An inter-agency working group on water soldier was formed in 2013 to help coordinate research, monitoring, control and prevention strategies. Agency groups include: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Trent University, Lower Trent Conservation, and Parks Canada.

2020 Monitoring

From July – August monitoring of Lake Seymour, Crowe Bay, Percy Reach, and Glen Ross was conducted. A 50 m x 50 m grid was overlaid and at each point intercept, the presence/absence and abundance of water soldier was recorded. The results from the monitoring have revealed the 2019 herbicide treatment was a success. 2020 monitoring efforts revealed:

Lake Seymour – Summer 2020
Water soldier coverage: 13.68 ha

Crowe Bay – Summer 2020
Water soldier coverage: 0.35 ha

Percy Reach – Summer 2020
Water soldier coverage: 44.85 ha

Glen Ross – Summer 2020
Water soldier coverage: 2.47 ha

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has developed a prevention and response plan to enable people and organizations to undertake low risk activities to monitor, control, and in some cases eradicate these invasive plants without the need for an authorization under the Invasive Species Act, 2015. The plan also includes detailed best management practices for water soldier.

To view the prevention and response plan for water soldier, follow this link: Water Soldier Prevention and Response Plan PDF

Resource Files