This comment is submitted on…

This comment is submitted on behalf of the Huron Stewardship Council. The Huron Stewardship Council (HSC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer organization that works to conserve our natural spaces in Huron County for future generations through wise and attentive management.

Huron County is the most agriculturally productive county in Ontario. The County stretches along 100 km of Lake Huron shoreline in southwest Ontario. In the rivers and valleys of this agricultural landscape is a thriving rural and natural environment, one that is threatened by invasive species.

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

We recommend the following actions to improve the management of invasive species and prevent further introductions.
- Ontario should implement a public awareness campaign, educational programs and citizen science initiatives. Outreach programs should focus on identifying and reporting invasive species and making informed choices when purchasing goods at garden centers and pet stores.
- Ontario should maintain and strengthen a proactive regulatory framework that prevents the introduction and spread of invasive species. The framework should be informed by scientific research and adaptable to emerging threats. Sales of invasive plants in garden centers should be regulated with sales bans and native and non-invasive non-native plants should be labelled accordingly.
- Ontario should contribute to developing an invasive species database, and actively share expertise on invasive species science and management.
- Ontario should support community-based and -led initiatives, providing resources and information for effective action at the local level.
- Ontario should provide adequate sustainable funding to support ongoing invasive species prevention and management.
- Ontario should create partnerships with industries that could cause the spread of invasives species, such as garden centers, pet stores, landscaping, logging, firewood, or shipping.
- Ontario should use tools for early detection of invasive species, such as remote sensing, mapping and predictive modelling, to enable rapid response.
- Ontario should adopt management strategies that take an ecosystem-based approach, recognizing the connections between species and habitats. Ontario could identify keystone species and prioritize their protection. Ontario should track the effectiveness of management strategies and adjust those strategies based on the latest scientific information available and monitoring results.

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

We think the following opportunities will go a long way to prevent the spread of invasive species and manage existing populations:
- Governments should develop science-informed legislation and policies at the provincial and federal levels to address risks associated with invasive species in garden centers and pet stores. Ontario should take action to harmonize regulations with neighbouring provinces and states to prevent species moving across borders.
- Ontario should conduct workshops and training sessions to build capacity among stakeholders contributing to the invasive species database, and who are managing invasive species on the ground.
- Ontario should partner with conservation organizations to leverage experience and expertise in invasive species management. Ontario should collaborate on public outreach, research, and developing strategies to address challenges posed by newly introduced invasive species.

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

The HSC is concerned about the following barriers:
- Insufficient resources to effectively manage invasive species. Ontario could advocate for funding from various government sources, call on industry to invest in solutions and explore partnerships with private sector.
- Lack of public awareness. Ontario should support existing programs and develop new programs and citizen science initiatives to better inform the public and industry. Ontario should provide funding for non-governmental organizations to spread public awareness locally. The province should refine online resources so they are user friendly, attractive and accessible, and encourage the use of mobile applications for real-time reporting.
- Inadequate research and monitoring. Ontario should invest in research that characterizes the introduction, establishment, spread and impact of invasive species in new environments. Ontario should establish a comprehensive monitoring program to track invasive species along with partners.

Thank you for considering our contribution.