Enemy forces greatly reduced but threat remains

News

Posted By Mark Hoult

Posted 1 month ago

Trent River — Volunteers in canoes, kayaks and motor boats set out Tuesday on the Trent River to reconnoitre the positions of an invading enemy.

Led by members of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the 36 volunteers cruised the shallows of the Trent-Severn Waterway near the Hamlet of Trent River, searching for water soldier, an invasive aquatic plant that first appeared in the river in 2008.

Meeting at the Trent River Cenotaph, the volunteers were equipped with maps, GPS devices and charts to mark the locations where the plant is emerging along the river. Gathering into small groups, they then launched into the river from several departure points to monitor a stretch of shoreline for signs of the plant, which has sharp, serrated, bright green leaves that form a floating rosette.

According to the OFAH, it's possible that water soldier, a common ornamental water garden and aquarium species, was accidentally released into the Ontario waters. OFAH invasive species biologist Francine MacDonald said two isolated populations were found in the vicinity of Trent River, the first at the Highway 30 Bridge, and the second approximately two kilometres downstream at Lee Point.

Last year the Ministry of Natural Resources effectively used a herbicide to destroy more than 10,000 water soldier plants in one location near the bridge, MacDonald said.

"Compared to last year, the population has really been reduced, but we didn't eliminate it," she said.

The water soldier monitoring day was held to search out the river and identify the locations where the plant is still flourishing, MacDonald said. With the positions of the plants marked, the ministry can then attack the plant with herbicides, she said, adding: "The ultimate goal is the eradication of the plant."

But at this point the goal is to stop the plant spreading further down the river, MacDonald said. "That's the main danger," she said. 

Water soldier is a threat to the Trent-Severn Waterway and any other water it inhabits because its dense mats of floating vegetation blocks sunlight and forces out native aquatic plants. And the dense floating plant can also interfere with recreational activities, preventing fishing, boating and even swimming, because its sharp, serrated edges can cut people who come in contact with it.

That's one of the main fears of Trent River resident and monitor day volunteer Ray Scully, who lives on the island across from the cenotaph.

"That's a small channel there, and it would fill up with the plant, and then you wouldn't be able to swim or fish or anything," he said.

Trent University student Mary Garvey said aquatic plants are not her area of study.

"But I'm always interested in conservation projects in the area," she said.

Matt Davis is a wildlife research technician with the MNR. He said when he was alerted to the problem with water soldier, he immediately agreed to take part in the monitoring day.

"I just have a general concern for the environment," he said.

Mark Hoult/Community Press

Water soldier monitoring day volunteers Brad Monfette and Sophie Bull, and Mark and Kim Zippel, set out in canoes from the Red Setter Resort on the Trent River to search for signs of the invasive aquatic plant water soldier.