Invasive Species Centre Hosts 2022 Virtual Invasive Species Forum

The Invasive Species Centre (ISC) hosted the 3rd Annual Invasive Species Forum in partnership with Ontario’s Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. The Forum takes place annually and brings attention to invasive species issues, research, and advances in prevention and management occurring across Canada, and in neighbouring U.S States.

 

Invasive species are plants, animals, insects, and pathogens that are introduced to an area and cause harm to the environment, economy, or society. Many organizations work together to protect Canada’s lands and waters from these harmful arrivals, and the Invasive Species Forum is a way to connect and share new information that will support future work.

 

The 2022 Forum ‘Action, Innovation, and Outreach’ took place February 1-3 and featured over 50 expert speakers from conservation, environmental and Indigenous agencies and organizations across Canada, the United States and Europe.

 

“The annual Forum provides an opportunity to bring together and showcase the incredible and innovative work of practitioners and researchers who are working in a variety of ways to protect Canada’s land and water from invasive species.” says Sarah Rang, Executive Director of the Invasive Species Centre.

 

The Forum highlighted remarks by the Hon. Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, the Hon. David Piccini, Minister, Environment, Conservation and Parks, and the Hon. Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie and Minister of Government and Consumer Services.

 

Over 500 participants tuned in over the course of the 3-day event, attending sessions on invasive species vectors, pathways, and threats; risks, impacts, and innovative solutions; ecosystem resilience; forest, aquatic, and plant invasives; municipal and indigenous community updates; and education, outreach, and community science.

Session recordings from the 2022 Invasive Species Forum are available on the ISC’s YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/3tLGZa4. The full proceedings will be available on February 11th.

The Forum also celebrated nominees and winners of the inaugural Invasive Species Centre Awards, recognizing the leadership and commitment of individuals or organizations who help keep Canada’s land and water free from invasive species.

Award Nominees and Winners

Young Professional Award Winner: Vincent Gagné, Fyto Inc.

Nominees:

• Fraser Smith, FSmith Consulting
• Tamara Brincat, Severn Sound Environmental Association
• Tyler Harrow-Lyle, Ryerson University
• Vincent Gagné, Fyto Inc.

Nominees

• David Hawke, The Couchiching Conservancy Land Trust
• Hemlock Heroes of Sporting Lake, Medway Community Forest Coop
• Michelle Vala, Lanark County, Public Works
• Brenda Martin, Malcolm Ardoch Lakes and Landowners Association (MALLA)
• Nancy Vidler, Lambton Shores Phragmites Community Group
• The Manitoulin Phragmites Project
• Master Gardeners of Ontario Facebook Group, Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc.

Nominees

• Lab of Dr. Ryan Brook, University of Saskatchewan
• Vincent Gagné, Fyto Inc.
• Kyle Borrowman, Ducks Unlimited Canada
• Nancy Vidler, Lambton Shores Phragmites Community Group
• Jim McCready, Forest Health Network, Eastern Ontario Model Forest
• Janice Gilbert, Invasive Phragmites Control Centre

• Dan McKenney – Natural Resources Canada/Canadian Forest Service
• Janice Gilbert, Invasive Phragmites Control Centre
• Jim McCready, Forest Health Network, Eastern Ontario Model Forest
• Tom Borg, Red Rock Indian Band