Invasive species are plants, animals, insects and pathogens that are not native to a geographic region and have negative impacts on our ecosystems, biodiversity, economy and infrastructure. They may have been introduced intentionally or accidentally, and have become problematic due to their rapid spread and lack of natural controls.
The Rideau Valley Watershed is home to hundreds of invasive species, and RVCA is dedicated to monitoring and managing invasive species on our Conservation Lands as well as providing guidance to property owners managing invasives on their own properties.
Currently, RVCA does not provide financial assistance and cannot assist with physical removal of invasive species on private property.
What YOU can do:
Stop the Spread!
- Don’t move firewood
- Don’t transplant unknown plants
- Plant native species when possible
- Don’t release pets, baitfish or aquarium water in natural areas
- When removing invasive species, make sure all materials are disposed of properly
- Practice “Clean, Drain, Dry” every time you move your boat, fishing gear and/or other recreational gear from one waterbody to another
- Stay on trails and keep pets leashed in natural areas. Check yourself and pets for potential seed sources before and after entering a natural area
Manage Invasives on your Property
- Use tools like iNaturalist to familiarize yourself with the common invasive species that may be on your property.
- Create a long-term plan to focus on species or areas that are manageable and pose the biggest threat. Invasive species near watercourses or natural areas are more important to control than those in isolated areas.
Know and Follow the Rules
- Pesticide/Herbicide Use- some herbicides may require a licensed pesticide exterminator under the Ontario Pesticide Act.
- Permit Requirements- Alteration (such as excavation) in and around natural hazards and features (steep slopes, wetlands, watercourses, shorelines, municipal drains, etc.) may require a permit under Ontario Regulation 41/24: Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits(O. Reg 41/24). Contact your local Conservation Authority to confirm permitting requirements (Within RVCA region contact
development@rvca.ca ) - Aquatic/In-Water Plants- Removal of aquatic species may require a permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) or Parks Canada Rideau Canal Office:
- In water, general - MNRF Permit Requirements for invasive species removals
- In water, on the Rideau Canal - Parks Canada Aquatic Vegetation Removals
Get Involved!
- Volunteer with RVCA’s City Stream Watch Program to help monitor and remove invasive species along creeks and streams in the City of Ottawa
- Attend a local workshop hosted by RVCA and other environmental groups
- Join a local environmental group in your community, such as a lake association, Friends Of group or activist group
Report a Sighting!
Invasive species sightings should be reported immediately.
- Report online through Edd Maps or the Invasive Species in Ontario project
- Report by phone through the Invading Species Hotline: 1-800-563-7711
Invasive Species Act
Did you know? It’s illegal to import, release or even possess certain species in Ontario! Learn more about Ontario’s Invasive Species Act and its list of restricted and prohibited species.
Grow Me Instead!
Many garden centres still sell invasive species as ornamental plants. Check this handy resource before you buy to ensure you’re not accidentally introducing invasive species into your garden!
Resources & Links
- Invasive Species Centre
- Invading Species Awareness Program
- Ontario Invasive Plant Council
- Need help with identification?
- Apps: iNaturalist, Pl@ntNet, SEEK by iNaturalist
- Reach out to local field naturalist groups, post-secondary institutions, etc
