The beautiful nature at Lac Sam is a delicate balance of biodiversity that we humans have yet to fully understand. What happens when this balance is disrupted, or invaded by alien species? What can we do to protect Lac Sam from nasty invaders? Prevention, fellow cottagers, is the best defence. Here’s how….
What’s an Invasive Species?
Environment Canada explains that an invasive species is a species that comes from another part of the world and “causes significant ecological, economical and environmental damage”. Like human invaders, these alien species:
- Displace native species and compete with them for resources
- Degrade habitat
- Introduce disease
- Breed with native species to form hybrids
Think Eurasian milfoil, toxic blue green algae, Asian carp, wild parsnip and emerald ash borer – that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Once they arrive, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, and expensive to get rid of them.
The Damage They Do…
Is far-reaching. Not only is the native biodiversity forever disrupted, including the complete loss of some native species, we humans are affected too. Some invasive species, toxic blue algae, wild parsnip and giant hogweed, are toxic and harmful. Others change our landscapes; the emerald ash borer is decimating the native ash trees in our forests. And in our ‘lakescapes’ Eurasian milfoil is blanketing shallow lake beds making it a nasty experience for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Our lake enjoyment is reduced and so too perhaps is our property value!
What Can We Do?
As much as we can to prevent the species from arriving in the first place! Most invasive species hitch a ride to their new conquest. On watercraft, boat trailers, in firewood, in transplanted plants and soil, your fishing gear and bait, and even on your clothes, alien plant seeds and parts, bugs and fish can find their way to Lac Sam.
Snuff out these invasive hitch-hikers!
Here are a few tips to help prevent to spread of invasive species:
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Aquatic Species |
Terrestrial Species |
| Stay clear of the species | Stay on trails and away from areas known to have these plants |
| Carefully inspect all watercraft including kayaks, canoes, paddles, life jackets, water toys and boat trailers for plant parts – including your guests’ items | Carefully inspect, clean and safely remove any plant parts and seeds from your clothing, shoes, pets, lawn and garden equipment and even your vehicle, ATV and bicycle tires |
| Rinse all watercraft and boat trailers with hot water (40C) and dry completely before putting in the water | Safely clean garden and lawn equipment before moving them to another area |
| Do not dump fish bait in the lake | Discard yard waste properly and NOT in natural areas |
| Keep the phosphorous low in the lake to prevent rapid plant growth; use only eco-certified household products, NO fertilizers, don’t dump ashes in the lake and maintain a native plant shoreline buffer | Avoid disturbing soil, removing plants from or bringing plants to natural areas |
| Do not transport cut wood or firewood | |
| Minimize your wake which helps some species propagate | Learn about and plant only native species in your garden; avoid invasive garden species |
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Report any sightings of invasive species to your municipalities |
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Let’s all be good stewards of Lac Sam and together follow these tips to protect our little piece of paradise from the invaders!
KV