Dear Cooks Bay Marina friends,

Being part of a certain space makes us responsible for what is around us. For this reason, we believe that this matter is of great importance to everyone who attends Cooks Bay Marina facilities.

Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program is an institution to address the increasing threats posed by invasive species in Ontario. Their objectives are to generate education and awareness of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species, address key pathways contributing to introductions and/or spread, and facilitate monitoring and early detection initiatives for invasive species found within Ontario.

Do you know what invading species are?
Invasive species are plants, animals, and micro-organisms introduced by human action outside their natural past or present distribution, whose introduction or spread threatens the environment, the economy, or society, including human health (Government of Canada, 2004). You can consider invasive species Aquatic invasive plants; Forest pests; Invasive fish; Invasive invertebrates; and Terrestrial plants.

What is the relation to Lake Simcoe?
One of their latest goals is to increase the awareness of invasive species within the communities around Lake Simcoe. Since the Lake Simcoe watershed is an integral part of our community, we have a unique opportunity to help them reach this goal through educating the public in invasive species education and awareness. The ISAP has developed many invasive species resources such as the Lake Simcoe Aquatic Invasive Species Guide, quick reference guides, and invasive species pathway prevention that we want to share with you to promote education and awareness. If you wish to display or distribute these resources, they are happy to provide additional copies and brochure holders as requested, free of charge. For further information on available resources, please visit their digital resource page at our website  www.invadingspecies.com. Resource materials can be requested using the attached ordering form, calling the Invading Species Hotline (1-800-563-7711) or via email at info@invadingspecies.com.

If you care about the environment and want to help to stop the spread of invasive species in our community, keeping the Lake Simcoe watershed one of Ontario’s most beautiful sources of biodiversity, here is your chance! Please review the Lake Simcoe Aquatic Invasive Species Guide, which can be found on the website http://www.invadingspecies.com/downloads/invasive-fish/. Furthermore, CLICK HERE to access their ordering form to request any resources.

Thank you for helping us keep our beautiful Lake Simcoe protected and every day better for everyone!