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

2. 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

3. 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 …

4. 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

5. 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

6. Tracking Initiatives – Reporting Prior to 2014
Invading Species Hotline
Answered Mon-Friday, 9am – 5pm
Species Information and Reports
Inquires
Invasive species reported through program
Internal Database and ITS
Voucher specimens collected
Internally managed
Maps created “in-house”
Over 1,000 calls per year
Nearly 1,000 s 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 …

7. EDDMapS Ontario - Development
EDDMapS Ontario Launched
Adapted in Ontario and Launched in April 2014
Incorporated previous database (bulk upload of 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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

18. Questions? Kyle Borrowman kyle_borrowman@ofah.org
ext. 265
Invading Species Hotline: