The Steenburg Lake Community Association (SLCA) will hold an invasive species identification weekend June 28 – July 1 -- please do your part to support this project.

Eurasian Water-Milfoil (EWM) , an invasive species, is spreading in Steenburg Lake.  If left unchecked, EWM has the potential to choke out native water plants and pose a risk to boaters and swimmers.

We are not alone. Most lakes in the area have EWM in varying degrees. Limerick Township has taken the step of creating a Milfoil Task Force whose members are the presidents of the local lake associations. This is to combat the spread of the weed.

This summer the SLCA is focused on spreading the word about what EWM looks like, the damage it can do, and how to control the spread.  AND we need to identify how widespread the problem is.

On the weekend of June 28-July 1 we invite all property owners on Steenburg Lake to help us identify where EWM exists, and any other invasive species such as zebra mussels and banded mystery snails – both of which have been identified in the lake previously.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Survey your shoreline out to about 3m deep

2. Collect and photograph a sample of any plant that might be EWM

3. Collect and photograph samples of any mussels and snails

4. Upload those photos, along with the GPS coordinates of where they were taken, to EDDMapS.org (https://www.eddmaps.org/report/plants.cfm?state=35&country=260&imgproj=1268)

EDDMapS, or the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System, is a web-based mapping system for documenting invasive species distribution in Canada. Reports go directly to experts in the field, who will review all reports and verify that the reported species is correctly identified before it gets added to a distribution map: you might even get an email asking for additional photos to help confirm.

Submit your photos using one of the following methods:

• EDDMapS app on iPhone (download from the APP store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/eddmaps/id1497390237)

• EDDMapS app Android download at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bugwood.eddmapsone&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=

• EDDMapS Online: https://www.eddmaps.org/report/plants.cfm?state=35&country=260&imgproj=1268

• Step by step instructions for EDDMapS: https://www.eddmaps.org/about/step_by_step.html

• NOTE: There are many sections to fill out, however, this is not always possible. The most important thing is to get good photos and note your location. Once those have been uploaded to EDDMapS they will be triaged and checked by an expert who will determine if the ID is correct, therefore all reporting is good whether you are confident in your identification or not. Here is a link to what happens once you’ve submitted a report: https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/isc-blog-post-what-happens-when-you-report/

OR Report by Phone: Invasive Species Hotline – 1-800-563-7711

More about EDDMapS:

In Ontario, the Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP) is the province’s verifier. The distribution maps generated by EDDMapS are generally used by professionals such as foresters, public works, researchers, and land managers, but are accessible to the public. If you want to learn more about the invasive species you’re reporting, there are profiles built into the app.