What is your vision for the…

1. What is your vision for the future of invasive species prevention and management in the province?

-Enhanced availability to funding that encourages/supports a holistic approach to invasive species monitoring and management between organizations (Conservation authorities, municipalities, provincial government).

-Increased guidance and resources from the provincial government for municipalities to manage invasive species collaboratively at the regional level.

2. What opportunities are there for the future of invasive species prevention and management in Ontario?

-Expanding the Invasive Species Act restricted/prohibited species lists to reflect all invasive plants listed on the Invasive Species Centre (ISC), Invasive Species Awareness Program (ISAP), Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) websites or offical lists.

-Minimal Maintenance standards for municipalities to address prohibited/restricted invasive plant species within road right of ways and public work properties (addressing a major vector of spread).

-Direct funding for Conservation Authorities to manage and monitor for invasive species (to further support conservation authority -municipality collaboration). For example, reoccurring funding to manage listed species under the Noxious Weeds Act and Invasive Species Act.

3. Do you think there are barriers related to invasive species prevention and management in Ontario? How could these barriers be addressed?

-Noxious weed control orders under Weeds Control Act are limited by whether or not the plant population is impacting agriculture or horticulture industry operations. Perhaps a ranked-species system should be applied to accomidate these limitations in private and public lands. This is especially important for noxious weeds listed due to risk to public health and safety.

-Plant nurseries/garden centres are selling known-invasive plant species. Many invasvie plant species available for purchase are listed as invasive by ISC, ISAP, OPWG and Ontario Conservation Authorities. Expanding the Invasive Species Act restricted/prohibited species lists to reflect all invasive plants listed on the ISC, ISAP, and OIPC websites would limit this. In addtion, increased enforcement at the horticulture/nursery level would also prevent the growing and sale of restricticed or prohibited invasive plant species. Finally, requiring the mandatory identification of plants in nurseries/garden centres using scientific names and incorporating a right-to-know policy that informs consumers certain plants are known to be invasive in Ontario.

-Although access to grant opportunities from the Invasive Species Centre and Green Shovel Collaborative is a step in the right direction, timing of access to grant opportunities could be improved (earlier in the year).