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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2014-12-17, Page 17Wednesday, December 17, 2014 • News Record 17 ABCA backs new provincial law Board of Directors supports Ontario's re -introduction of Invasive Species Act The Ausable Bayfield Con- servation Authority (ABCA) Board of Directors has voted in favour of the Province of Ontario's proposed new law to battle invasive species. The board voted last month to support Ontario's re -intro- duction of the Invasive Spe- cies Act. "Invasive species like Phragmites, Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Carp, Round Goby, and Zebra Mussels pose a risk to Ontario's envi- ronment and economy," said Brian Horner, ABCA General Manager and Secretary - Treasurer. "We need to take action to protect our local ecosystem. An Invasive Spe- cies Act can help to prevent the introduction of new spe- cies and slow the spread of the invasive species that are already here." Invasive species on land and in the water can threaten water quality, choke out important native species, and impact native sport and commercial fish- eries, beaches, forests, wet- lands, and local recreation and tourism. "We have seen the effects of invasive species in our local forests, our local shore- lines, and our wetlands," said Kate Monk, Manager of Stewardship, Land, and Edu- cation with ABCA. "The Emerald Ash Borer is destroying our population of Ash trees. Phragmites aus- tralis, or common reed, is spreading and taking over shoreline areas and wet- lands at the expense of other native plant species." "Aquatic invasive species have had a negative impact on aquatic ecosystems throughout the province," said Kari Jean, Aquatic Biolo- gist with ABCA. "The threat of new invaders such as Asian Carp could result in irreversi- ble impacts on native fish communities, their habitat, and water quality." The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and For- estry (OMNRF) has re -intro- duced the proposed Invasive Species Act. The Ministry describes it as Canada's first stand-alone piece of legisla- tion designed to address the urgent and growing problem of invasive species in Ontario. The proposed law supports the prevention, early detection, rapid response, and eradication of invasive species. The law would give the province powers to inter- vene earlier to battle a wide range of potentially STRETCH YOUR DOLLARS WITH THE CLASSIFIEDS f 17,1 „BUSINE, S IHIOURS: 4h,@ Noon & Happy New Year to all our local customers from all of us at CLINTON GLASS & MIRROR Rob Logtenberg Bob Byron Cecil Fields Darryl VanDyke Rita & Hans VanDyke CLINTO GLASSAAIRER 24 PRINCESS ST. CLINTON 1 9.482.3322 5 tra s burger N'19'C.'14S Ln_ dangerous fish, plants, and animals. It provides new regulations and penalties to help deter the introduction and spread of these species. Once passed, this legislation would give Ontario new tools and authority to ban activities such as possessing and transporting certain high-risk invasive species. Response measures to deal with urgent threats could include "rapid response" actions like preventing the movement of contaminated firewood, bans on possess- ing and transporting certain invasive species, and mod- ernized inspection systems. Invasive species costs to the environment, agricul- ture, and communities, including control costs, are estimated to be $1.4 trillion globally. That is the equiva- lent of five per cent of the global economy and seven times the cost of natural dis- asters. Invasive species can lead to local wildlife and plants becoming endan- gered or threatened with extinction. When the inva- sive species start to spread, they take over and other native species die off. For information on the effect of invasive species in Ontario visit ontario.ca at this link: https://www.ontario.ca/ environment -and -energy/ how -government -combats - invasive -species For information on Bill 167, An Act respecting Native Species, visit http:// news. ontario. ca/mnr/ en/2014/11/ontario-re- introducing-invasive-spe- cies-legislation.html or http://www.ontla. on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail. do?locale=en&Intranet&Bil 1ID=2946. Conservation authorities across Ontario play an important role, in partner- ship with the Province and local communities, in bat- tling the growth of these harmful species. Ausable Bayfield Conserva- tion Authority (ABCA) is Ontario's first conservation authority and was formed in 1946. Ausable Bayfield Con- servation has been working in partnership with the commu- nity since that time to protect soil, water, and living things. EXETER OYOTA In_ZE *1473 trirww.exetertuvotaza Litru Car buying made easy Ail ofus at Eeter Thyota wouldlike tothank uur Burs amersfor theirpatronage and extend tour warmest wichesfar a Merry Christmas and Prosperous- Newnan