Terrestrial Invasive Species Outreach Liaison Kyle Borrowman Terrestrial Invasive Species Outreach Liaison May 8, 2017

Invading Species Awareness Program Joint education/awareness partnership of the OFAH and the MNRF Since 1992 Focus on education and outreach to key pathways for introductions and/or spread for invasive: Aquatic invertebrates and plants Terrestrial plants Fish Forest pests and pathogens Develop and deliver programs designed to monitor the occurrence and distribution of invasive species Contribute towards surveillance, control, and rapid response of invasive species (e.g., water soldier) Invading Species Hotline, EDDMapS Ontario, Invading Species Watch Program Water soldier in the TSW

Pathway of Introduction and/or Spread The program has reached new levels of engagement through expanding pathways of introductions and/or spread to expand outreach and awareness Expanding pathways Tournament anglers Waterfowl hunters OPP Scuba divers Through these pathways we have the following outreach initiatives …

Invasive Species Outreach Invading Species Hit Squad > 25 summer students delivering outreach across the province Community events Invasive species control Monitoring/reporting Watercraft inspection Resource distribution Delivers on the ground, community based invasive species education, awareness and monitoring initiatives Partnerships with MNRF district offices, CA’s, and non government agencies across the province

Education & Outreach Summary 444,261 Website Visitors 2,102 Likes 137 Events Attended 69 Media Articles 7 Trade Shows 185 Signs (trails/launch) 7 Billboards 2,431 Followers 3 Radio Interviews Printed Resources: ~140,000

Tracking Initiatives – Reporting Prior to 2014 Invading Species Hotline Answered Mon-Friday, 9am – 5pm Species Information and Reports Email Inquires Invasive species reported through program email Internal Database and ITS Voucher specimens collected Internally managed Maps created “in-house” Over 1,000 calls per year Nearly 1,000 emails per year So far in 2016, received over 9,000 reports directly to the system and through bulk data uploads Nearly 35,000 records in the entire system Now that we have updated you on everything new. I am going to take you back to 1992 when it all started …

EDDMapS Ontario - Development EDDMapS Ontario Launched Adapted in Ontario and Launched in April 2014 Incorporated previous database (bulk upload of 17500 reports) EDDMapS Ontario Working Group Consists of Federal, Provincial and Municipal Gov’t representatives, Conservation Authorities, Environmental NGO’s, Etc. Provided initial input and direction of EDDMapS Ontario including species selection. Program launched through partnership with: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Invasive Species Centre Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters University of Georgia – Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health The Early Detection and Distribution mapping system was initially launched in 2005 by the Centre for Invasive Species Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia. It combines data from other databases and organizations as well as volunteer observation to create a national network of invasive species distribution data that is shared with educators, land managers, conservation biologists and beyond. This data will become the foundation for a better understanding of invasive species distribution around the world. EDDMapS documents the presence of invasive species with more than 3 million records and over 35,000 of these from Ontario. Users simply enter information from their observations into the standardized on-line data form, which allows specific information about the infestation and images to be added. Data is immediately loaded to the website, allowing real time tracking of species. Being able to see the current data of a species as it moves into a new area helps to facilitate Early Detection and Rapid Response programs (EDRR). EDRR programs help stop or control an invasive species before it becomes an unmanageable problem. All data is reviewed by verifiers to ensure data is accurate. Confirmed data is made freely available users.

Verification and Notification Protocol Timelines for verification vary by species Priority Species Asian Carps Reporting Protocol Forest Pests Reporting Protocol High risk species not currently known in Ontario High risk species currently established in Ontario but reported outside their known distribution All other species Timelines for verification of species reports to the Invading Species Awareness Program vary by species. Priority is given to species of high concern or species that pose high risk. Species of high concern are defined as priority species. Asian carp species and high risk species not currently known in Ontario – immediate contact with the sighting reporter is attempted, if no contact is made, staff will continue to attempt contact at least once per business day. Non-priority species – staff will attempt to contact the reporter as soon as possible but not longer than 5 business days.

Report Verification and Tracking Photo Verification Web and App reports verified through photos. Dedicated staff perform verification Expert Directory Access to experts from gov’t agencies, universities, etc. Bulk Upload Accepted from NGO’s, Gov’t Agencies and Professionals with expertise with the species The Early Detection and Distribution mapping system was initially launched in 2005 by the Centre for Invasive Species Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia. It combines data from other databases and organizations as well as volunteer observation to create a national network of invasive species distribution data that is shared with educators, land managers, conservation biologists and beyond. This data will become the foundation for a better understanding of invasive species distribution around the world. EDDMapS documents the presence of invasive species with more than 3 million records and over 35,000 of these from Ontario. Users simply enter information from their observations into the standardized on-line data form, which allows specific information about the infestation and images to be added. Data is immediately loaded to the website, allowing real time tracking of species. Being able to see the current data of a species as it moves into a new area helps to facilitate Early Detection and Rapid Response programs (EDRR). EDRR programs help stop or control an invasive species before it becomes an unmanageable problem. All data is reviewed by verifiers to ensure data is accurate. Confirmed data is made freely available users.

Outreach and Promotion of EDDMapS EDDMapS Promotional Items Field Books Magnets Postcards Promoted on Various Resources EDDMapS Ontario website included on newly developed resources Social Media Weekly species spotlights Incorporate EDDMapS Maps The Early Detection and Distribution mapping system was initially launched in 2005 by the Centre for Invasive Species Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia. It combines data from other databases and organizations as well as volunteer observation to create a national network of invasive species distribution data that is shared with educators, land managers, conservation biologists and beyond. This data will become the foundation for a better understanding of invasive species distribution around the world. EDDMapS documents the presence of invasive species with more than 3 million records and over 35,000 of these from Ontario. Users simply enter information from their observations into the standardized on-line data form, which allows specific information about the infestation and images to be added. Data is immediately loaded to the website, allowing real time tracking of species. Being able to see the current data of a species as it moves into a new area helps to facilitate Early Detection and Rapid Response programs (EDRR). EDRR programs help stop or control an invasive species before it becomes an unmanageable problem. All data is reviewed by verifiers to ensure data is accurate. Confirmed data is made freely available users.

Outreach and Promotion of EDDMapS EDDMapS Presentations Promote use to a wide range of audiences Municipal Invasive Species Strategy Workshops Ontario Vegetation Management Association EDRR Young Professionals Summit Webinars and Information Videos Available on our website and YouTube page. Invading Species Hit Squad Attend >150 events each year The Early Detection and Distribution mapping system was initially launched in 2005 by the Centre for Invasive Species Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia. It combines data from other databases and organizations as well as volunteer observation to create a national network of invasive species distribution data that is shared with educators, land managers, conservation biologists and beyond. This data will become the foundation for a better understanding of invasive species distribution around the world. EDDMapS documents the presence of invasive species with more than 3 million records and over 35,000 of these from Ontario. Users simply enter information from their observations into the standardized on-line data form, which allows specific information about the infestation and images to be added. Data is immediately loaded to the website, allowing real time tracking of species. Being able to see the current data of a species as it moves into a new area helps to facilitate Early Detection and Rapid Response programs (EDRR). EDRR programs help stop or control an invasive species before it becomes an unmanageable problem. All data is reviewed by verifiers to ensure data is accurate. Confirmed data is made freely available users.

Where is the Data Coming From? Tracking 160 Different Species Initial Launch: ~17,500 Reports May 2017: ~36,600 Reports The Early Detection and Distribution mapping system was initially launched in 2005 by the Centre for Invasive Species Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia. It combines data from other databases and organizations as well as volunteer observation to create a national network of invasive species distribution data that is shared with educators, land managers, conservation biologists and beyond. This data will become the foundation for a better understanding of invasive species distribution around the world. EDDMapS documents the presence of invasive species with more than 3 million records and over 35,000 of these from Ontario. Users simply enter information from their observations into the standardized on-line data form, which allows specific information about the infestation and images to be added. Data is immediately loaded to the website, allowing real time tracking of species. Being able to see the current data of a species as it moves into a new area helps to facilitate Early Detection and Rapid Response programs (EDRR). EDRR programs help stop or control an invasive species before it becomes an unmanageable problem. All data is reviewed by verifiers to ensure data is accurate. Confirmed data is made freely available users.

Web Browser and Smartphone App Reports Spike in reports during summer months All reports verified prior to release The Early Detection and Distribution mapping system was initially launched in 2005 by the Centre for Invasive Species Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia. It combines data from other databases and organizations as well as volunteer observation to create a national network of invasive species distribution data that is shared with educators, land managers, conservation biologists and beyond. This data will become the foundation for a better understanding of invasive species distribution around the world. EDDMapS documents the presence of invasive species with more than 3 million records and over 35,000 of these from Ontario. Users simply enter information from their observations into the standardized on-line data form, which allows specific information about the infestation and images to be added. Data is immediately loaded to the website, allowing real time tracking of species. Being able to see the current data of a species as it moves into a new area helps to facilitate Early Detection and Rapid Response programs (EDRR). EDRR programs help stop or control an invasive species before it becomes an unmanageable problem. All data is reviewed by verifiers to ensure data is accurate. Confirmed data is made freely available users.

Reports by Year: 2014 - 2017 Total per year: 2014 - 5,504 Reports (Jan-April) The Early Detection and Distribution mapping system was initially launched in 2005 by the Centre for Invasive Species Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia. It combines data from other databases and organizations as well as volunteer observation to create a national network of invasive species distribution data that is shared with educators, land managers, conservation biologists and beyond. This data will become the foundation for a better understanding of invasive species distribution around the world. EDDMapS documents the presence of invasive species with more than 3 million records and over 35,000 of these from Ontario. Users simply enter information from their observations into the standardized on-line data form, which allows specific information about the infestation and images to be added. Data is immediately loaded to the website, allowing real time tracking of species. Being able to see the current data of a species as it moves into a new area helps to facilitate Early Detection and Rapid Response programs (EDRR). EDRR programs help stop or control an invasive species before it becomes an unmanageable problem. All data is reviewed by verifiers to ensure data is accurate. Confirmed data is made freely available users.

The Early Detection and Distribution mapping system was initially launched in 2005 by the Centre for Invasive Species Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia. It combines data from other databases and organizations as well as volunteer observation to create a national network of invasive species distribution data that is shared with educators, land managers, conservation biologists and beyond. This data will become the foundation for a better understanding of invasive species distribution around the world. EDDMapS documents the presence of invasive species with more than 3 million records and over 35,000 of these from Ontario. Users simply enter information from their observations into the standardized on-line data form, which allows specific information about the infestation and images to be added. Data is immediately loaded to the website, allowing real time tracking of species. Being able to see the current data of a species as it moves into a new area helps to facilitate Early Detection and Rapid Response programs (EDRR). EDRR programs help stop or control an invasive species before it becomes an unmanageable problem. All data is reviewed by verifiers to ensure data is accurate. Confirmed data is made freely available users.

Comparison of 2016 and 2017 Table compares Jan-Dec 2016 reports to Jan-April 2017 Observed an increase in reporting to date from: Non-profit (bulk upload) Conservation Authorities Municipalities Federal Agencies (small gain) Still have not hit the “summer spike” in reporting! The Early Detection and Distribution mapping system was initially launched in 2005 by the Centre for Invasive Species Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia. It combines data from other databases and organizations as well as volunteer observation to create a national network of invasive species distribution data that is shared with educators, land managers, conservation biologists and beyond. This data will become the foundation for a better understanding of invasive species distribution around the world. EDDMapS documents the presence of invasive species with more than 3 million records and over 35,000 of these from Ontario. Users simply enter information from their observations into the standardized on-line data form, which allows specific information about the infestation and images to be added. Data is immediately loaded to the website, allowing real time tracking of species. Being able to see the current data of a species as it moves into a new area helps to facilitate Early Detection and Rapid Response programs (EDRR). EDRR programs help stop or control an invasive species before it becomes an unmanageable problem. All data is reviewed by verifiers to ensure data is accurate. Confirmed data is made freely available users.

EDDMapS Ontario – Moving Forward Continue to build relationships between ISAP and program users and collaborators Encourage the use of EDDMapS Ontario Resources Presentations Social media presence Remain open to new ideas and the evolution of EDDMapS Ontario to become increasingly useful to a wide range of groups

Questions? Kyle Borrowman kyle_borrowman@ofah.org 705-748-6324 ext. 265 www.eddmaps.org/Ontario www.invadingspecies.com Invading Species Hotline: 1-800-563-7711