A nasty plant has taken root in Lake Simcoe. Water soldier is an invasive aquatic plant that creates large dense mats which can limit recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating, It is also a human health risk, as the plant has thin, serrated leaves that can cut skin. To that end, the Lake Simcoe Water Soldier Working Group is calling on residents and visitors to “Clean, Drain, and Dry” their watercraft and equipment. The group is asking boaters, swimmers, paddlers to report suspected sightings of water soldier outside of Cook’s Bay to prevent the spread. “The water soldier population in Lake Simcoe is the largest known population in North America,” said Colin Cassin, Invasive Species Centre executive director. “Lake Simcoe itself is a vital source of drinking water for 500,000 residents and a favoured recreation spot for so many more,” Cassin said. “Given the significance of both the infestation and the lake itself, collaboration is key in managing the current population and preventing further spread into Georgian Bay and the Trent Severn Waterway,” he said. The water solider group takes coordinated action, with funding from the Ministry of Natural Resources, to monitor the water soldier population and support species control, by running a mechanical harvesting pilot, performing manual pulls, and researching initiatives to explore more control tools. Ongoing monitoring within Cook’s Bay, as well as surveys extending into the main lake, are essential for determining whether the infestation has spread beyond its known distribution. “Reporting suspected sightings of water soldier outside of Cook’s Bay is essential in our efforts,” said Brook Schryer, the Invading Species Awareness Program’s Advisor. “Residents of Lake Simcoe should take clear photos, note their location, and report to the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 as soon as possible,” Schryer said.
