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Alien species are affecting Halton's biodiversity by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 5 | Friday, August 1, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Alien species invade Halton -- it may sound like the title of a science-fiction flick, but their presence and threat to the local biodiversity is real. The topic of invasive species was up for discussion at Oakville Town Hall recently as part of an educational workshop organized by the Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology and Human Rights (OCCPEHR). The 90-minute seminar touched on the dangers of foreign species and several management policies that protect Ontario's biodiversity. Invasive species is the second-largest threat to biodiversity loss, according to Leslie Adams, general manager of Protect Our Water and Environmental Resources (POWER) and a member of the Halton Peel Biodiversity Network (HPBDN). "Invasive species is a global issue that we can do something about in our backyards. We can make a difference in stopping the spread, eradicating them and knowing what they are," said Adams. "We're not paying attention to some of the species, but they are long-term dangers to us because they alter ecosystems." In 2011, the Ontario Biodiversity Council released an updated biodiversity strategy for the province, calling on government, conservation groups, industry and residents to help protect natural wildlife and ecosystems. Adams noted Halton was the first regional municipality in Ontario to adopt a biodiversity strategy, which launched in June. The goal of the Biodiversity Strategy for Halton Regional Forests is to protect and increase the biological diversity throughout the forests, while preserving and enhancing the Regional Natural Heritage System for future generations. "Halton is offering us an opportunity to use some of those managed forest areas as the places we can educate people on invasive species and how to control them. Our region is stepping up to the plate," said Adams. Ontario's Invasive Species Strategic Plan aims to prevent new exotic invaders from arriving and surviving in the province and to slow and reverse, where possible, the spread of existing invasive species and reduce its harmful impacts. We are not paying attention to some of the species, but they are long-term dangers to us because they alter ecosystems. Halton is offering us an opportunity to use some ot those managed forest areas as the places we can educate people on invasive species and how to control them. Our region is stepping up to the plate. Leslie Adams Protect Our Water and Environmental Resources (POWER) Above, giant hogweed, as photographed by Oakville Beaver's Graham Paine. Below, the emerald ash borer. | Oakville Beaver file photos Emerald ash borer The small tree is native to Europe and Asia. It was introduced to Canada as a windbreak in farmers' fields and is known to spread aggressively through southern Ontario. It forms dense, even-aged thickets that often cause an overall reduction in the establishment of shade tolerant native shrubs and herbs. Watkins said one option for removal of buckthorn is to use an extractigator to eradicate it. She urged caution when handling and removing buckthorn, to ensure people "target the right species." For garlic mustard, which can invade relatively-undisturbed forests and once established, displace native wildflowers like trilliums,Watkins stated the proper way to remove it, if your municipality prohibits burning, is to place it in a black garbage bag under direct sunlight for two weeks and then take it to the landfill. see Awareness on p.9 The POWER general manager noted there was legislation introduced at Queen's Park earlier this year -- the Invasive Species Act -- but it failed to get past second reading due to the June provincial election. If it had passed, the bill would have supported the prevention, early detection, rapid response and eradication of invasive species in Ontario. "It had every party's support, so we're hopeful that by this time next year there will actually be legislation we can point to," said Adams. Dianne Watkins, a member of HPBDN and POWER, discussed buckthorn. 905.842.6000 s r r TM DENNIS CIACCIA Owner/Operator (1/2 km east of 4th Line) NatioNwide Lifetime GuaraNtees · serviNG the oakviLLe CommuNity siNCe 1990 501 SPEERS RD. UNIT #2 SAFETY CHECK & BRAKES SPECIAL EMISSION TEST PACKAGE PADS or $ SHOES +taxes NO TAX Most cars & light trucks. Labour Extra. All coupons must be presented upon arrival. Cannot be combined with any other offer or specials. Expires August 15, 2014. Most cars. All coupons must be presented upon arrival. Expires August 15, 2014. 95 $ 00 $ If Alignment not preformed inspection charge will apply. Most cars & light trucks. All coupons must be presented upon arrival. 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