This article was featured in the 2023 autumn newsletter by, Brittney Rogers-SLELO PRISM.
Watercraft Inspection Steward Program:
Our 2023 Watercraft Inspection Steward Program co-administered with TILT, concluded on October 28, and was yet another successful season engaging the public about AIS issues. This year we kept four stewards on into the fall, and during that time we were able to reach over 3,300 additional people and intercept aquatic hitchhikers on 100 occasions. During the extension into the fall, we reached new audiences working along the Salmon River with fishermen who traveled to the area from all over the globe.
Preliminary results of the 2023 WISP data:
- 10,700 Surveys
- 22% of boats were considered “dirty”
- 1,400 AIS Interceptions
- 25,910 People Reached
- 99% Participation Rate
- Launch visitors from 43 states
We are currently reviewing data for the final report, coming soon to our website.
Riparian Restoration Update:
Following three years of work assessing the riparian areas of South Sandy Creek, managing invasive species — knotweed and Phragmites, and conducting extensive native species surveys, we have completed phase four of this exciting work, enhancing the biodiversity and resilience of this precious resource in Eastern Lake Ontario. This spring, 45 people contributed to over 660 total person hours, 25% of which were volunteer hours. Where 6,714 plants were placed in the ground throughout the riparian areas of South Sandy Creek spanning over nearly 30 acres within the Lakeview WMA. This does not include the additional 504 plants planted at select HPAs as mentioned in the updates above. We will continue to conduct photo monitoring, treatments, and planting assessments in the upcoming years. You can learn more about this project on our website.
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