4 FOCUS - AUGUST 2018 species present to our environment, economy, and society. Here at the Township of Scugog, we were fortunate enough to catch the problematic establishment of in- vasive Phragmites at an “early stage”. Early detection is key to lowering environmental and economic costs and producing successful manage- ment of invasive Phragmites. Last summer’s Invasive Species Hit Squad Member, Lauren Negrazis, mapped the locations of invasive Phragmites throughout the township on the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System(EDDMapS.org/Ontario).This summer, Christopher is continuing the progress towards the removal and awareness of the local invasive Phragmites populations mapped by Lauren. Christopher Staines and Lauren Negrazis are just two cogs in one very complex partnership. OFAH and the Township of Scugog are not the only organizations battling invasive spe- cies within our local community. In addition, the Kawartha Conservation Authority, Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, Scugog Lake Stewards, North Durham Nature, Township of Uxbridge, and the On- tario Invasive Plant Council have all come together to create a vital partnership for a long-term invasive species management plan that is sure to significantly hinder further estab- lishment of invasive species within our community. The proper management of inva- sive species requires the participa- tion of everyone in the community. Through greater awareness, together we can reduce the negative impact of invasive species on our native ecosystems. Invading Species (continued from page 3) Christopher documenting his findings. Christopher Staines, shown at the side of the Hwy 7A causeway in Port Perry, conducting the treatment and removal of a large invasive Phragmites stand, bordering a vitally important wetland. To learn more, please visit Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program website at www.invadingspecies.com. To report a sighting of an invasive species, please call the Invading Species Awareness Program Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or report online through EDDMapS.org/Ontario. Christopher posing with the equipment used to conduct local boat-washing events. Here, he is holding a pressure washer. At such events, Christopher spreads awareness on the dangers invasive species pose to our environment whilst educating the public on why it is so vitally important to clean, drain, and dry out boats when leaving a body of water. If boats are not washed when departing, the invading species in Lake Scugog will catch a ride on the boats and spread into other water bodies. PHOTO COURTESY OF BROOK SCHRYER, ONTARIO FEDERATION OF ANGLERS AND HUNTERS (JULY 2018) By Christopher Staines, Special to Focus on Scugog