. Furthermore, UN has designated 2021 to 2030 as the ecosystems and impact ecological integrity there are non-material benefits including Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Managing and ecosystem functions. They include birds, spiritual and religious values, education invasive species is an important part of fish, insects, invertebrates, mammals, plants and inspiration, and recreation and achieving the global target of restoring and pathogens. Invasive species may directly aesthetic values. 350 million hectares of land to a natural state. harm other species through infection, Locally, this will help ensure the ecological parasitization, or predation, or indirectly It is estimated that the Credit River Watershed goods and services the watershed provides harm them through competing for space and provides at least $371 million in ecological will still be available for all residents to use resources (eg. light, moisture, food) reducing services annually (The Pembina Institute, and enjoy. Although invasive species ecosystem biodiversity. They also can place a 2009), if taking inflation into account this management is a long term and costly significant financial burden on agencies and would increase to approximately $443 million endeavor, it must be prioritized as part of organizations that manage them (Invasive in 2020 (Bank of Canada Inflation Calculator, CVC’s commitment to conserve, restore, and Species Centre, 2020). Some familiar invasive 2020). Loss and degradation of biodiversity manage the natural resources of the Credit species in the Credit River Watershed include weakens the ability of natural ecosystems to River Watershed. European Reed (Phragmites australis ssp.

8 9 Invasive Plant Species Pathways of Introduction There are currently 20 species listed under the Invasive Species Act that are either prohibited or restricted in Ontario. Currently none of the prohibited species have been found within the watershed; however, all four of the restricted species are present (Table 1): Imported with animals (1.5%) Imported with soil/fill (1.5%) Imported with packing materials (3%) COMMON NAME LATIN NAME Recreation/tourism (>1%) Bighead Carp Hypopthalmichthys nobilis Imported with plant products (18%) Black Carp Mylopharyngodon piceus Agricultural crop (7%) Brazilian Elodea Egeria densa Common Yabby Cherax destructor European Water Chestnut Trapa natans Golden Mussel Limnoperna fortunei Landscaping (7%) Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata Killer Shrimp Dikerogammarus villosus

PROHIBITED Parrot Feather Myriophyllum aquaticum Silver Carp Hypopthalmichthys molitrix Soil Improvement (3%) Snakeheads Channidae species Herbal/medicinal use (3%) Stone Moroko Pseudorasbora parva Escape from research (>1%) Water Soldier Stratiotes aloides Wels Catfish Silurus glanis Unknown pathway (47%) Zander Sander lucioperca

- Black Dog-strangling Vine Cynanchum louiseae Dog-strangling Vine Cynanchum rossicum

ED Japanese Knotweed Reynoutria japonica var. japonica

RESTRICT European Reed Phragmites australis subsp. australis Figure 3. Invasive plant species pathways of introduction. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (2008). Table 1. Species Regulated under the Ontario Invasive Species Act.

Vegetation Communities are assemblages of plant species that form a relatively australis), European Swallow Wort 2.2 Current State of uniform patch within a specific space. (Vincetoxicum rossicum, commonly known Invasive Species in the as Dog-strangling Vine (DSV), and will Credit River Watershed be referred to as such throughout this document), Round Goby (Neogobius Ontario’s Invasive Species Strategic Plan At this time, the prohibited species are all CVC’s Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) melanostomus) and Mute Swan (Cygnus olor). (Province of Ontario, 2012) notes that Ontario aquatic, and the restricted species are Program and Integrated Watershed has the highest number of invasive species of terrestrial. For species listed as prohibited Monitoring Program (IWMP) have collected Invasive species spread through a variety any province or territory in Canada. The Credit it is illegal to import, possess, transport, significant amounts of species data through of vectors (e.g. wind, water, birds and other River Watershed is no exception with 184 release, breed/grow, buy/sell/lease or trade vegetation community surveys and wildlife), but over half (53 per cent) are recorded invasive species out of over 1,500 them anywhere in Ontario. For species listed monitoring plots. Urban areas are generally associated with human activities (Figure 3). species recorded in the watershed. Even as restricted, it is illegal to import, release, more heavily impacted by invasive plants than Human activities spread invasive plants and though this represents only 12 per cent of the breed/grow, buy/sell/lease or trade. There their rural counterparts. Invasive species wildlife throughout the Credit River number of species in the watershed, it is a are exceptions for both classes of species; coverage in the lower watershed is more than Watershed and globally, both unintentionally gross underrepresentation of the impact, due however, these are mainly related to double that of the upper watershed and is (e.g. on equipment and packaging) and to their ecological traits that have led them to situations where the species are being increasing 1.5 times faster (CVC, 2020c). intentionally (e.g. commercial trade of be classified as invasive. managed or unintentionally caught invasive horticultural plants). (Province of Ontario, 2020a).

10 11 CVC defines invasive plant species as havingmoderate to transformative properties are those which range from becoming locally dominant given certain conditions (moderately invasive) to those which exclude all other species and dominate sites indefinitely (transformers).Minimally invasive species are ones that do not pose an immediate threat to natural areas but do compete with more desirable native species.

From 2010 to 2019 over 90 per cent of As threats to biodiversity continue to vegetation communities surveyed across increase, the large natural spaces found the watershed contain at least one invasive within the Credit River Natural Heritage plant species described as having moderate System, including CVC conservation areas, to transformative properties. When looking will become even more important to ensuring specifically at CVC’s conservation areas, this the health of the watershed. Managing percent increases to 95 per cent of the invasive species is not just a concern to land vegetation communities (Figure 4). For managers and landowners who currently have example, over 96 per cent of the vegetation invasive species present on their properties, communities at Terra Cotta Conservation Area but to all residents, as invasive species spread contain at least one plant species CVC easily and far when not contained. considers detrimental to the natural habitat. If not prioritized for management these However, management is not practical for all vegetation communities are at risk of reduced invasive species and therefore CVC has biodiversity and ecosystem function, not to identified which species are in and out of mention the increased costs of management scope for management and of this ISS. if it is not prioritized. Examples of invasive species that are in scope Figure 4. A map depicting the percentage of vegetation communities that have at least one of this ISS are many invasive vascular plants moderate to transformative invasive species present at CVC conservation areas. Credit (terrestrial, wetland and aquatic), including Valley Conservation, unpublished data (2010-2019).

12 13 Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) removal. Examples of species that are not of the ISS, include White-tailed Deer out of scope species, incidental catches and Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus), within the scope of management by CVC (Odocoileus virginianus), Canada Geese are dealt with on a case-by-case basis in and some fish species such as Common Carp include Spiny Water Flea (Bythotrephes (Branta canadensis), Wild Grape (Vitis riparia) consultation with those agencies with primary (Cyprinus carpio), on CVC conservation areas. longimanus), non-native Earthworms and Fall Cankerworm (Alsophila pometaria). management responsibility. For all species The management of forest pests and (Lumbricina spp.), and European Starling listed in Table 2, CVC may lead or facilitate diseases is focused on mitigating the impacts (Sturnus vulgaris). Table 8 summarizes species groups that are education and outreach to promote of known and emerging species and aligns within or beyond the scope of the ISS. For awareness of the impacts of invasive species with CVC’s Sustainable Forest Management Some native species can also dominate some of the out of scope species CVC may and related messaging around individual Plan (2020). ecosystems and become a nuisance, play a supporting role (e.g provision of staff, management actions. particularly in disturbed habitats that are materials, property access, etc.). Other out Species that are not in the scope of this already less resilient to stressors; however, as of scope species on the list such as the Since 2008 CVC has documented several strategy include those that are the they are native species CVC does not consider Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) species increasing in abundance or range management responsibilities of other them to be invasive within the scope of this may be caught or identified incidentally while including European Reed and Round Goby. agencies, and where the costs incurred to strategy. Examples of native species that staff are completing other monitoring and As evidenced in Figure 5, records for Round control the species would be much higher can be considered a nuisance under some management work. While there are no formal Goby are high along the shoreline since they than the ecological benefits gained by their circumstances, but are not within the scope management plans for the removal of these are found in large numbers in Lake Ontario.

INVASIVE SPECIES IN OUT OF REASONS OUT OF SCOPE GROUPS SCOPE SCOPE Vascular plants √ (terrestrial and aquatic) Fish √ Forest pests √ • Lack of feasible management techniques Non—vascular plants √ √ • Lack of knowledge or capacity to ID, track, and establish baseline data • Management responsibility of other agencies • Lack of feasible management techniques Aquatic invertebrates √ • Lack of knowledge or capacity to ID, track, and establish baseline data • Management responsibility of other agencies Birds √ • Cost vs. benefit ratio is too high • Lack of feasible management techniques Earthworms √ • Lack of knowledge or capacity to ID, track, and establish baseline data • Management responsibility of other agencies Insects (except for some √ forest pests) • Lack of knowledge or capacity to ID, track, and establish baseline data Mammals (including √ • Management responsibility of other agencies domestic/feral) • Management responsibility of other agencies Fish pests/diseases √ • Lack of knowledge or capacity to ID, track, and establish baseline data • Management responsibility of other agencies Reptiles √ • Cost vs. benefit ratio is too high Figure 5. Locations where Round Goby have been caught within the Credit River Watershed and Lake Ontario shoreline during IWMP monitoring. Credit Valley Conservation, Table 2. Invasive species groups that are in and out of scope. unpublished data (2008-2018). 14 15 Round Goby populations at a site not far Invasive "Watch" Species upstream of the lake (Mississauga Golf and COMMON LATIN COMMON LATIN Country Club) are found to be generally increasing. Although a single individual was Bohemian Knotweed Reynoutria x bohemica Tansy Ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris found in Erindale Park in 2016, the presence Brazilian Water-milfoil Myriophyllum aquaticum Water Chestnut Trapa natans of high gradients and likely seasonal variation Brazilian Waterweed Egeria densa Water Lettuce Pistia stratiotes are believed to be restricting gobies moving Callery Pear Pyrus calleryana Water Soldier Stratiotes aloides further upstream (Blair et al, 2018). In 2013, PLANTS Rubus Carolina Fanwort Cabomba caroliniana Wineberry Round Gobies were found and later confirmed phoenicolasius to be established in Hillsburgh; however, Asian Long-horned Anoplophora Chinese Privet Ligustrum sinense these are believed to have been bait bucket Beetle glabripennis Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is an releases by anglers. Cut-leaved Teasel Dipsacus laciniatus Beech Leaf Disease invasive insect that is extremely Hemlock Wooly Diffuse Knapweed Centaurea diffusa Adelges tsugae destructive to Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga New invasive species continue to be detected Adelgid canadensis) which is a keystone species in the Credit River Watershed. Since the first Bretziella Empress Tree Paulownia tomentosa DISEASES Oak Wilt fagacearum due to its creation of a unique forest ISS was prepared in 2008, 38 new invasive

Hydrocharis & FOREST PESTS European Frogbit Spotted Lanternfly Lycorma delicatula component. The retention of lower species have been found in the watershed, morsus-ranae branch needles provides dense shade such as EAB. Giant Knotweed Reynoutria sachalinensis Allegheny Crayfish Faxonius obscurus and cooling effects, and provides shelter Hypophthalmichthys Great Yellowcress Rorippa amphibia Bighead Carp and food sources to birds and animals Although there are 184 known invasive nobilis during the winter (Hemlock Restoration species currently present in the watershed, Mylopharyngodon Himalayan Knotweed Koenigia polystachya Black Carp Initiative, 2017). there are 56 additional species that are piceus known to have significant economic, health or Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata Bloody-red Mysid Hemimysis anomala Japanese Didymo Algae Didymosphenia HWA feed on newly developed twigs environmental impacts elsewhere in Canada Aralia elata causing needle loss and eventually tree or in the United States. These species are Angelica-tree (Rock Snot) geminata

PLANTS Japanese mortality (Young et al, 1995). Since HWA considered at risk of being introduced in the Achyranthes japonica Fishhook Waterflea Cercopagis pengoi Chaff Flower feed on all age classes of hemlocks and watershed, and are therefore considered Ctenopharyngodon Japanese Stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum Grass Carp the lack of hemlock re-establishment “watch” species (Table 3). Invasive idella post HWA, it is predicted that Eastern “watch” species, such as Hemlock Woolly Japanese Clematis terniflora Louisiana Crayfish Procambarus clarkii Hemlocks could functionally disappear Adelgid (Adelges tsugae -HWA), have been Virgin's Bower Procambarus from our forests over the next several identified in nearby municipalities and it is Japanese Wisteria Wisteria floribunda Marbled Crayfish virginalis decades (Ellison et al., 2005). likely only a matter of time before they arrive in the watershed. Kobus Magnolia Magnolia kobus Mosquito Fish Gambusia affinis Gymnocephalus HWA has been detected in Ontario in Kudzu Pueraria montana Ruffe AQUATIC SPECIES AQUATIC cernuus 2012 (Etobicoke), in 2013-2015 (Niagara Gorge), and in 2019 (Niagara Glen and Oval-leaved Privet Ligustrum ovalifolium Rusty Crayfish Faxonius rusticus Ampelopsis Hypophthalmichthys Wainfleet). The Etobicoke and Niagara Porcelain-berry Silver Carp brevipedunculata molitrix infestations have been, or are, in the Genera Channa and Siebold Viburnum Viburnum siebold Snakehead process of being eradicated; however, Parachanna the Wainfleet infestation is beyond Small-flowered Bythotrephes Impatiens parviflora Spiny Waterflea control. New York and Michigan also Jewelweed longimanus have substantial infestations; therefore, Small Carpetgrass Arthraxon hispidus Tench Tinca tinca it is expected that HWA will continue Proterorhinus Starry Stonewort Nitellopsis obtusa Tubenose Goby to spread in Ontario and is a threat semilunaris to the watershed (Government of Swollen Bladderwort Utricularia inflata VHS (Viral Hemorrhagic Septicaemia) Canada, 2020c). Table 3. Known invasive Species outside of the Credit River Watershed, but have yet to be found within it, and are therefore considered “watch” species. 16 17 pests anddiseases. Figure 6. 18 mature trees girdled by thecanker andaslow complex isleadingtoamortality oflarge ( ( which iscausedby abeechscale are beingimpactedby Beech BarkDisease inventoried woodlands.Currently beechtrees which dominateninepercent ofthe been seenthroughout thewatershed onash, The devastatingimpactsofEABhave already Beech Leaf Disease) forest pests( Disease) andemerging (ALHB,HWA, OakWilt, vulnerable tothecurrent (EAB,BeechBark communities across thewatershedare Currently 51percent oftheinventoried forest THREATS Neonectria faginata Cryptococcus fagisuga Long-horned Beetle( Non-Vulnerable Woodlands and BeechLeaf Disease,theresulting impactonourforests isdevastating ( Vulnerable Woodland CommunitiesduetoInvasive Forest When theotherpotentialforest pestsanddiseasesare considered includingAsian Thepercent of inventoried woodland communities vulnerabletoinvasive forest No Threats 49% ). Thisinsect-fungus ) andacanker fungus Anoplophora glabripennis

Figure 7 Pests andDisease Asian Long-horned

Vulnerable Woodlands Dominated by theseSpecies

Beetle ).

attack, asdescribed above. Although they Hemlock are alsoatriskof aninvasive pest maple dominatedforests aswell.Eastern they are alsocommonly found throughout woodlands withinthewatershed; however, dominate twopercent ofinventoried Lake Erie(Province ofOntario,2020b). Beech now present inToronto andalongtheshore of Leaf Disease,reached Ontarioin2017.Itis stress onbeech trees, anewpathogen,Beech any symptoms(CVC, 2020d).To addtothe beech trees withinthewatershedwere free of 2017, onlyeightpercent ofallmonitored (McLaughlin andGreifenhagen, 2012).Asof decline intrees withlessseriousinfections - ALHB), OakWilt( Ash Borer Emerald 51% Bretziella fagacearum Wilt Oak Hemlock Adelgid Wooly Figure 6

Disease Bark & Beech Leaf ).

), so unlikely tospread rapidlylike EAB,it’s the horizon is ALHB.Althoughalazy insect, Species Centre, 2018).The lastforest peston 500m from the CanadianBorder (Invasive known locationisonBelle IsleinDetroit, only mortality inaslittle one year. Theclosest nutrients through thetrees resulting in Oak Wiltwhichrestricts theflowof water and are currently vulnerable to the invasive fungus woodlands are dominatedby native oakwhich the watershedsixpercent oftheinventoried (Hemlock Restoration Initiative, 2017).Within forest component providing denseshade species duetotheircreation ofaunique woodlands theyare considered akeystone only dominatefive per cent ofourinventoried (2013-2020). the watershed. Credit Valley andCityof Mississauga,unpublisheddata Conservation vulnerable tooneortwo invasive forest pestspecieseitherpresent oremerging across Figure 7. A mapdepictingthelocation of inventoried woodland communities that are

becomes even more alarming. situation factoredthe inthedireness of the regrowth ofourforest habitats are threatening and outcompeting already are that Additionally, whentheinvasive plantspecies not prioritized toensure arapidresponse. communities ifearlydetection efforts are this could substantiallyimpacttheforest they were tofindtheirway tothewatershed, if (Government Therefore, of Canada, 2016). poplar, birch, willowandelm including ALHB willalsouseotherdeciduousspecies Furthermore, althoughtheyprefer maple, 42 percent are dominatedby maple. inventoried woodlandsinourwatershed, preferred hostismapleandwithinthe

19 Invasive Species Prioritized For Management COMMON LATIN COMMON LATIN Amur Corktree Phellodendron amurense Periwinkle Vinca minor Acer tataricum Amur Maple Purple Crown-vetch Securigera varia ssp. ginnala Amur Silvergrass Miscanthus sacchariflorus Purple Jewelweed Impatiens glandulifera Autumn Olive Elaeagnus umbellata Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia Purple Willow Salix purpurea Black Swallowwort Vincetoxicum nigrum Rough Mannagrass Glyceria maxima Chinese Silvergrass Miscanthus sinensis Russian Olive Elaeagnus angustifolia Chinese Wisteria Wisteria sinensis Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris Climbing Euonymus Euonymus fortunei Sea Buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides Common Barberry Berberis vulgaris Showy Fly Honeysuckle Lonicera x bella Curly-leaved Pondweed Potamogeton crispus Siberian Elm Ulmus pumila Dog-strangling Vine/ Spreading Hedge- Vincetoxicum rossicum Torilis arvensis European Swallowwort parsley Dwarf Honeysuckle Lonicera xylosteum Sycamore Maple Acer pseudoplatanus English Ivy Hedera helix PLANTS Tatarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tatarica Erect Hedge-parsley Torilis japonica Tree-of-heaven Ailanthus altissima Eurasian Water-milfoil Myriophyllum spicatum White Mulberry Morus alba European Black Alder Alnus glutinosa White Poplar Populus alba European Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica Wild Chervil Anthriscus sylvestris European Euonymus Euonymus europaeus Wild Parsnip Pastinaca sativa European Other invasive species, such as Kudzu occasionally based on new science, new Convallaria majalis Winged Euonymus Euonymus alatus Lily-of-the-valley (Pueraria montana) a species found management options, and changes in invasive PLANTS European Privet Ligustrum vulgare Winter Aconite Eranthis hyemalis abundantly in the southern United States species distributions in the watershed and Phragmites australis ssp. European Reed Yellow Floatingheart Nymphoides peltata (and is only currently found in Ontario in surrounding areas. Appendix C provides the australis Leamington), do not yet pose an imminent lists as of 2020 but the most up-to-date Fig-root Buttercup Ficaria verna Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus risk of introduction to the watershed. lists for the following groups can be Eleutherococcus Imported Willow Five-leaved Aralia Plagiodera versicolora However, they may eventually arrive here as accessed at cvc.ca/invasives: sieboldianus Leaf Beetle annual temperatures rise, and their ranges Flowering-rush Butomus umbellatus LDD Lymantria dispar dispar increase northward. By 2050 climate change 1 terrestrial plants Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata Japanese Beetle Popillia japonica Heracleum is projected to increase average annual Giant Hogweed Large Pine Weevil Hylobius abietis 2 forest pests and diseases mantegazzianum temperatures by up to 2.2 degrees Celsius Glossy Buckthorn Frangula alnus Pine Shoot Beetle Tomicus piniperda (L.) (Auld et al, 2016), leading to warmer winter aquatic species 3 Goutweed Aegopodium podagraria FOREST PESTS Satin Moth Leucoma salicis conditions, decreased days below freezing Japanese Barberry Berberis thunbergii Sirex Wood Wasp Sirex noctilio (F.) and a change in seasonal weather patterns. However, prevalence does not necessarily Japanese Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica Amur Carp (Koi) Cyprinus rubrofuscus Invasive species currently limited by influence prioritization for management in temperature constraints may begin to Japanese Knotweed Reynoutria japonica Common Carp Cyprinus carpio the watershed, particularly in high quality expand their ranges northward as conditions Japanese-spurge Pachysandra terminalis Frog Virus 3 (FV3) (type species of Ranavirus genus) habitats along the Credit River Natural become more suitable for their survival. Maack's Honeysuckle Lonicera maackii Goldfish Carassius auratus Heritage System. Although species on the watch lists are top priority if they were to be Morrow's Honeysuckle Lonicera morrowii Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus CVC maintains lists of the invasive species Scardinius found in the watershed, there are currently Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora Rudd present in the watershed and the known erythophthalmus 74 invasive species within the watershed watch species for terrestrial plants, Norway Maple Acer platanoides SPECIES AQUATIC that are considered management priorities Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus forest pests and diseases and aquatic Oriental Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus by CVC. Of these management priorities, species. These lists include ecological 60 are plants, 7 are forest pests and 7 are and management ranks, and are updated Table 4. Invasive species currently present and prioritized for management in the Credit aquatic species (Table 4). River Watershed. 20 21 Allelopathy is a plants ability to release harmful chemicals from plant parts negatively impacting other species (Ferguson et al, 2016). For many invasive species including Garlic Mustard this alters soil chemistry negatively impacting microorganisms and nutrient cycling which in turn impacts native plant growth (Rodgers et al, 2008).

Figure 8. Garlic Mustard invades the forest Figure 9. Giant Hogweed can cause understory, competes with native species for photo-dermatitis and is a health risk. light and space, and has allelopathic properties.

2.3 What are the Impacts of Invasive Species?

Invasive species are one of the most serious Additionally, other invasive species, such as threats to biodiversity in the watershed. They EAB, pose indirect threats to human health dominate ecosystems where the factors and property by killing ash trees that then limiting growth in their native range are create safety hazards for humans. absent, where disturbance is present, and where native species lack natural defenses to Impacts to biodiversity are not necessarily resist their spread or impacts. Some invasive limited to a particular group of plants or Some of the more widespread species are also some species that are species, such as forest pests and pathogens, animals but may be far ranging. For example, found in the watershed include EAB, prioritized for management by other directly harm native species (e.g. through where invasive species displace native plants European Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), organizations, such as Quagga and Zebra allelopathy or infection) while others indirectly that provide food for insects and other DSV, Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Mussels (Dreissena bugensis and D. harm native species by competing for wildlife, populations of those species may also non-native honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.), polymorpha), due to their impacts on resources and space (Figure 8). Furthermore, decline. Biodiversity is directly influenced by Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), European infrastructure. Furthermore, for some species some species such as Giant Hogweed ecological integrity as ecosystems with a Reed, Chinese and Amur Silver Grass there may be no tools or techniques available (Heracleum mantegazzianum- Figure 9) can greater diversity of native species are (Miscanthus sinensis and M. sacchariflorus), to contain or slow their spread, like EAB, have serious health impacts to humans typically more resilient to disturbance and LDD (Lymantria dispar dispar- formally known and therefore management is focused on through contact with the sap leading to environmental change. Where biodiversity is as Gypsy Moth), Common Carp, Goldfish the impacts the species cause and not the blisters, burns and even blindness if the sap compromised, ecosystems become less (Carassius auratus) and Round Goby. There actual species itself. enter the eyes (Nielsen et al, 2005). resilient to disturbance and stress. There can

22 23 also be a reduction in ecosystem functions The State of Victoria (2015) in Australia has Unfortunately, it is generally easier to obtain such as air quality, water filtration, flood created a generalized invasion curve From data collected between resources to manage invasive species once control, and erosion prevention. In the face of depicting that the economic return on project 2017- 2019 the three highest annual the species is established and the impacts a changing climate, these ecosystem services investment is one hundred times higher expenditures that Ontario municipalities are apparent. Most municipalities and are needed more than ever. when investing in prevention as opposed to and conservation authorities are currently conservation authorities in Ontario are management after the species is established investing in for an individual invasive spending the highest proportion of invasive There has also been an increase in severe (Figure 10). Furthermore, the longer a species species include: species-related money managing the impacts weather events across the watershed, is present the more costly management EAB of established invasive species: 65.8 per cent including higher average temperatures, more becomes (State of Victoria, 2015). for conservation authorities and 79.6 per cent (Agrilus planipennis) heat waves, and more intense precipitation for municipalities. Furthermore, the annual events. Maintaining diverse, high-functioning The estimated annual socio-economic costs $29,727,378 expenditure for conservation authorities landscapes is key to buffering the effects of to municipalities and conservation authorities Zebra Mussels ($314,724) was greater than for municipalities climate change and minimizing impacts to in Ontario of $50.8 million does not include ($218,148) (Vyn, 2019). However, to really get (Dreissena polymorpha) human health and well-being. federal or provincial government funding (Vyn, ahead of the problem, more funding is 2019). The costs in Ontario grow even higher $4,486,761 required for prevention, early detection, and The economic costs of management are when you consider the combined potential LDD rapid response, and even rapid response significantly lower when resources are impacts on healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, efforts can be costly as seen with the ALHB (Lymantria dispar dispar) invested in prevention and early detection. forestry, tourism and recreation. Factoring in eradication efforts in Ontario which cost the Once an invasive species is established, the these industries brings the annual cost up to $4,474,562 CFIA $35 million (Bullas-Appleton, 2020). costs for management are substantially $3.6 billion in Ontario (Vyn, 2017). (Vyn, 2019) higher and less efficient (Vyn, 2019).

Asset-based

Containment

Eradiction Area occupied Area

Prevention

Time Species Small Rapid increase Invasive species widespread and adundant absent number in distribution throughout its potental range of localized and abundance, populations many populations Entry of invasive species

1:100 1:25 1:5-10 1:1-5 Prevention Eradication Containment Asset-based protection Economic Returns

Figure 10. Generalized invasion curve depicting the economic returns for each stage of invasive species management (State of Victoria, 2015). 24 25 Asian Long-horned Beetle Control: Early Detection and Rapid Response

In 2003 Asian Long-horned Beetle (ALHB) was discovered in Toronto. This insect has the potential to cause billions of dollars of damage to Ontario’s forests as it attacks and kills many hardwoods, including maple, birch, poplar, willow, and elm (Government of Canada, 2020b). CFIA took on a primary role in coordinating the response with support from the Canadian Forest Service, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the cities of Toronto and Vaughan, York Region, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, private forestry contractors, and the United States Department of Agriculture to conduct monitoring, research, and control of the beetle (Toronto City Council, 2004).

The only known control measure for ALHB is the removal of every host tree from within a 400m radius of any infested trees, as this is the distance 99 per cent of the population is expected to fly. In 2013, there was a second outbreak in Mississauga and an even larger 800m radius of host trees were removed to ensure the beetle’s total eradication (Province of Ontario, 2020c). These drastic measures, often involving private property and little notice, were enforced through the CFIA’s ability to issue control orders under the broad scope of the Plant Protection Act (Toronto City Council, 2004). In total more than 30,000 tree removals took place in the affected zones (City of Vaughan, 2013). A multi-year quarantine on the movement of all wood products and host nursery stock out of the affected area was also put in place, with strict enforcement, and was only lifted in June 2020 after the outbreak was identified as eradicated (Government of Canada, 2020a). Although the measures could be considered extreme and very costly (the CFIA spent $35 million to manage ALHB (Bullas-Appleton, 2020)), the swift decisive mobilization efforts were effective and ALHB have not been seen in Ontario since 2013. If these early detection and rapid response efforts had not been undertaken or successful it would have only been a matter of time before the 9,000 plus hectares of deciduous and mixed forests of the Credit River Watershed would have been devastated by this aggressive beetle.

Credit: Thierry Poire

2.4 Management Techniques for Invasive Plants and Animals

CVC uses a variety of tools to remove and ecological restoration sites following removal partners to help prepare these resources Best Management Practices control invasive species but rarely is there of an invasive species is often necessary to (e.g., Ontario Invasive Plant Council's (OIPC's) (BMPs) are methods that consider any single technique that will effectively prevent resurgence of the target species or BMPs and technical bulletins for invasive ecological impacts, effectiveness, eradicate or suppress an invasive species. secondary invasions by other species. plants). BMPs, technical bulletins and other and fiscal implications. BMPs are the A combination of techniques is often resources provide specific information most practical way to manage an necessary, with repeated applications over CVC staff follow established best about management techniques for invasive invasive species while considering several years to reduce or eliminate the management practices (BMPs) for invasive species, and CVC will continue to apply the ecological implications. population of the target species effectively. species management and have shared these techniques to its invasive species For invasive plants, ongoing management of knowledge and information with external management activities.

26 27 The successful biocontrol of Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a beetle native to Asia, has caused devastation across salicaria) in the 1990s using North America to native ash trees, and is a great example of adaptive management Neogalerucella beetles has and the long-term commitment needed for invasive species management. It is significantly reduced one of the thought to have arrived in Ontario through movement of wood packaging or pallets first publicly known invasive from the Detroit area in 2002. When it was first detected in Canada the Canadian Food plant species from devastating Inspection Agency (CFIA) attempted to cut down infested trees, but it was determined wetlands in Ontario. CVC to be an ineffective control strategy. Instead regulated areas were established to participated in this biocontrol restrict the movement of potentially infested wood items from areas with EAB effort releasing beetles in the (Government of Canada, 2014a). By 2008, EAB had made its way to the Credit River lower watershed in 1995, 1997 Watershed. Through funding support by Halton and Peel Regions CVC responded by and 1999. These releases had assessing all properties for ash trees to determine the location, health and liability risk been effective at keeping the of all ash trees along trails and property boundaries, before removing all ash trees Purple Loosestrife populations Figure 11. Chemical control of invasive that posed a hazard to public safety. Between 2014 and 2020 CVC cut 13,000 hazard to minimal densities thereby shrub re-sprouts. ash trees. Select mature ash trees are also being injected with TreeAzin, an allowing other wetland species environmentally safe bio-insecticide treatment that helps protect healthy ash trees to thrive. However, by 2015 from becoming infected with EAB. Select areas off trail with high densities of ash are CVC staff began noticing the also being prioritized for management to help re-establish a diverse forest habitat. Management techniques can be classified resurgence of Purple Loosestrife These management efforts have cost CVC over $3 million since 2013. into three broad categories: in the upper watershed and in 2016 another release was mechanical control (e.g. cutting, done by CVC to bolster the 1 excavating, mowing, burning) Neogalerucella beetle populations. The beetles were chemical control (e.g. herbicides, 2 released at two sites and are insecticides, fungicides - Figure 11) now being monitored to determine if the release will once biological control (i.e. introduction of again succeed in getting the 3 organisms which feed on or infect the Purple Loosestrife under control. target species)

New or improved herbicides and other chemical controls have been used, and biocontrol options are being researched, but the general approaches to management of invasive species have not changed significantly. Management of invasive species is a long-term investment. Very rarely is it accomplished in less than three years, and more often it is a five to ten-year process requiring adaptive management and significant financial contributions to be successful. Even after eradication, there can be substantial costs to restoring or jump starting the natural regeneration of the impacted area.

28 29 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities, Program Gaps and Opportunities

There are numerous roles and responsibilities in responding to the threat of invasive species, with those responsible ranging from the federal government down to individual land managers. The extent of involvement can also range from a primary role to a supportive role. A primary role is held by an organization that has a direct responsibility to the role. A supportive role is held by an organization that will help fulfil the role, but they are not directly responsible. Due to the number of activities involved in invasive species management and the diversity of those involved there is a high likelihood for duplication of efforts. This section provides information on current efforts and programs, as well potential opportunities arising from known gaps.

3.1 Roles and Responsibilities

Implementation of invasive species management requires input from many organizations at different functional levels, from broad policy decisions down to site-specific on-the-ground control efforts. Roles at the federal and provincial levels tend to focus on high-level coordination, policy development, strategies and enforcement of legislation and regulations. Roles at the regional and local levels (municipalities, conservation authorities, NGOs) tend to focus on implementation, which is where duplication of effort is most likely. The various roles include:

Legislation and Policy Coordination

Funding Enforcement/Regulation

Research, Science and Monitoring Site Level Management

Outreach and Education Advocacy

30 31 Organization Title Date

Rare Charitable Invasive Species Management: 2014 Research Reserve Work Plans and Priority Areas

City of St. Thomas St. Thomas Phragmites Action Plan 2016

Central Lake Ontario Invasive Species Management Strategy 2017 Conservation Authority

London (City) London Invasive Plant Management Strategy 2017

City of Mississauga Invasive Species Management Mississauga (City) 2019 Plan and Implementation Strategy

Kettle Creek Invasive Plant Management Plan-Draft 2020 Conservation Authority

Table 5. Examples of strategies prepared by other organizations in Ontario.

LEGISLATION AND POLICY FUNDING Federal and provincial agencies create legislation and policies to provide high level guidance Funding is generally provided at the provincial and federal level as a mechanism to implement and a framework for jurisdictional actions. Some of the agencies that administer acts acts and policies. There are also grants available which organizations can apply to for invasive include the following: species management. Examples of funding structures or partnerships include:

Environment and Climate Change Some examples of Strategies The Invasive Species Centre (ISC) CVC’s ISMP is primarily funded by municipal Canada (ECCC)- Canadian Environmental that are related to invasive species provides education, connects partners. This dedicated funding allows the Protection Act. management include: stakeholders, and coordinates and ISMP to implement priority actions for supports management projects. It is invasive species management. In previous Fisheries and Oceans Canada The ECCC created An Invasive Alien funded through OMNRF, DFO, Natural years provincially funded grants awarded to (DFO)- Fisheries Act. Species Strategy, 2004. Resources Canada, and CFIA. CVC resulted in expanded control efforts on managing priority projects on CVC, public and Canadian Food Inspection Agency The OMNRF released the Ontario Invasive The Invading Species Awareness Program private properties. However, these project (CFIA)- Plant Protection Act. Species Strategic Plan, 2012. (ISAP) provides education and awareness, specific grants do not support long-term addresses key pathways contributing to program operations. If provided further Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Federal and provincial acts and policies are introductions and/or spread, and facilitates funding CVC has the technical knowledge and Forestry (OMNRF)- Invasive Species Act. then adopted in principle and translated into monitoring and early detection. It is run by experience to expand the current program more detailed and action-oriented strategies, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and and provide increased support to partners Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, plans, and goals by municipalities and Hunters in partnership with the OMNRF. and landowners in the watershed. and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)- Weed conservation authorities. CVC’s ISS is an Control Act. example of a local level action-oriented strategy that is informed by broader federal and provincial guidance. Other examples of strategies prepared by other organizations in Ontario are found in Table 5.

32 33 The Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) The Asian Carp Response Plan, Collaborative is a collaboration is a process for managing coordinated by the Department between several Ontario organizations ecosystems to prevent the worst of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), ranging from land managers to NGOs impacts of invasive pests using with support from the Ontario including CVC, City of Toronto, City of effective, economic, and Ministry of Natural Resources Burlington, Central Lake Ontario environmentally sound techniques. and Forestry is a prime example Conservation Authority, Toronto and The major components of an IPM of a functioning EDRR program Region Conservation Authority, Royal program include prevention, within Ontario. This plan Botanical Gardens (Burlington), OIPC, identification, monitoring, describes the response to Asian ISC, and Protect Our Waters and management, and evaluation carp detections in the Great Environmental Resources (P.O.W.E.R). (IPM Ontario, 2017). Lakes. It has various levels, triggers (such as species, number of fish, and fertility), and actions. It clearly outlines the command structure which includes the roles and RESEARCH/SCIENCE/MONITORING CVC’s role is more suited to monitoring and responsibilities of those involved CFIA, DFO, and OMNRF also participate directly in/or support science, research, and surveillance rather than research, which (Asian Carp Canada, 2020). monitoring related to new and existing invasive species. However, other organizations occurs primarily at provincial and federal are also involved, typically partnering with an agency or providing support to citizen levels. However, CVC does collaborate in The term Asian carp refers to science programs through volunteer opportunities. Examples of research, science and adaptive management research where four species – Bighead Carp monitoring within Ontario include: possible. An example of this is in the research (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), on biocontrols for EAB where CVC has Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys partnered with Canadian Forestry Services molitrix), Grass Carp The CFIA undertakes monitoring and 2015 and the OIPC and ISC rolled out the in the release of the parasitic wasps (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and research regarding emerging pests such as program in Peel Region, Halton Region, Tetrastichus planipennisi and Oobius agrili Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon ALHB and Oak Wilt. Sault Ste. Marie, and Thunder Bay to pilot a on CVC lands. piceus). They were introduced to comprehensive early detection and rapid the southern United States in The CFIA is tracking the spread of EAB, response network across Ontario. The Although there are several organizations the 1970s and have since spread HWA and other forest pests. EDRR project aimed to work at the involved in monitoring, locations are northward. The DFO conducted a community level to train and equip prioritized based on the organization’s Socio-Economic Impact The DFO conducts early warning surveil- volunteers with the skills and resources priorities and scope. Presently, within the Assessment in 2014 to lance for Asian carp and directly manages needed to better detect and reduce watershed CVC is one of the select few active determine what the financial Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in invasive species in Ontario. The ISC, the in on-the-ground monitoring and currently it impacts to fishing (commercial Canadian waterways. OIPC, and the Eastern Ontario Model is only focused on HWA at select priority sites and recreational), recreational Forest received additional funding in at CVC conservation areas. However, there are boating, wildlife viewing, and The Ontario Federation of Anglers and 2020 to expand the EDRR into Quinte, many more watch species that require beaches and lakefront use would Hunters (OFAH) Invasive Species Kingston and Rideau regions. monitoring attention to ensure early detection be if Asian carps were to Awareness Program (ISAP) administers the and rapid response efforts are effective, not establish a population and Invasive Species Hotline and the Early Local NGO Protect Our Water and only within the watershed, but throughout spread within the Canadian Detection and Distribution Mapping Environmental Resources (P.O.W.E.R) Ontario. This is an integral part of any Great Lake waters. Over a System (EDDMapS) Ontario. has engaged in citizen science through organization’s integrated pest management 20-year period starting in 2018, coordinating volunteer opportunities (IPM) framework, because if new species are the financial cost was estimated An Early Detection and Rapid Response including mapping European Reed not detected early, then the adaptive to be $179 billion dollars (EDRR) pilot program was initiated by the occurrences along all roadsides in the management required will significantly (Government of Canada, 2014b). Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Collaborative in Region of Peel. increase in cost and effort.

34 35 OUTREACH AND EDUCATION Many agencies and organizations recognize the key role of outreach and education in invasive species management, including the following examples:

The Canadian Council for Invasive Species The City of Mississauga has information on works to connect various agencies and their website on various invasive land practitioners across Canada to species and what management they are invasive species related initiatives such undertaking within the city. They also hold as the Play Clean Go campaign. information sessions for residents to provide further information. The CFIA hosts online information related to forest pests, technical training through The Town of Caledon has information on workshops, and presentations. their website about forest pests including EAB and ALHB. COORDINATION The ISC distributes a quarterly newsletter Coordination efforts can range from national and provincial initiatives, down to and bi-weekly e-blast to provide invasive P.O.W.E.R has set up educational watershed or community-based undertakings. Some examples of coordination species information. outreach booths within the watershed efforts in Ontario include: to disseminate outreach materials and The ISC and OIPC administer the EDRR information to the general public. Network in Ontario. The EDRR provides The DFO coordinates invasive species The ISC and the OIPC have been a public platform for collecting invasive Many organizations within the watershed management in the Great Lakes and coordinating the Ontario EDRR network. species observations and connecting including The Riverwood Conservancy, other international waterbodies EDRR practitioners. the Canadian Foundation of University (e.g. Asian Carp Program). CVC coordinates invasive species Women, and local naturalist clubs bring management efforts on CVC owned and A collaboration between OIPC, CVC, OFAH in guest speakers to present on various The CFIA focuses on the coordination of managed lands. In some instances where an and OMNRF resulted in the creation of the topics including invasive species education detection and management of new infestation is determined to be a watershed Landowner’s Guide to Managing and and awareness. invasive species that may enter Canada. priority, CVC has played a primary role with Controlling Invasive Plants in Ontario. financial and in-kind support from partner CVC engages in invasive species outreach The OMNRF is responsible for coordinating organizations to coordinate invasive species The City of Brampton has information on and education through a variety of media efforts on new invasive species that may management (e.g. DSV management on their website on various invasive species including our website, social/mainstream enter Ontario. the Caledon Trailway and at Forks of the and what management they are media, community workdays, workshops, Credit Provincial Park). undertaking within the city. presentations, and site visits.

36 37 ENFORCEMENT/REGULATION There are several agencies responsible for enforcement and regulation at various levels, from regulating imports into Canada to actions undertaken on specific landholdings. Some examples of those responsible for enforcement and regulation include:

The Canada Border Services Agency plays an active role in stopping invasive species from entering Canada by air, land and water (Government of Canada, 2020d).

The CFIA is responsible for plant protection import requirements under the Plant Protection Act regulating potentially harmful organisms or plant pests that are imported into Canada. This also includes The City of Mississauga passed a Nuisance SITE LEVEL MANAGEMENT organisms that may be contaminated with Weed and Tall Grass Control by-law in 2017 Typically, landowners or managers are responsible and accountable for invasive species plant pests or are shipped in material that stating that “Every Owner of Land shall management at the site level. When individual invasive species are regulated by provincial or may be a plant pest or contaminated with a destroy and remove all Nuisance Weeds federal agencies, site level management may be coordinated by responsible agencies or plant pest (Government of Canada, 2017). and Nuisance Weed Seeds on their Lands.” designated authorities; for example, CFIA’s management of ALHB, and OFAH's management, The list of nuisance weeds includes through ISAP, of Water Soldier (Stratiotes aloides) in the Trent-Severn Waterway. Within the The DFO’s Fishery Officers and Guardians several invasive plant species including watershed some examples of invasive species management include: enforce invasive aquatic species under DSV, European Buckthorn and Giant Statutory Order and Regulation Hogweed (City of Mississauga, 2017). The City of Mississauga has several At the site level, CVC currently manages the (SOR)/2015-121 which lists 103 invasive Under the by-law, City of Mississauga has invasive species programs including an impacts of EAB, retains any incidental aquatic species that are regulated in the authority to enforce landowners to IPM program to monitor and control LDD, collections of aquatic species during other Canadian waterways (Government of manage the species listed. an EAB Active Management Plan, and a routine sampling, and manages invasive plant Canada, 2019a). Giant Hogweed monitoring and control species at 13 of 62 conservation areas; However, in many circumstances violations program (Culbert, 2019). however, there are many more opportunities The CFIA regulates the use of biological are reported incidentally, as there are not for implementation of priority projects controls (biocontrols) for invasive species enough enforcement officers to cover all of The City of Brampton has been managing not only on CVC properties but throughout such as the Galerucella beetles used for Ontario, let alone Canada. At this time CVC all occurrences (public and private the watershed. Some examples where Purple Loosestrife control (Government only has an indirect role in invasive species properties) of Giant Hogweed within the increased efforts would be beneficial include of Canada, 2019b). related enforcement on CVC conservation city, has been managing hazard ash due to ensuring invasive species do not continue to areas, where CVC’s Provincial Offenses EAB, and has a LDD program. impact newly constructed sites within or The OMNRF’s Conservation Officers Officers enforce and educate conservation adjacent to natural areas. A way to ensure this enforce and educate on laws protecting area visitors on the Conservation The Riverwood Conservancy has been could be for municipalities to require an our natural resources, including the Authorities Act, for example encroachment managing several invasive species invasive species management clause for Invasive Species Act’s prohibited and violations where a plant species (which infestations including Garlic Mustard, construction projects and for CVC to include restricted invasive species (Province of could include potential or known invasive European Buckthorn, and European Reed. maintenance costs including invasive species Ontario, 2020d). species) has spread or is dumped from management for all restoration projects. neighbouring properties. In collaboration with private landowners and Parks Ontario, CVC has been working to manage the largest known infestation of DSV in the Credit River Watershed.

38 39 Specific Roles ■ (P) Primary ■ (S) Supportive Jurisdictional responsibility Funding Science/ Science/ Advocacy Site Level Site Level Education Research/ Research/ and Policy Regulation Monitoring Legislation Legislation Coordination Management Outreach and Outreach Enforcement/ Enforcement/ Federal Environment and Climate Change Canada Administers the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Species at Risk Act, Canada Wildlife Act, Wild P P S P Animal & Plant Protection & Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act. Canada Border Services Inspect for invasive species at Canadian borders S Department of Fisheries and Oceans Administers the Fisheries Act P P P P* P* P P* *currently these roles are related to Asian Carp Canadian Food Inspection Agency Administers the Plant Protection Act, Seeds Act, Pest Control Products Act P P P S P* P* P* *these roles are related to specific forest pests such as ALHB Natural Resources Canada Includes the Canadian Forest Service who S S S administer the Forestry Act Canadian Council for Invasive Species P S Provincial Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Administers the Invasive Species Act, Fish and Wildlife P P P S P P P Conservation Act, Forestry Act ADVOCACY Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Advocacy for changes to (or enforcement of) existing legislation, or the creation of new Affairs P S S S legislation, related to invasive species management can originate from a range of individuals Administers the Weed Control Act or organizations. Typically, the lobbying of governments to improve legislation or to enact local Invasive Species Centre P P P S S by-laws starts at the local level as NGOs and public citizens push to facilitate change. Ontario Invasive Plant Council S P S S P Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Invading Species Awareness Program P P S P Table 6 summarizes current roles and A primary role is held by an organization Local jurisdictional responsibilities of key agencies that has a direct responsibility to the role. and organizations, specifying whether they Credit Valley Conservation Administers the Conservation Authorities Act S S S S P S play a primary or supporting role in invasive A supportive role is held by an organization species management. Although there are that will help fulfill the role, but they are Municipalities Enact the provincial Weed Control Act and local S S P P P S two role types defined, there are many not directly responsible. by-laws including Property Standards organizations who further support Local Non-Government Organizations invasive species activities; however, Relevant administrative legislations and e.g., local stewardship councils, naturalist clubs S S S P Table 6 lists the ones that have specific policies are also referenced for each agency and others roles identified in their legislated mandate, where applicable. Public/Landowners S P P as either a primary or supportive role: Table 6. Invasive species management roles and jurisdictional responsibilities. 40 41 3.2 Program Gaps and Opportunities

Given the sheer number of agencies and For any EDRR to be successful, dedicated organizations involved in invasive species funds and formalized partners are essential to management, there is a high risk for potential ensure on-the-ground action can and will take and actual duplication of efforts. There place. This would create greater support of are many opportunities for improved EDRR within the Credit River Watershed and collaboration and partnerships through the rest of the province. knowledge transfer, combining resources, and overall improvements in resource efficiency. CVC’s role in research and monitoring for Categories with gaps and/or duplications in invasive species is focused on CVC owned jurisdictional roles and responsibilities and managed lands; however, a more include the following and are discussed in comprehensive and integrated approach is greater detail below: needed, particularly where aquatic species are concerned. There are significant gaps in Research, Science and Monitoring, monitoring related to the early detection of many invasive species on CVC conservation Outreach and Education, areas no less the remainder of the watershed. Currently, most new invasions are limited to Coordination, and incidental reports. For example, in 2015 the first report of Common Carp in Island Lake Site Level Management. Conservation Area was an incidental report from CVC staff. Since that time, IWMP staff have caught Common Carp at monitoring 3.2.1 RESEARCH, SCIENCE, stations downstream in the Credit River, AND MONITORING indicating their population is spreading. Agencies discussed above that undertake Before this time Common Carp had been research, science, and monitoring initiatives primarily found in the lower watershed due to share a responsibility to communicate their the high numbers seen in Lake Ontario, but results to other organizations and to identify they were contained due to upstream dams, gaps in the current science. Beyond a need to as seen in Figure 12. Due to the incidental standardize monitoring protocols so that all report at ILCA, the source of the upper parties are using the same indicators and watershed Common Carp population was thresholds, there is a need to expand the known; however, by the time they were EDRR program to include species that may be observed the population was well established. found elsewhere in Canada or Ontario, but are CVC has started a pilot project to assess still new and a priority to a smaller the effectiveness of carp removal; however, jurisdictional area, such as a region or at the current level of effort and funding, watershed. Although the Ontario EDRR pilot management will be focused on control has proven effective in northern Ontario, the rather than eradication. same can not be said for Southern Ontario.

Figure 12. Locations and years Common Carp have been detected in the Credit River Watershed. Credit Valley Conservation, unpublished data (2008-2019).

42 43 3.2.2 OUTREACH AND EDUCATION 3.2.3 COORDINATION 3.2.4 SITE LEVEL MANAGEMENT

Numerous agencies and organizations Coordination for invasive species Roles and responsibilities for site-level and/or skills to manage invasive species, conduct outreach and education activities management is undertaken at many scales as management for terrestrial invasive species but they may not have the interest or related to invasive species management, identified inTable 6; however, jurisdictional management tend to be clear as they incentive to take on such labour intensive and this can result in a duplication of roles are not always fulfilled. This results in typically fall under the responsibility of the and costly efforts. efforts. Improved coordination is required to a breakdown in chains of responsibilities, landowner or land manager. Unless there is a define the role of each organization and confusion in specific roles and mandates, regulated species or action, it is up to the When invasive species management involves related target audiences. Federal and and sometimes a lack of accountability. For landowner's discretion to manage the waterbodies, jurisdictions may overlap, and provincial programs tend to have a wider example, forest pest monitoring at the federal ecological health of their property. However, priorities may not be shared between various focus, while CVC, municipalities, and level continues to be done strategically and the interest or capacity to fulfill these levels of governments, which can complicate community-based NGOs are typically rapid response measures have generally been commitments can be lacking even when management or eradication efforts. Since focused on more local audiences and would effective. However, the coordination of the species are listed as restricted under the waterbodies are interconnected, the impacts benefit from coordinating their efforts to EDRR network for terrestrial plants within provincial Invasive Species Act. This is of aquatic invasive species can rapidly extend meet shared objectives. Ontario lacks accountability for on-the-ground understandable as not only do many far beyond the site, to a watershed-level and management of new invasive species landowners not have the technical knowledge are therefore a priority to CVC. CVC provides technical support and education populations resulting in a failure of effective through site visits, presentations, specialized and rapid response measures. workshops, resources and materials (Figure 13), and participation on committees CVC has the expertise to play a lead role in (OIPC, IAS Collaborative, etc.). Some of these coordinating efforts for the early detection Potential Aquatic Invasive Species Management: Round Goby in Hillsburgh approaches and materials are outdated and and management of terrestrial and wetland In 2013, CVC staff captured two Round Gobies in the West Credit River in Hillsburgh (Wellington would benefit from being updated. (priority) invasive species throughout the County). Further sampling by OMNRF, CVC, and university researchers confirmed their presence watershed but needs to be supported in this in the two ponds downstream of the initial capture site and indicated that Round Goby were role by provincial agencies. successfully reproducing. Concerns about related impacts included effects on native Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) upstream and downstream as well as concerns about downstream trout, salmon and benthic fish populations. OMNRF was the primary lead and developed a report outlining management options, including long-term suppression, containment, and eradication. OMNRF staff expressed interest in advancing this as a pilot project in support of the new Invasive Species Act and a means of testing the Rapid Response Framework for Invasive Species in the province. Ultimately, a decision was made not to move forward with efforts to manage the Round Goby at Hillsburgh. For the Credit River, this means there is a secondary source of further goby invasion located in the upper watershed posing a threat to native aquatic communities downstream.

Figure 13. CVC uses a library of resources developed in collaboration with partners to share information about invasive species biology and management techniques. ROUND GOBY IN HILLSBURGH POND CLOSE UP OF A ROUND GOBY 44 45 4.0 Guiding Principles, Objectives and Actions

The preceding sections of this ISS described the current context of invasive species management within the Credit River Watershed, significant changes that have occurred over the past ten years, and jurisdictional roles and responsibilities. The manner in which CVC plans to respond to the increasing threat of invasive species over the next ten 4.1 Guiding Principles years is laid out in the following sections starting with the guiding principles, themes, objectives, and actions of this strategy (Figure 14). These were developed by the ISS The guiding principles of the ISS reflect implicit and explicit intentions that are inherent in the steering committee with input from CVC staff and partners through internal and external strategy’s objectives and actions. They are intended to support relevant goals in CVC’s strategic workshops, meetings and draft reviews. plan by defining the manner in which invasive species management work is conducted. The following guiding principles provide the broad approach and inform the implementation and future management decisions for the ISS:

1. Implement invasive species management staff, partners, and stakeholders, and will practices that respond to the guidance facilitate a rapid response to new invasive set in Ontario. Consistent with CVC’s species invasions. continued commitment to be a leader in invasive species management initiatives, 4. Employ Adaptive Management to the invasive species management activities continuously improve invasive species will respond to the guidance set out in management and restoration of impacted federal and provincial legislation, BMPs, native habitat. The successful and other technical documents. management of invasive species requires continued refinement of strategies and 2. Restore invasive species impacted learning to implement the most effective habitats in a manner consistent with CVC and efficient approaches to invasive restoration practices and guidelines. CVC species management and restoration. is committed to supporting the Ecological Therefore, adaptive management is Guiding Principles Themes Objectives Actions Restoration Strategy and Guidelines (CVC, required to guide all invasive species 2020b). Monitoring and inventory data management activities, ensuring that the The five guiding The objectives The seven The 31 actions are collected from the watershed will be used to methods and efforts employed will have a principles support have been objectives outline directions for CVC’s strategic grouped into the fundamental on-the-ground guide the creation and update of restoration positive effect on the ecosystem of the goals by three themes to intentions of the implementation strategies and guidelines. Credit River Watershed. providing a illustrate the invasive species that describe how framework for how relationships strategy. the objectives will invasive species between be achieved. 3. Use a science-based approach to 5. Align this strategy with existing CVC, management is the individual a) develop invasive species priorities and municipal, provincial, and federal conducted. objectives. b) guide invasive species management on strategies and plans. The actions outlined CVC lands and within the watershed. in the ISS are not intended to be carried out Using an integrated and transparent in isolation; rather, they are intended to be science-based priority setting process for aligned with objectives outlined in existing Figure 14. Organization of the ISS management direction. invasive species management will enable CVC strategies and plans, and those of CVC to clearly communicate priorities to CVC’s agency partners.

46 47 4.2 Themes, Objectives Objectives and actions that deal with on the ground management of invasive species to and Actions protect significant ecological features and functions within the watershed.

STATUS OF Three high-level themes connect through OBJECTIVE ACTION TIMELINE 4.2.1 THEME 1: PROTECT AND INITIATIVE seven objectives and lead to 31 MANAGE HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS recommended actions for on-the-ground Action 1.1: Compile existing data on invasive invasive species management. The three CVC’s commitment to protecting and species presence and extent in the watershed themes encompass ecology, connecting managing a healthy watershed is highlighted using internal and external resources. This Ongoing Ongoing with others, and health and safety: throughout the strategic plan from planning includes incidental reports by staff and the for an environmentally sustainable future to general public and checking EDDMapS, fishing managing a healthy, resilient environment chat boards, and iNaturalist. Protect and manage 1 and contributing to policy development. The healthy ecosystems Objective 1- Action 1.2: Assess invasive species presence ISS supports many of CVC’s strategic goals Prioritization data to determine which infestations could and directions. Table 7 outlines the objectives Connect with local communities, Determine the be eliminated (i.e. not fully established) Ongoing Ongoing 2 and actions which will be implemented to stakeholders and the public status of invasive and which infestations will be identified for support protecting and managing healthy species in the ongoing management. 3 Ensure public health and safety ecosystems in the Credit River Watershed, watershed and Action 1.3: Develop a methodology to including the following: prioritize species prioritize management of invasive species for management. For each of the three themes, the following Predicting emerging threats to occurrences in the Credit River Watershed 2022 New sections and accompanying tables outline the environmental health by monitoring for and create a layer within the watershed objectives of the ISS, and their corresponding new invasive species entering Ontario Restoration GeoBin application. actions and timelines for implementation. In and participating in rapid response Action 1.4: Update CVC’s current Invasive addition, the status column indicates whether mechanisms will ensure CVC has the 2021 and species lists, including the addition of a Modify an action is: most current information to make 2025 management priority. management decisions. Ongoing (something CVC is already doing). Action 2.1: Monitor reports of new invasive Creating and using a transparent species entering Ontario from other Modify (CVC is proposing to adapt or science-based priority setting process provinces or the United States. This includes 2021- Ongoing improve on our current methods). for new and existing populations of reviewing postings on EDDMapS, iNaturalist, 2030 invasive species will ensure on-the-ground fish chat boards, and reviewing the ISC and New (something CVC feels is a priority and management is occurring where OIPC e-blasts. needs to be done/created). it will have the greatest impact. Objective 2- Prevention Action 2.2: Review existing CVC inventory, monitoring, and restoration performance Actions that require further elaboration are Regularly monitoring project success and Prevent 2021 and monitoring programs and integrate invasive Modify highlighed in the below tables and are invasive species management activities establishment 2025 discussed in detail in Section 5. putting a primacy on ecological values. of new invasive species monitoring where appropriate within species the watershed. populations in Actions will be undertaken in a collaborative Action 2.3: Participate in rapid response the watershed. manner with relevant staff to ensure that they initiatives to support control efforts of new 2021- Modify support and enhance related programs within invasive species occurrences on public and 2030 CVC, including the ISMP, IWMP, Outreach and private properties. Education, and Conservation Parks. It should be noted that most actions will continue Action 2.4: Control new priority invasive 2021- beyond 2030, but it is anticipated that the ISS species occurrences on CVC owned and Modify 2030 will be reviewed and updated at that time. managed lands.

Table 7. Protect and Manage Healthy Ecosystems: Objectives and Actions 48 49 Objectives and actions that deal with on the ground management of invasive species to protect significant ecological features and functions within the watershed.

STATUS OF OBJECTIVE ACTION TIMELINE INITIATIVE

Objective 3- Action 3.1: Remove targeted populations and 2021- Ongoing Eradication restore the project area when necessary. 2030

Eradicate Action 3.2: Review current species detection 2022 and populations of and restoration performance monitoring Modify ongoing newly established protocols and update as required. priority invasive species before Action 3.3: Formalize annual staff training for they spread on bait fish identification to ensure no aquatic Annually Modify CVC owned and invasive species are being sold as bait at managed lands. conservation areas.

Action 4.1: Develop an integrated pest management framework to ensure there is a 2021 New response mechanism in place for all types of invasive species.

Action 4.2: Follow established best management practices including clean 2021- equipment protocols throughout CVC Ongoing 2030 4.2.2 THEME 2: CONNECT WITH operations to reduce the spread of invasive LOCAL COMMUNITIES, An important part of collaboration is the species (e.g., on equipment and uniforms). STAKEHOLDERS AND THE PUBLIC development and distribution of materials Objective 4- to communicate scientific information to Management Action 4.3: Create prioritized workplan Prevention, detection, management, and the general public. Privately owned lands (based on Action 1.3) on invasive species Annually Ongoing monitoring of invasive species within the comprise a significant portion of the Prevent further populations for management on CVC owned entire watershed cannot be effectively watershed and promoting behavioral population and managed lands. completed by any single agency. Outreach change and private landowner stewardship expansions Action 4.4: Implement project plans for top and education to the public, landowners and can lead to large scale changes across of invasive 2021- priority invasive species populations on CVC Ongoing policymakers, and partnerships with other the landscape. Therefore, CVC will continue species that are 2030 owned and managed lands. agencies and organizations are essential to to promote education and management management the implementation of the ISS. Table 8 of invasive species within the watershed. priorities. Action 4.5: Create project plans for top priority outlines the objectives and actions which will 2021- invasive species populations for landowners Ongoing be implemented to support connecting with Education and outreach programs will 2030 and public within the Credit River Watershed. local communities, stakeholders, and the focus on prevention (e.g., increasing public public, including the following: awareness about pathways of invasion, Action 4.6: Implement project plans for top 2021- removing invasive species from the priority invasive species populations on private Ongoing 2030 CVC will continue to work with partners, horticultural trade), monitoring (e.g., and public lands. other conservation authorities, and promoting the use of EDDMapS and Action 4.7: Monitor success of 2021- government agencies to define other tools to report invasive species), implementation through Restoration 2030 Ongoing opportunities for collaboration on similar and control (e.g. educating landowners on Performance Monitoring and feedback to projects to maximize impacts and the what tools they have available to remove adaptive management approach. efficiency of our service delivery. invasive species).

Table 7. Protect and Manage Healthy Ecosystems: Objectives and Actions 50 51 Sets out how CVC will collaborate with others who are interested and/or Sets out how CVC will collaborate with others who are interested and/or invested in dealing with the impacts of invasive species within the watershed. invested in dealing with the impacts of invasive species within the watershed.

STATUS OF STATUS OF OBJECTIVE ACTION TIMELINE OBJECTIVE ACTION TIMELINE INITIATIVE INITIATIVE

Action 5.1: Prepare a marketing At least and communications plan to ensure Action 6.1: Connect with municipal and other annually, if 2021 New invasive species education and awareness partners to facilitate collaboration, reduce collaborative is achieved. duplication, and use organizational strengths project Modify to improve invasive species management initiated, then Objective 6 within the watershed. as project Action 5.2: Disseminate up to date dictates. information and best management Collaborate with 2021-2030 Ongoing practices from invasive species municipalities professionals to the public. and other levels Action 6.2: Support invasive species of government research through partnerships with 2021-2030 Ongoing to maximize government and educational institutions. Action 5.3: Identify gaps in invasive species impacts. Objective 5 best management practices (BMPs) and 2021-2030 Ongoing contribute to the development Action 6.3: Support efforts to identify areas Facilitate public of new BMPs where gaps exist. of overlap and gaps between jurisdictions and landowner 2022-2030 Ongoing education and of our government partners and adjust participation Action 5.4: Engage the public and local priorities to try to resolve. in invasive partners in hands-on removal of invasive 2021-2030 Ongoing species species and related stewardship activities. Table 8. Connect with Local Communities, Stakeholders and the Public: management in Objectives and Actions public and private spaces Action 5.6: Engage, educate, and provide through support to watershed landowners (private 2021-2030 Ongoing communications and public) in invasive species management. and awareness.

Action 5.7: Work with the private contractor 2022 and industry and partners to develop a training then every program to increase landowner options for few years New ecologically sound invasive species depending management on private and public lands. on demand

Action 5.8: Encourage watershed landowners and public agencies to 2021-2030 Ongoing engage in practices that incorporate invasive species management.

Table 8. Connect with Local Communities, Stakeholders and the Public: Objectives and Actions 52 53 4.2.3 THEME 3: ENSURE PUBLIC seen with EAB and HWA, which kill trees HEALTH AND SAFETY creating potential safety hazards to Invasive species can pose a direct threat to conservation area users, CVC staff, and human health and property. For example, infrastructure. Therefore, management of Quagga and Zebra Mussels can have a invasive species occurrences where they significant effect on infrastructure and threaten human health and property will be facilities that use surface water, including given a high priority by CVC. Hazards on but not limited to, water treatment plants. CVC owned and managed lands will be Invasive species that pose a direct health risk addressed in a timely manner to ensure staff to humans include Giant Hogweed, Wild and visitor safety. Managing these indirect Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), Wild Chervil threats is aligned with priority actions in (Anthriscus sylvestris), and Spreading Hedge CVC’s SFMP, which identifies managing Parsley (Torilis arvensis). These species can hazard trees as an objective (Credit Valley cause skin irritation or allergic reactions Conservation, 2020a). Table 9 outlines the through direct contact. There are also objectives and actions that will be situations where invasive species can pose implemented to ensure invasive species indirect risks to human health or property as related risks and hazards are managed.

Ensure that CVC properties are managed for invasive species related risks and are safe for staff and visitors

STATUS OF OBJECTIVE ACTION TIMELINE INITIATIVE

Action 7.1: Control invasive species on CVC owned and managed lands that 2021- Ongoing pose a threat to human health through 2030 direct contact. Objective 7

Safeguard Action 7.2: Control invasive species on CVC infrastructure and owned and managed lands that are a human 2021- Ongoing the public from health and/or safety hazard or can impact 2030 impacts of invasive natural and capital (infrastructure) assets. species on CVC owned and managed lands. Action 7.3: Control invasive species on CVC owned and managed lands that could result 2021- in harm to staff or conservation area users Ongoing 2030 through indirect means such as the creation of hazard trees.

Table 9. Ensure Public Health and Safety: Objectives and Actions

54 55 5.0 Implementation of the ISS Theme 1: Protect and Manage Healthy Ecosystems

Since CVC has been managing invasive species for over a decade, implementation of this strategy will largely be incorporated into existing programs. To achieve the seven objectives, the implementation CVC has been very active in on-the-ground of the identified actions will be grouped into two key approaches: invasive species management activities, with early detection at 197 sites on CVC properties and implementation of over 190 control projects. However, within this theme there are five Actions inTable 7 that require further discussion:

Action 1.3 - Develop a methodology to prioritize management of invasive species occurrences in the Credit River Watershed and create a layer within the watershed Restoration GeoBin application.

Actions that highlight the need for As discussed in Section 2.2, CVC maintains guidance or methodology. For example, lists of invasive species that are updated as “develop a methodology to prioritize their status in the watershed changes or as management of invasive species new science emerges pertaining to their occurrences in the Credit River management. For practical reasons, this Watershed…”. These actions are timebound strategy addresses the control of invasive and have a more specific deliverable; and, species that have known feasible management techniques available, and for Actions associated with site-level which CVC has the knowledge or capacity For future program direction and management activities, such as following to identify, track, and establish baseline implementation CVC is proposing a best management practices to ensure that data. Since it is not feasible to manage two-step process: the intent of an objective is met. These every species across the entire watershed, actions are “routine” and ongoing. the prioritization of species and sites is Apply invasive species project decision 1 essential to ensure the most effective use of flowchart (Figure 15) While many of the objectives and actions limited resources. outlined above are already incorporated into 2 Apply project prioritization tool existing CVC programs (status of Initiative is To date CVC has focused efforts on highly (to be created) “ongoing”), there are also many actions that aggressive invasive species, particularly in are either not reflected in existing CVC 5.1 New or Significantly high-quality habitats; however, as the The invasive species project decision programming or require adaptations of Modified Priority Actions demand for invasive species management flowchart Figure( 15) is used to determine existing programming. To aid in efforts increases, a formal decision matrix is if the potential project meets the established implementation, Section 5.1 provides As stated above, highlighted actions within needed to narrow down the scope to operate criteria for CVC to play a primary or additional details regarding the intent Tables 5 to 7 are either new or significantly within available resources. supporting role in invasive species and scope of each of these new or modified modified. Additional detail follows to add actions. Section 5.2 summarizes Next Steps clarity to the intent and scope of each of in terms of implementing the ISS. these actions.

56 57 There is an occurrence of an invasive species No identified in the Yes watershed. Is it listed as a prohibited species? Report to appropriate regulatory agency.* (initiate rapid response protocol) Report to EDD Maps. Will the designated agency take the lead Is it on CVC property? No on the project and initiate management? No Yes Yes

Is there a willing Yes No Is the occurrence project partner? on CVC property? CVC to Is it a high priority Support for management? Project**

-Priority invasive species No -High functioning habitat management. CVC will play a primary role more lands, the amount of work required to -Centre for Biodiversity Observe the occurrence in managing priority projects on CVC monitor them for new invasive species -Credit River headwaters yearly. Is it expanding Yes -SAR habitat No significantly? Could conservation areas. Where potential occurrences increases. CVC needs to expansion lead to severe projects involve lakes or watercourses determine priority areas for monitoring and ecological degradation,

Yes adverse impacts to (where jurisdictions overlap), CVC will manage determine which teams are able to ensure human health, safety, aquatic projects on CVC conservation areas these areas are monitored. Are there tools or infrastructure or and share the responsibility with the lead techniques available to economic loss? control the species? agency(ies) for lakes and watercourses This is especially important for aquatic Observe the Does CVC have access No with invasive species that may impact CVC invasive species as currently there to them? occurrence yearly. Have new techniques, conservation areas. is no comprehensive monitoring program Yes tools, or resources or routine management of aquatic

Yes become available that make it feasible If the outcome of the flowchart is that the invasive species due to a variety of to manage the project should be planned and implemented, factors including: No YESoccurrence? Is it feasible for CVC to then the project is to be screened by the manage the occurrence? project prioritization tool to determine the 1. No high priority aquatic invasions within No priority level of the project. the watershed where CVC has had the Yes Yes Do not plan primary role for management or the project. Action 2.2 - Review existing CVC inventory, capacity to manage, Is there availability No in the budget? monitoring, and restoration performance Create a business monitoring programs and integrate invasive 2. Outside of CVC’s primary role, and plan for the project species monitoring where appropriate No

Yes and take it to senior management. within the watershed and Action 2.4 - 3. Detection and control efforts of aquatic Was it approved? Yes CVC to plan Control new priority invasive species species can be very complex for the and implement management occurrences on CVC owned and managed following reasons: project. lands especially with respect to a. permits are required to sample and management of aquatic invasive species. detect aquatic fauna species,

To date, CVC’s ISMP has focused more on b. species disperse easily and can Figure 15. Invasive species project decision flowchart. terrestrial invasive plant management; move throughout the watercourse however, greater cohesion into existing or waterbody, *Appropriate regulatory agencies include the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry inventory and monitoring programs needs to (MNRF), and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). c. many removal options can’t guarantee be explored to ensure CVC is being fiscally **Support to regulatory agencies may include personnel, equipment/supplies, public education and outreach, property access, and complete eradication due to the liaising with project partners. responsible. As CVC continues to purchase continued movement of water,

58 59 may be explored further by CVC where property CVC may play a supporting role management of invasive aquatic species is dependant on CVC’s prioritization of the deemed a critical priority. infestation and available resources.

A more focused approach to aquatic invasive Action 4.1: Develop an integrated pest species management within the watershed management framework to ensure there and the integration of aquatic invasive is a response mechanism in place for all species monitoring into existing CVC types of invasive species programs is needed. CVC will take the lead on the management of new priority invasive With new introduced forest pests getting species on CVC conservation areas. The closer to the watershed (e.g. HWA and Oak project area for aquatic species management Wilt), an IPM framework is essential for (reach up and downstream) will be ensuring that CVC adaptively manages its d. manual removal or water level species, so that new detections are typically determined on a case-by-case basis conservation areas to detect and take action manipulation are not always feasible found through incidental reports and depending on the species traits, stream to eradicate new invasions. To date CVC, like and, in many circumstances, are most other data sources. This approach can characteristics, and extent of occurrence. many organizations, has been dealing with effective when done in combination result in detections long after establishment In cases where the species are regulated invasive species already present within the with pesticide application, and (as seen with the Common Carp at Island by another agency such as DFO or OMNRF, watershed that are causing the most harm Lake Conservation Area) which significantly e. limited options for pesticide use are CVC will follow the project decision flowchart either ecologically or to human safety. By the compromises the ability to eradicate currently available and ones that are outlined in Figure 15 aiming to play a time the effects of most invasive pests are occurrences due to increased technical and available (e.g. rotenone) require a supporting role to responsible agencies. apparent, it is too late or very costly to financial feasibility. lengthy approval process. In cases where the species is on public or manage the problem and eradication is private property, CVC may play a supporting difficult or even impossible to achieve. The Another challenge in the management of There have been successful examples of role dependant on CVC’s prioritization of the formalization of an IPM framework, that aquatic species is that the use of herbicides implementing the management of aquatic infestation and available resources. expands CVC’s current invasive species over water was prohibited in Canada until this invasive species through exclusion and/or related efforts from primarily control and year, making chemical control of aquatic removal in the watershed, including incidental Action 2.3 - Participate in rapid response restoration performance monitoring to also plants nearly impossible without special removals during regular fish collection and initiatives to support control efforts of include prevention and early detection, with exemptions and permits. However, currently the construction of control structures to new invasive species occurrences on public clear roles and responsibilities of various only one herbicide has been approved and exclude fish (and maintain water levels) in the and private properties teams within CVC, will ensure CVC is well permitting is still required. CVC has yet to go wetlands at Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation situated to face the next significant invasion. through this process, but will be looking into Area. However, there are also examples of A plan of action to deal with new invasive It is conceivable that having such a program the feasibility of it for some priority projects in missed opportunities for the management of species recorded in the watershed is urgently in place could have allowed for ash tree the near future. Recent research into natural aquatic invasive species, for example, the needed; to date, the responses are seldom inoculations to occur earlier, likely saving removal mechanisms and environmental management of Round Goby and Yellow “rapid”. The creation of a rapid response plan additional ash trees from the impacts of EAB. half-life of common herbicides may lead to Floatingheart (Nymphoides peltata). In 2009 of action for new invasive species occurrences When potential pest problems are identified more herbicides being permitted for use over Yellow Floatingheart was identified in the within the watershed is essential to allow CVC through monitoring, pest population levels water in the coming years (Breckels & Kilgour, lower Credit River, and in 2013 Round Goby to respond to new threats as they emerge. should be recorded and used to establish 2018). Herbicides and other chemical controls was detected in the West Credit River. Re- CVC will work through the expanding EDRR reasonable thresholds for treatment to are an increasingly controversial subject, but moval of these species was not pursued due network to develop a watershed-based rapid reduce pest populations to acceptable they remain an effective and important tool in to a lack of defined leadership of the EDRR, response plan. levels. Equally important is evaluating the invasive species management and one uncertainties associated with control and effectiveness of the treatments. CVC will continue to use. Rotenone has approvals, agency leadership, and funding. CVC will take the lead on managing new occasionally been used in Ontario for control invasive species on CVC conservation areas CVC is proposing to work with its partners to of invasive fish, although permits are difficult Currently, CVC does not have a formal unless the species are regulated by another create and implement an IPM framework to obtain. The use of rotenone and other monitoring program for aquatic invasive agency such as DFO or CFIA. In situations throughout the watershed, with CVC focusing chemicals for the control of invasive fish where the species is on public or private its efforts on CVC conservation areas.

60 61 Theme 2: Connect with Local Communities, Stakeholders and the Public

CVC has been very active in working with There are many ways in which CVC can local partners, community organizations, encourage landowners and land managers to landowners and the public, and will continue manage their properties with invasive species to share knowledge and resources wherever in mind. However, there are two areas in possible. However, within this theme there which efforts could have significant impacts: are two Actions from Table 8 that require further discussion: SALE OF INVASIVE SPECIES IN THE HORTICULTURE AND AQUARIUM TRADES Action 5.1 - Prepare a marketing and Many nurseries and aquarium suppliers sell communications plan to ensure invasive species, and this continues to be a invasive species education and major pathway of introduction for these awareness is achieved. species if they escape or are released into natural habitats in the watershed. CVC has As part of connecting with local communities, been actively involved in outreach activities stakeholders and the public, CVC has been with these industries, including participating active in producing outreach and educational in the OIPC’s Horticultural Outreach materials and resources in the last ten years. Collaborative and educating landowners on This has included maintaining information on the benefits of using native plants in gardens CVC’s website, posting social media content, and not releasing aquarium species into providing presentations, and collaborating natural environments. However, it is an area with partners in the creation of province-wide that continues to require focus from an resources and factsheets. However, a outreach and education standpoint. strategic communications framework has never been created and many of CVC’s materials and resources are now outdated. MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE SPECIES AT CONSTRUCTION AND RESTORATION SITES Action 5.1 recommends reviewing existing As land development continues to expand communications products (including throughout the watershed, the disturbance digital media, factsheets and brochures), caused by construction sites creates optimal creating a strategic communications conditions for invasive species to spread from framework, and determining the best nearby sites or from equipment moving tactics to support invasive species outreach between sites. There are many examples In addition to negatively affecting native areas it is suggested that municipalities could and stewardship programming in both where invasive plants such as European Reed biodiversity, the spread of invasive species require an invasive species management public and private spaces. move in following land development and take can result in significant expenses to future clause for a minimum of two to five years over any natural areas that may have been and/or adjacent landowners if invasive following construction. Furthermore, for Action 5.8 - Encourage watershed created or spread to the existing natural species removal or re-planting with native CVC restoration projects, funds should be landowners and public agencies to heritage system. This is also an ongoing species is required. To ensure that invasive identified and allocated for maintenance engage in practices that incorporate challenge at many restoration sites where species do not continue to impact newly including invasive species management for invasive species management. disturbance is intrinsic to the projects. constructed sites with or adjacent to natural a minimum of five years.

62 63 Theme 3: Public Health and Safety

5.2 Next Steps

As safeguarding people, property and areas. Therefore, management of invasive Although there are 31 actions with associated Increased collaboration and formalization communities from hazards is priority for CVC, species occurrences that directly or indirectly timelines outlined in Section 4, there are of initiatives within CVC and with partners all the actions within this theme are ongoing threaten human health and property are also several immediate next steps for the in early detection, site level management, (Table 9). This theme is in direct support of given a high priority. As other invasive species successful implementation of the ISS: outreach, and education. CVC’s SFMP Action 15.1 (Continue to develop that will kill or compromise the health of and implement a Hazard Tree Program and target trees, including HWA and Oak Wilt, Creation of tools to support prioritization Pursuit of funding opportunities to review the current program to assess its move closer to the watershed, it is anticipated of species and sites for management. increase on-the-ground efforts and effectiveness and make recommendations for that there will be an increase in hazard trees increase response times to new invasive improvement) to ensure staff and park users on CVC properties. Formalization of an integrated pest species occurrences. are safe from hazards on CVC conservation management framework and early detection and rapid response program. It will be the responsibility of the ISMP staff to administer and track the implementation of Review of existing CVC invasive species the suite of actions and to measure these, in related protocols and outreach materials. order to track and report on objectives.

64 65 6.0 Conclusions

CVC’s ongoing response to the threat of invasive species focuses on protecting and managing healthy ecosystems, connecting with partners and landowners, and ensuring the health and safety of public and staff.

There are currently 184 documented invasive Managing current and potential invasive to support outreach and education activities both existing and new land holdings would species in the Credit River Watershed, with an species is an objective shared with many of to ensure residents are informed and aware of allow CVC to respond more effectively to additional 56 species on our doorstep. Some CVC’s partners and exploring opportunities the impact invasive species have on the new infestations. of these such as Asian carp and the forest for leveraging resources and expertise watershed and what can be done to manage pests (impacting beech, ash, oak, hemlock with both municipalities and NGOs is them. The capacity of CVC to undertake Achieving the objectives of the ISS will not and maple) could have significant ecological mutually beneficial. CVC is well positioned to invasive species management is directly happen overnight. Implementing the actions and socio-economical impacts to our support municipal partners with on-the- related to legislation, corporate priorities, and acquiring the resources to do so will be watershed. Although species that are at risk ground invasive species monitoring and interagency collaboration, available funding, an ongoing and challenging pursuit. CVC’s of arriving are of significant concern, there management. To ensure that invasive and human resources. However, many of the continuing commitment to managing invasive are also 72 currently present invasive species species do not continue to impact newly actions outlined in the ISS are underway and species goes beyond the ten-year term of this that are deemed management priorities. constructed sites with or adjacent to natural only require adaptive management. strategy. By prioritizing and implementing the areas it is suggested that municipalities ISS over time, we are taking the necessary To ensure that CVC can respond to new require an invasive species management As CVC continues to expand its property steps towards a healthier watershed, one that threats of invasive species from both an clause following construction projects, and holdings, the amount of land requiring supports native species biodiversity and is ecological and socio-economic perspective, CVC restoration projects allocate funds invasive species management will also better prepared for climate change. The the creation of an integrated pest for maintenance including invasive increase. This will further CVC’s need to reward will be a thriving environment that management framework, a more species management. prioritize efforts on CVC conservation areas, protects, connects and sustains us. comprehensive and integrated monitoring including safeguarding the health and safety program, and a rapid response plan of action Numerous agencies and organizations of staff, visitors and property. The creation of are needed. For any EDRR to be successful, conduct outreach and education activities a project prioritization process will ensure dedicated funds and formalized partners are related to invasive species management and CVC uses its available resources to the best of essential to ensure on-the-ground action can would benefit from coordinating their efforts its ability. The identification of dedicated and will take place. to meet shared objectives. CVC will continue funds to manage new invasive species on

66 67 7.0 References

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68 69 APPENDIX A: SUMMARY OF ISMP ACTIVITIES (2008-2019) Hemlock Restoration Initiative. 2017. Province of Ontario. 2020b. Beech leaf “The Importance of Hemlocks”. 26/07/2018. disease. Ministry of natural Resources and https://savehemlocksnc.org/the- Forestry. 29/11/2020. https://www.ontario.ca/ NUMBER BY YEAR importance-of-hemlocks/ page/beech-leaf-disease 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Invasive Species Centre. 2018. Province of Ontario. 2020c. Asian Long-horned Oak Wilt: An Invasive Pathogen on Canada’s Beetle. Ministry of Natural Resources and CONTROL PROJECTS Doorstep! Forest Invasives Canada. Forestry. 09/10/2020. https://www.ontario.ca/ Conservation Areas 5 23 42 46 35 42 46 52 48 50 40 page/asian-long-horned-beetle Invasive Species Centre. 2020. Species at Risk. Private Landowners 3 4 5 8 10 28 20 22 22 25 30/10/2020. Province of Ontario. 2020d. Become a Public Lands 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 5 https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/ Conservation Officer. Ministry of Natural invasive-species/what-is-at-risk/species- Resources and Forestry. 01/11/2020. Restoration at-risk/ https://www.ontario.ca/page/become- Performance 4 6 8 8 8 8 10 9 6 10 conservation-officer Monitoring Sites IPM Ontario. What is IPM. Integrated Pest Project Area 0.07 8.88 14.89 91.32 91.8 94.56 146.59 168.55 117.64 97.61 108.42 Management Accreditation Program. Rodgers, V.L., K.A. Stinson and A.C. Finzi. 2008. Managed (ha) 10/27/2017. https://www.ontarioipm.com/ Ready or Not, Garlic Mustard is Moving In: Technical Site Visits 4 5 6 11 16 59 27 69 30 39 about/ Alliaria petiolate as a Member of Eastern North America Forests. BioScience 58(5), OUTREACH AND EDUCATION McLaughlin, J. and S Greifenhagen. 2012. pp.426-436. Beech Bark Disease in Ontario: A Primer and Speaking Events 1 9 4 3 11 7 7 8 5 3 Management Recommendations. Ontario State of Victoria. 2015. Invasive Plants and Technical 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 4 4 1 Forest Research Institute, Ontario Ministry of Policy Framework. Department of Policy Workshops Natural Resources. Forest Research Note Industries. Volunteer Workdays 11 11 17 8 8 6 10 9 8 3 No. 71. Toronto City Council. 2004. Asian Long-Horned EMERALD ASH BORER Nielsen, C., H. P. Ravn, W. Nentwig, and M. Beetle. Economic Development and Parks Wade. 2005. The Giant Hogweed Best Practice Committee Report No. 2, Clause No.5. March Trail Assessments 1 47.4 22.4 0 5 14.5 20.6 Manual. Guidelines for the Management and 1,2 and 4, 2004. (km) Control of an Invasive Weed in Europe. Forest TreeAzin Injections 118 128 77 70 72 47 Vyn, R.J. 2017. An Assessment of the Costs and Landscape Denmark, Hoersholm, 44 pp. Hazard Ash Trees and Economic Impacts of Invasive Species in 739 1395 2258 2764 995 1984 OFAH/OMNRF Invading Species Awareness Ontario. Report prepared for the Invasive Removed Program. 2012. Invasive Species Fact Sheet: Species Centre. Trees and Shrubs 941 3903 470 185 2655 0 Invasive Phragmites. Planted Vyn, R.J. 2019. Estimated Expenditures on Hazard Ash Removal Ontario Biodiversity Council. 2011. Invasive Species in Ontario: 2019 Survey 1 1 2 6 2 6 2 Monitoring Sites Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy. Results. Report prepared for the Invasive Species Centre. Invasive Species Province of Ontario. 2012. Ontario Invasive Control Projects in 1 4 7 4 7 7 Species Strategic Plan. Ministry of Natural Young, R. F., K. S. Shields and G. P. Berlyn. ash removal zones Resources and Forestry 1995. Hemlock woolly adelgid (Homoptera: DETECTION MONITORING SITES Adelgidae): stylet bundle insertion and Province of Ontario. 2020a. Managing invasive feeding sites. Annals of the Entomological species in Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Emerald Ash Borer 74 11 Society of America, 88, pp. 827–835. Resources and Forestry. 23/10/2020. Hemlock Woolly 17 95 https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing- Adelgid invasive-species-ontario

70 71 APPENDIX B: SUMMARY OF CVC TEAMS INVOLVED IN IMPLEMENTING THE ISS

Invasive Species Other CVC Teams management activities, such as plantation The Natural Heritage Management (NHM) thinning. CVC’s Sustainable Forest team have removed Common Carp at Management Program and Programs Management Plan (2020) identifies the Island Lake Conservation Area. In addition, ISS as the strategy to be followed for Island Lake Conservation Area staff have ISMP was established in 2007 and is the Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) and invasive species management on implemented an external bait ban and primary group responsible for implementing Branch Out engage high school students CVC-owned woodlands. boat checking protocols at events. the ISS, prioritizing management of species in conservation activities across the The NHM team develops management and sites, monitoring the status of invasive watershed, which includes invasive species The Aquatic and Wetland Restoration and plans, tools and strategies to guide plants in the watershed and providing removal and monitoring. CYC provides Management (AWRM) team works with environmental protection, ecological technical advice to other CVC staff, agencies volunteer support to ISMP and other ISMP and other staff to manage invasive restoration and land development and the public about invasive species. programs for invasive species species on CVC lands, including removals, within the CVC watershed. The team is management projects throughout the monitoring and restoration. In partnership in the process of reviewing all relevant In addition to directly managing invasive watershed, providing approximately with ISMP, AWRM employs licensed CVC strategies, including the ISS, and species, ISMP delivers workshops in 20 days of volunteer work per year. pesticide applicators who conduct incorporating them into a new partnership with other teams within CVC or European Reed management activities on Watershed Plan. The team has also with external partners such as other The Community Outreach team organizes private properties associated with existing created the Ecological Restoration conservation authorities, the OIPC, and local community and corporate events which wetland and aquatic restoration projects. Strategy and Guidelines, of which NGOs. ISMP helped establish working have included invasive species removal AWRM has conducted removals of aquatic invasive species management is groups such as the Horticultural Outreach on CVC properties in partnership with invasive species and maintains fencing to a significant component. Collaborative (now part of OIPC) and the ISMP, and on public lands throughout help exclude larger invasive Common Carp Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Collaborative. the watershed. from restored portions of Rattray Marsh. The Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) team ISMP also helped establish the EDRR conducts detailed surveys of flora and program for Ontario (now administered The Rural Landowner Outreach team The Lands Planning and Management fauna across the watershed and by ISC and OIPC). ISMP is an active administers the Landowner Action Fund, a (LPM) team regularly monitors CVC trails provides detailed mapping of invasive member of OIPC and currently sits on the grant program for private landowners, and has undertaken invasive species species to ISMP in the form of geographic Horticultural Outreach Collaborative and the which can bring funding to invasive species management activities with guidance from information system (GIS) shapefiles. NHI Ontario Phragmites Working Group. management projects on rural properties. ISMP. LPM produces monitoring reports for determines the abundance of invasive conservation areas, which provide species in vegetation communities within Since 2013, a substantial portion of the ISMP’s The Urban Outreach team holds information about invasive species CVC properties, but provides less detail for operating budget has been focused on workshops and gives presentations concerns. LPM and other programs non-CVC properties. management of the impacts of Emerald Ash about invasive species in the urban (e.g. Rural Landowner Outreach and Borer (e.g. monitoring, trail assessments, landscape and in horticulture. Conservation Parks) have conducted one- The Integrated Watershed Monitoring tree removal, TreeAzin injections). The off invasive species removal projects over team conducts long-term monitoring majority of EAB- management activities were The Forest Management team leads the past decade. throughout the watershed that can identify completed in late 2020, allowing for the ISMP hazard tree management for EAB in the trends in invasive species distributions, to focus efforts on the implementation of ISS watershed, supports ISMP on certain emerging invasive species and ecosystem priority actions. Specific tasks and projects invasive species control projects, and responses to invasive species. will depend on funding, organizational conducts some invasive species priorities and organizational structure. management during regular forest

72 73 APPENDIX C: CVC 2020 INVASIVE SPECIES LISTS APPENDIX C: CVC 2020 INVASIVE SPECIES LISTS

Aquatic Invasive Species & Fish Diseases Aquatic Invasive Species & Fish Diseases Ecological Management Common Name Latin Name Rank # Ecological Rank Definitions Rank Rank Common Carp Cyprinus carpio 1 2 This category includes species that are either new to the watershed or new to a Frog Virus 3 (FV3) (type species 1 particular portion of the watershed (such as a new spatial occurrence in a priority 1 2 location). These species have the potential to disrupt entire aquatic communities. of Ranavirus genus) Quagga Mussel Dreissena rostriformis bugensis 1 3 This category includes species that are already established in Lake Ontario or the Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus 1 1 2 watershed. These species have the potential to disrupt entire aquatic communities. Rudd Scardinius erythophthalmus 1 1 Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus 1 1 This category includes species with low or localized impacts on the surrounding aquatic 3 community or those in which the potential threat is uncertain. Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha 1 3 Banded Mystery Snail Viviparus georgianus 2 3 These species are not yet present in the watershed. These are on a ‘watch list’ of Goldfish Carassius auratus 2 2 species that have the potential to impose significant impacts on aquatic systems * Oriental Mystery Snail Cipangopaludina chinesis 2 3 should they be introduced. Amur Carp (Koi) Cyprinus rubrofuscus 3 2 Rank # Management Rank Definitions Red-eared Slider Turtle Trachemys scripta elegans 3 3 Allegheny Crayfish Faxonius obscurus 1* 3 This category includes species whose distribution and occurrence is such that efforts to eradicate may prove successful if undertaken in a timely manner. Tools or techniques Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis 1* 1 1 are available to enable management. Rapid response to detection is advisable on any Black Carp Mylopharyngodon piceus 1* 1 new reports. Didymo Algae (rock snot) Didymosphenia geminata 1* 2 Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella 1* 1 This category includes species whose characteristics of dispersal and introduction to new areas of the watershed is such that containment over the long term is not likely Louisiana Crayfish Procambarus clarkii 1* 3 2 feasible. Efforts should focus on actively monitoring, reducing dispersal, and keeping * the species out of high quality habitats and sensitive areas. Marbled Crayfish Procambarus virginalis 1 3 Ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus 1* 1 This category includes species that have already spread throughout the watershed or Rusty Crayfish Faxonius rusticus 1* 3 there are no tools and techniques available to contain or slow the spread. Efforts should 3 Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix 1* 1 focus on monitoring and opportunistic removal. Snakehead Genera Channa and Parachanna 1* 1 Tench Tinca tinca 1* 1 VHS (Viral Hemorrhagic 1* 2 septicaemia) Bloody-red Mysid Hemimysis anomala 2* 3 Fishhook Waterflea Cercopagis pengoi 2* 3 Spiny Waterflea Bythotrephes longimanus 2* 3 Tubenose Goby Proterorhinus semilunaris 2* 1

Mosquito Fish Gambusia affinis 3* 1

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Forest Pests & Diseases List Forest Pests & Diseases List Ecological Management Common Name Latin Name Rank # Ecological Rank Definitions Rank Rank

Cryptococcus fagisuga (scale) Beech Bark Disease (scale) 1 3 This category includes species that are rapid colonizers with the potential to Neonectria faginata (fungus) overwhelm forest ecosystems at a watershed scale, and to transform the character 1 and composition of native forests indefinitely. Successful establishment of these species within the watershed is associated with significant ecological, social and Emerald Ash Borer Agrilus planipennis 1 3 economic impacts. Sirococcus clavigignenti- Butternut Canker 2 3 juglandacearum This category includes species with the potential to impact forest ecosystems on a watershed scale. These species are more specialized, often targeting specific Ophiostoma ulmi, O. himal-ulmi, communities or non-dominant species. Successful establishment of these species is Dutch Elm Disease 2 3 2 O. novo-ulmi associated with ecological, social, and economic impacts however, natural systems may be able to recover over time. LDD Lymantria dispar dispar 2 2

This category includes species with the potential to impact forests at a comm unity Imported Willow Leaf Beetle Popillia japonica 3 2 3 level. Localized impacts of these species may be significant but they are often self-regulated by environmental conditions. Japanese Beetle Cronartium ribicola 3 3

These species are not yet present in the watershed. These are on a ‘watch list’ of Large Pine Weevil Hylobius abietis 3 2 * species that have the potential to impose significant impacts on forest systems should they be introduced. Pine Shoot Beetle Tomicus piniperda (L.) 3 2

Rank # Management Rank Definitions Satin Moth Plagiodera versicolora 3 2

This category includes species whose distribution and occurrence is such that efforts Sirex Wood Wasp Sirex noctilio (F.) 3 2 to eradicate new infestations may prove successful if undertaken in a timely manner. 1 Tools or techniques are available to enable management of small, newly established White Pine Blister Rust Leucoma salicis 3 2 occurrences. Rapid response to detection is advisable on any new reports.

Asian Long-horned Beetle Anoplophora glabripennis 1* 1 This category includes species with established populations in the watershed. Species 2 may be controlled with management actions, however these options are costly and are Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Adelges tsugae 1* 1 only utilized where and when appropriate.

Oak Wilt Bretziella fagacearum 1* 1

This category includes species that have already spread throughout the watershed or there are no tools and techniques available to contain or slow the spread. Ongoing Spotted Lanternfly Lycorma delicatula 1* 2 3 management options are limited and these species continue to alter the composition and character of forested landscapes. Beech Leaf Disease 2* 3

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Invasive Plants Invasive Plants Ecological Management Common Name Latin Name Rank # Ecological Rank Definitions Rank Rank Amur Silvergrass Miscanthus sacchariflorus 1 2 This category includes species that exclude all other species and dominate sites 1 indefinitely. Plants in this category are a threat to natural areas wherever they occur Black Swallowwort Vincetoxicum nigrum 1 1 because they tend to disperse widely. Chinese Silvergrass Miscanthus sinensis 1 2 Curly-leaved Pondweed Potamogeton crispus 1 2 This category includes species that are highly invasive but tend to dominate only Dog-strangling Vine/European certain niches or do not spread rapidly from major concentrations. Many spread by Vincetoxicum rossicum 1 1 2 vegetative means or seeds that drop close to the parent plant. Most persist in dense Swallowwort populations for long periods. Dwarf Honeysuckle Lonicera xylosteum 1 2 Eurasian Water-milfoil Myriophyllum spicatum 1 2 This category includes species that are moderately invasive but can become locally European Black Alder Alnus glutinosa 1 2 3 dominant given certain conditions (eg. Soils, recreational impacts, or disturbances). European Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica 1 2 Phragmites australis This category includes species that do not pose an immediate threat to natural areas European Reed 1 1 but do compete with more desirable native species. Once established, many can ssp. australis 4 reproduce aggressively and become difficult to eradicate. Some are similar to native Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata 1 2 species and are often substituted by nurseries. Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum 1 1 Glossy Buckthorn Frangula alnus 1 2 This category includes species that have the potential to become invasive in Ontario. They can reproduce aggressively on occasion but have not yet been shown to be a Goutweed Aegopodium podagraria 1 2 5 serious threat to natural areas in Ontario. Some are very similar to indigenous species Hybrid Cattail Typha x glauca 1 4 and may therefore be difficult to identify. Japanese Knotweed Reynoutria japonica 1 1 These species are not yet present in the watershed. These are on a ‘watch list’ of Maack's Honeysuckle Lonicera maackii 1 2 * species that have the potential to impose significant impacts on natural systems should Morrow's Honeysuckle Lonicera morrowii 1 2 they be introduced. Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora 1 2 Rank # Management Rank Definitions Narrow-leaved Cattail Typha angustifolia 1 4 Norway Maple Acer platanoides 1 2 This category includes species where management is high priority but control may be Oriental Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus 1 1 1 difficult to acheive. Upon detection, immediate removal is recommended. Potential for spread into other areas must also be controlled. Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria 1 2 Rough Mannagrass Glyceria maxima 1 2 Showy Fly Honeysuckle Lonicera x bella 1 2 This category includes species where management is recommended for high quality 2 habitats and habitat for species at risk to limit spread. Tatarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tatarica 1 2 Yellow Floatingheart Nymphoides peltata 1 1 This category includes species where management is recommended if it falls Amur Maple Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala 2 2 3 into an existing management area to limit spread and prevent it from becoming Autumn Olive Elaeagnus umbellata 2 2 locally dominant. Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia 2 2

This category includes species where management is recommended but not a English Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna 2 4 4 priority. It may be difficult to differentiate from native species too pervasive or English Ivy Hedera helix 2 2 impossible to track. Erect Hedge-parsley Torilis japonica 2 2

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Invasive Plants Invasive Plants

Ecological Management Ecological Management Common Name Latin Name Common Name Latin Name Rank Rank Rank Rank European Euonymus Euonymus europaeus 2 2 Common Teasel Dipsacus fullonum 3 3 European Lily-of-the-valley Convallaria majalis 2 2 Crack Willow Salix euxina 3 European Privet Ligustrum vulgare 2 2 Cranberry Viburnum Viburnum opulus ssp. opulus 3 Fig-root Buttercup Ficaria verna 2 2 Creeping Bellflower Campanula rapunculoides 3 Flowering-rush Butomus umbellatus 2 2 Creeping Bentgrass Agrostis stolonifera 3 4 Japanese Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica 2 2 Creeping Bugleweed Ajuga reptans 3 Periwinkle Vinca minor 2 2 Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens 3 Purple Crown-vetch Securigera varia 2 2 Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense 3 3 Purple Jewelweed Impatiens glandulifera 2 2 Creeping Thyme Thymus praecox 3 3 Purple Willow Salix purpurea 2 2 Creeping Yellow Loosestrife Lysimachia nummularia 3 Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris 2 2 Dame's Rocket Hesperis matronalis 3 3 Sea Buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides 2 1 English Violet Viola odorata 3 Siberian Elm Ulmus pumila 2 2 Eurasian Woodland Bluegrass Poa nemoralis 3 4 Spreading Hedge-parsley Torilis arvensis 2 2 European Mountain-ash Sorbus aucuparia 3 Sycamore Maple Acer pseudoplatanus 2 2 European Red Currant Ribes rubrum 3 Tree-of-heaven Ailanthus altissima 2 2 European Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica ssp. Dioica 3 White Mulberry Morus alba 2 2 European Water-horehound Lycopus europaeus 3 White Poplar Populus alba 2 2 False Spiraea Sorbaria sorbifolia 3 Wild Chervil Anthriscus sylvestris 2 2 Field Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis 3 Winged Euonymus Euonymus alatus 2 2 Five-leaved Aralia Eleutherococcus sieboldianus 3 2 Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus 2 2 Garden Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus 3 3 Alsike Clover Trifolium hybridum 3 Greater Celandine Chelidonium majus 3 3 Amur Corktree Phellodendron amurense 3 2 Ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea 3 Bitter Wintercress Barbarea vulgaris 3 Hoary Alyssum Berteroa incana 3 Bittersweet Nightshade Solanum dulcamara 3 3 Hybrid Crack Willow Salix x fragilis 3 Black Jetbead Rhodotypos scandens 3 4 Japanese Barberry Berberis thunbergii 3 2 Black Knapweed Centaurea nigra 3 Japanese Hop Humulus japonicus 3 Bouncing-bet Saponaria officinalis 3 Japanese Tree Lilac Syringa reticulata 3 3 Brown Knapweed Centaurea jacea 3 Japanese-spurge Pachysandra terminalis 3 2 Chinese Wisteria Wisteria sinensis 3 2 Kentucky Bluegrass Poa pratensis ssp. pratensis 3 4 Climbing Euonymus Euonymus fortunei 3 2 Mahaleb Cherry Prunus mahaleb 3 Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara 3 Meadow Knapweed Centaurea x moncktonii 3 Common Barberry Berberis vulgaris 3 2 Mossy Stonecrop Sedum acre 3 3 Common Kochia Bassia scoparia 3 Narrow-leaved Bittercress Cardamine impatiens 3 Common Lilac Syringa vulgaris 3 3 Orange Daylily Hemerocallis fulva 3 3 Common Tansy Tanacetum vulgare 3 Orchard Grass Dactylis glomerata 3 4

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Invasive Plants Invasive Plants

Ecological Management Ecological Management Common Name Latin Name Common Name Latin Name Rank Rank Rank Rank Peppermint Mentha x piperita 3 Downy Brome Bromus tectorum 4 4 Perennial Ryegrass Lolium perenne 3 4 Elecampane Inula helenium 4 4 Purple Dead-nettle Lamium purpureum 3 3 European Ash Fraxinus excelsior 4 4 Quackgrass Elymus repens 3 4 Four-seed Vetch Vicia tetrasperma 4 4 Red Clover Trifolium pratense 3 Green-stemmed Forsythia Forsythia viridissima 4 4 Russian Olive Elaeagnus angustifolia 3 2 Little-leaved Linden Tilia cordata 4 4 Short-fringed Knapweed Centaurea nigrescens 3 Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare 4 4 Siberian Squill Scilla siberica 3 3 Redtop Agrostis gigantea 4 4 Smooth Bedstraw Galium mollugo 3 Symphoricarpos albus Smooth-leaved Snowberry 4 4 var. laevigatus Smooth Brome Bromus inermis 3 4 Abutilon theophrasti Spiked Sedge Carex spicata 3 Velvetleaf 4 4 Forsythia suspensa Spotted Knapweed Centaurea stoebe 3 Weeping Forsythia 4 4 Origanum vulgare Tall Ryegrass Lolium arundinaceum 3 4 Wild Marjoram 4 4 Galium verum True Forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides 3 3 Yellow Bedstraw 4 4 Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus Tufted Vetch Vicia cracca 3 Yellow Daylily 4 4 Medicago lupulina Wayfaring Viburnum Viburnum lantana 3 4 Black Medick 5 Linaria vulgaris Weeping Birch Betula pendula 3 Butter-and-eggs 5 Nepeta cataria White Clover Trifolium repens 3 Catnip 5 Hieracium vulgatum White Sweet-clover Melilotus albus 3 3 Common Hawkweed 5 Lapsana communis White Willow Salix alba 3 Common Nipplewort 5 Hypericum perforatum Wild Carrot Daucus carota 3 4 Common St. John's-wort 5 Eichhornia crassipes Wild Parsnip Pastinaca sativa 3 2 Common Water-hyacinth 5 Euphorbia cyparissias Winter Aconite Eranthis hyemalis 3 2 Cypress Spurge 5 Daphne mezereum Wood Avens Geum urbanum 3 4 February Daphne 5 Myosotis arvensis Woodland Angelica Angelica sylvestris 3 Field Forget-me-not 5 Setaria sp. Yellow Archangel Lamium galeobdolon 3 3 Foxtail species 5 Lysimachia vulgaris Yellow Sweet-clover Melilotus officinalis 3 Garden Yellow Loosestrife 5 Setaria faberi Absinthe Wormwood Artemisia absinthium 4 4 Giant Foxtail 5 Salix caprea Basil Thyme Clinopodium acinos 4 4 Goat Willow 5 Arctium lappa Bull Thistle Cirsium vulgare 4 4 Great Burdock 5 4 Setaria viridis Canada Bluegrass Poa compressa 4 4 Green Foxtail 5 Carex flacca Canada Poplar Populus x canadensis 4 4 Heath Sedge 5 Aesculus hippocastanum Common Burdock Arctium minus 4 4 Horse Chestnut 5 Setaria italica Common Mullein Verbascum thapsus 4 4 Italian Foxtail 5 Viburnum plicatum Common Vetch Vicia sativa 4 4 Japanese Snowball 5 Common Wormwood Artemisia vulgaris 4 4 Leafy Spurge Euphorbia virgata 5

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Invasive Plants Invasive Plants

Ecological Management Ecological Management Common Name Latin Name Common Name Latin Name Rank Rank Rank Rank Musk Mallow Malva moschata 5 Oval-leaved Privet Ligustrum obtusifolium 2* 1 Nodding Thistle Carduus nutans ssp. nutans 5 Small Carpetgrass Arthraxon hispidus 2* 1 Queen-of-the-meadow Filipendula ulmaria 5 Small-flowered Jewelweed Impatiens parviflora 2* 1 Rabbit's-foot Clover Trifolium arvense 5 Wineberry Rubus phoenicolasius 2* 1 Rusty Willow Salix atrocinerea 5 Cut-leaved Teasel Dipsacus laciniatus 3* 1 Scarlet Firethorn Pyracantha coccinea 5 Diffuse Knapweed Centaurea diffusa 3* 1 Scotch Elm Ulmus glabra 5 Great Yellowcress Rorippa amphibia 3* 1 Slender False Brome Brachypodium sylvaticum 5 Japanese Virgin's Bower Clematis terniflora 3* 1 Sweet Cherry Prunus avium 5 Japanese Wisteria Wisteria floribunda 3* 1 Tatarian Dogwood Cornus alba 5 Siebold Viburnum Viburnum sieboldii 3* 1 Upright Forget-me-not Myosotis stricta 5 Tansy Ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris 4* 1 White Willow Salix cinerea 5 Woodland Forget-me-not Myosotis sylvatica 5 Yellow-and-blue Forget-me-not Myosotis discolor 5 Bohemian Knotweed Reynoutria x bohemica 1* 1 Brazilian Water-milfoil Myriophyllum aquaticum 1* 1 Brazilian Waterweed Egeria densa 1* 1 Carolina Fanwort Cabomba caroliniana 1* 1 Empress Tree Paulownia tomentosa 1* 1 European Frogbit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae 1* 1 Giant Knotweed Reynoutria sachalinensis 1* 1 Himalayan Knotweed Koenigia polystachya 1* 1 Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata 1* 1 Japanese Chaff Flower Achyranthes japonica 1* 1 Japanese Stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum 1* 1 Kobus Magnolia Magnolia kobus 1* 1 Kudzu Pueraria montana 1* 1 Porcelain-berry Ampelopsis brevipedunculata 1* 1 Starry Stonewort Nitellopsis obtusa 1* 1 Swollen Bladderwort Utricularia inflata 1* 1 Water Chestnut Trapa natans 1* 1 Water Lettuce Pistia stratiotes 1* 1 Water Soldier Stratiotes aloides 1* 1 Callery Pear Pyrus calleryana 2* 1 Chinese Privet Ligustrum sinense 2* 1 Japanese Angelica-tree Aralia elata 2* 1

84 85 Please direct comments and inquiries to:

Credit Valley Conservation 1255 Old Derry Road Mississauga, Ontario L5N 6R4 905-670-1615 [email protected]