FOCUS - AUGUST 2018 3 This summer, the Ontario Federa- tion of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) has once again deployed a num- ber of Invading Species Hit Squad members throughout Ontario and one has landed in our commu- nity! Within the Township of Scugog, the Scugog Environmental Advisory Committee has hired summer stu- dent, Christopher Staines, to continue working towards the suppression of invasive species throughout the township. European Common Reed – Phragmites australis spp. australis, also known as invasive Phragmites, is a rapidly- growing invasive plant that is threat- ening to completely consume our lo- cal wetlands. This plant was declared the nation’s “worst” invasive plant species in 2005 by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and is the main focus of attack for the Township of Scugog. Invasive species such as inva- sive Phragmites are not native to our local ecosystems; such alien species have been transported into our area through various pathways from dis- tant locations, where they originally evolved. Once introduced, the invad- ing species are then able to reproduce at an alarming rate throughout our ecosystems and communities, taking the place of our vitally important na- tive species and leading to a decrease in biodiversity and lower property and recreation values. We may not notice the silent prob- lem, but invasive species thrive all around us as they grow in our yards and swim in our lakes. In truth, there are more invasive species in Ontario than in any other province in Canada. The saddening fact: most people are unaware of this growing threat. Due to this, Christopher, as part of the Hit Squad, is devoting his energy to removing invasive species from our local ecosystems, preventing further spread, and helping to raise public awareness of the dangers invasive Invading Species the hit squad is in your community! ...................... Please turn to page 4 PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAUL LAPORTE, SCUGOG ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (JUNE 2018)