Invasive Species

Noxious Weeds and Weed Control

If you notice any noxious weeds in North Kawartha please contact the County of Peterborough Weed Control. You may call 705-742-4862, After Hours: 705-742-6823.
Hazardous Plants Information Guide produced by the County of Peterborough.

The use of pesticides is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. If you have questions related to pesticide use please contact them at 1-800-565-4923.

View the resources below to gain more information about invasive species in Ontario including awareness and how to report.

Spongy Moth (previously knows as Lymantria Dispar or the Gypsy moth)

Spongy Moth (previously knows as Lymantria Dispar or the Gypsy moth)

Peterborough Examiner Article - No plans to spray widely for moths in Peterborough County (October 5, 2021)

Despite receiving many inquiries, the County of Peterborough has not planned on undertaking a widespread program given a number of factors. Funds were not set aside in the 2022 Budget for this as the cost of doing so on a County-wide basis would be cost-prohibitive unless there is support from other levels of Government. There is also scientific uncertainty regarding impacts of widespread programming on ecological/food-chain considerations and current Gypsy Moth life-cycles. These points are also identified in an article appearing in the Peterborough Examiner (attached). Despite the notion that other municipalities might be undertaking some sort of program elsewhere in the Province, the County, City, local townships, including the Township of North Kawartha and most surrounding municipalities have elected to view the issue as a private property-based matter similar to other pests whether it be in an urban setting, rural environment or as agricultural production issue (i.e. grubs, noxious weeds, wheat rust, etc.) and have also relied on scientific findings associated with the harmful effect of spraying.

Given these factors, we are encouraging people to undertake localized efforts in a manner that they feel most comfortable with whether it be a manual process, organic solution or some other alternative.

Additional information can be found at the following website.
It is from a US-based University but the information is applicable to Ontario: https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/Invasive_species/Gypsy-Moth/gypsy-moth-around-home

This website has been produced by the Canadian Government: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips/gypsy-moths.html

https://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/gypsy-moth-caterpillars/

https://www.ontario.ca/page/gypsy-moth

Starry Stonewort

The Environment Council for Clear, Ston(e)y and White Lakes provided the following presentation to the Council of North Kawartha at its November 5, 2019 meeting:
Starry Stonewort: A Primer on an Aggresive, Invasive Species
It is now confirmed that Starry Stonewort – a plant-like macro algae known to be in many northern US lakes has migrated to several lakes in Ontario, including Scugog, Simcoe, Couchiching . . . and Stony, where it is established in at least three areas: in the Lost Channel behind Fairy Lake Island – a paddlers’ paradise now almost completely filled in with SSW – Gilchrist Bay and Wildfire Golf Club.

IMPORTANT: If you think the water around your shoreline is infested with Starry stonewort, contact us at starrystonewortec@gmail.com. We can help identify the species and recommend a safe course of action.

Grow me Instead; A Guide for Northern Ontario, Beautiful Non-Invasive Plants for your Garden

Invasive Species in Ontario (Website) Government of Ontario website with a list of regulated species, action plans and related information. Includes an Anglers Action Plan, Boaters Action Plan, Cottager Action Plan, Gardeners Action Plan and Hikers Action Plan.

Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System A web-based mapping system for documenting invasive species distribution, species are listed by name and include terrestrial plants, invasive forest pests, aquatic plants and aquatic animals.

Ontario Invading Species Awareness Program In 1992, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), established the Invading Species Awareness Program in order to address the increasing threats posed by invading species in Ontario.

Ontario's Invasive Species Awareness Program - Report a Sighting

Ontario Invasive Plants The Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) is an incorporated, non-profit, multi-agency organization founded in April 2007 by a group of individuals and organizational representatives who saw the need for a coordinated provincial response to the growing threat of invasive plants. The OIPC provides leadership, expertise and a forum to engage and empower Ontarians to take action on invasive plant issues.

Additional information can be found at the following website. It is from a US-based University but the information is applicable to Ontario: https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/Invasive_species/Gypsy-Moth/gypsy-moth-around-home

This website has been produced by the Canadian Government: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips/gypsy-moths.html