P.E.I. Invasive Species Council hosts discussion
The P.E.I. Invasive Species Council hosted a round table discussion Jan. 29 with local watershed groups to discuss invasive species.
An invasive species is an organism, either plant, animal, insect or disease, that is introduced to an area outside of its native range. This discussion gave watershed groups a chance to have a conversation about the challenges and possible solutions when working with invasive species.
“For the PEIISC, watershed groups are a logical group to reach out to because of their position as community-environment links, their familiarity with the local landscape, their previous knowledge and interest in native species and biodiversity, and the fact that they are already geographically spread across P.E.I.,” said the PEIISC’s Spotters Network Co-ordinator, JulieLynn Zahavich, in a news release. The network consists of professionals and volunteers who are trained in identifying and reporting invasive species on the Island.
Many of these groups have attended training events and learned how to identify priority invasive species and how to document and report a sighting.
The goal of the network is to increase surveillance for new and rare invasive species to ensure that they are eradicated or controlled before they become widespread. Funding for the round table discussion was provided by the P.E.I. Wildlife Conservation Fund and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.