EGBSC sponsored a University student in 2007, 2008 and 2011 to help create greater awareness in the Parry Sound area about invasive species and monitor waterbodies for invasive species. In all three years, the student attended many meetings and events with information on invasive species. The student also wrote articles for local media and sent invasive species information packages to groups, business owners and cottage associations. Each year, the student carried out a small amount of monitoring and sampled for Spiny Waterflea and Eurasian Water Milfoil. Due the timing of their contracts and the difficulty for getting volunteers with a boat to help them sample, a small number of lakes were sampled. In 2007, 16 lakes were monitored, and in 2011, only four lakes were sampled. In many of the lakes sampled, Eurasian Watermilfoil and Spiny Waterflea were found. In 2008, Round Goby spread into the 12 Mile Bay region, and many campers reported Rusty Crayfish. Due to the amount of public outreach accomplished in each year, there was an increased awareness of invasive species, and the program was successful.
Invasive Species
