Have you seen the "Eurasian Water Milfoil (invasive plant)?

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Eurasian water-milfoil is an invasive aquatic plant native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa. Introduced to North American the 19th century, it is now one of the most widely distributed invasive aquatic plants on the continent. It may have been introduced through the aquarium trade or the ballast water of ships.

Eurasian water-milfoil prefers shallow water one to three metres deep, but can root in up to 10 metres of water. A fast-growing perennial, it forms dense underwater mats that shade other aquatic plants. When large stands begin to die off in the fall, the decaying plants can reduce oxygen levels in the water.

The plant can interbreed with native milfoils, creating a more aggressive form of the invasive species. Because tiny plant pieces can develop into new plants, Eurasian water-milfoil is easily spread when water currents, boat propellers, trailers or fishing gear carry plant fragments to new areas.

Range

Eurasian water-milfoil was first discovered in Canada in Lake Erie in 1961. Since then it has spread to all the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River, many inland lakes throughout southern and central Ontario, and much of the United States. Outside its native range, the plant has spread across every continent except Antarctica.

Impacts of Eurasian Water-Milfoil

• The plant reduces biodiversity by competing aggressively with native plants.

• Reduced oxygen levels in the water caused by decomposing plants can kill fish.

• Thick mats of Eurasian water-milfoil can hinder recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing.

• Dense stands can create stagnant water, which is ideal habitat for mosquitoes.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/eurasian-water-milfoil/?fbclid=IwAR1iNA8VnRXKjrfIqopssA4Gk1o8v9RrB0UkXnd9G_4yyaIj5N8G4L4FUl8

THE ACE IS STILL ALIVE

That willy ace is still alive. Sheila McLean won $296.00 and the Progressive Post for March 4th will be approximately $3,520.50

ACTION: MOOSE MANAGEMENT UPDATE

The provincial government has released its decision notice on the proposed changes to moose management as part of the Moose Review that was undertaken in 2019. Read the full notice here.

Last fall the OFAH made our official submission to the government on the proposed changes. Read it here.

The OFAH employs a team of professional staff to review policy proposals, changes to regulations and legislation and any other initiatives or programs to advocate for Ontario’s natural resources and the rights and traditions of anglers and hunters. Your OFAH responds to proposed changes that could affect fish and wildlife conservation and angling and hunting opportunities. The Federation continues to be involved in moose management by voicing moose hunter issues through the OFAH Big Game Advisory Committee and making recommendations to the MNRF as part of the Moose Project.

Visit our moose hunting issues page for the latest OFAH action, and listed below are examples of your OFAH hard at work on moose management.

Official Submissions

Sept 25, 2019 OFAH response to proposed moose management changes (Moose Review)

Nov 2, 2018 OFAH advocates for moose bowhunting opportunities

Aug 13, 2015 OFAH response to Phase 2 – review of factors potentially affecting moose EBR# 012-4587

March 9, 2015 OFAH response to proposed changes for moose hunting in northern Ontario EBR# 012-3413

June 25, 2014 OFAH Letter to MNRF – Recommendations covering the spectrum of moose management tools available

Where we Stand

Stand With Us

Moose management decisions must be made using the best available science The existing MNRF selective harvest system should remain the primary tool for allocating adult moose tags in Ontario Ontario moose hunting is economically important, especially in northern Ontario (~60$ million/year – activities relating to moose hunting) Ontario moose hunting is culturally, and socially important (recreation, healthy meat, annual gatherings) The MNRF moose management program should be reviewed on a periodic schedule Moose habitat must be maintained, enhanced or restored through forest management planning Moose conservation must include frequent and reliable moose aerial inventories (population assessment) Moose hunter licence sales (~6.6 $million/year) should be available to support the cost of moose aerial inventories Mandatory reporting for all harvesters is important to accurately estimate annual moose harvest

Committee Involvement

OFAH Big Game Advisory Committee MNRF Big Game Management Advisory Committee MNRF Human-Wildlife Conflict Advisory Group