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Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Program Find it. Report it. Monitor it. Prevent the Spread. Your Logo here Slide 2 Program Overview This is a volunteer program that involves Cottage Associations and their members in identifying, monitoring and reporting aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Ontario waterways. This program has been created by the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations (FOCA), in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Slide 3 What will the Association do? Distribute educational information to our members and general public about how to identify AIS and how to prevent the spread. Factsheets Articles Species Identification sheets Organize volunteers to survey, monitor and report aquatic invasive species in our waterbody What will Volunteers do? Organize into teams and survey our waterbody for aquatic invasive species If any are found, report them using the EDDMapS Ontario online tool and continue monitoring the populations Our Involvement? Slide 4 Do you want to volunteer? Do you have an interest in/knowledge of aquatic invasive plants? Do you have available time to commit to surveying the lake/river for aquatic invasive plants? Do you have access to a computer and digital camera (or smartphone device)? Are you familiar with computer operations including uploading photos and using Google Maps? Slide 5 How to survey your waterbody: -initial survey will include a visual survey of areas of public access and concentrated boat traffic as well as areas of shoreline that are likely to provide suitable habitat, such as shallow areas and sheltered bays. -surveys occur twice throughout the season from Mid-July through September -surveys can be done from a boat, canoe, kayak or from docks and shoreline. Slide 6 How to report your findings: Volunteers can report aquatic invasive plants by using the EDDMapS Ontario online tool. FOCA provides a guide on How to use EDDMapS Ontario Slide 7 Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations www.foca.on.ca info@foca.on.ca 705-749-3622 Visit the FOCA Invasive Species webpage at www.foca.on.ca/invasive-species www.foca.on.ca/invasive-species Do you want to help? Contact us at: Your association contact information here