The County of Haliburton has a Forest Conservation Bylaw Officer who is available to speak to groups and the public about forestry, the County's bylaws, and invasive species and weeds. Ontario's Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS) is an excellent resource for locating known occurrences and reporting new finds of invasive species.
Below, you will find information on major invasive forest pests, invasive plant species, invasive aquatic species, and noxious weeds that may pose a threat to the natural environment in Haliburton County.
Buy local firewood and gardening materials such as soil
Clean your boat before launching into a new body of water
Invasive Forest Pests |
Emerald Ash BorerThe Emerald Ash Borer continues to spread across North America where ash trees are present. We are beginning to see the demise of ash trees in the County due to this invasive forest pest. Beech Bark DiseaseWe are currently watching the relatively rapid decline of most American beech trees due to Beech Bark Disease. Hemlock Woolly AdelgidThe invasive insect known as hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is now firmly established in Southern Ontario and is expected to continue its spread throughout the range of hemlock trees. Although HWA has not been detected in Haliburton County, it is critical to detect an invasion as early as possible to mitigate the damage and rate of spread. HWA will have a significant impact on the ecology and aesthetics of shorelines and forests in the County. In addition to hoping for an effective biocontrol, we should expect and manage for the arrival of HWA. Any suspected cases of HWA should be reported through the Invading Species Awareness Program (hotline number 1-800-563-7711) or to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for further investigation. More InformationFor more information on Emerald Ash Borer, Beech Bark Disease, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, and other invasive forest pests can be found on the Forest Invasives page of the Invasive Species Centre. |
Invasive Plants |
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Haliburton County has a number of invasive plants that have gained a foothold primarily along roadsides and open areas. Wild Parsnip, Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and Invasive Phragmites all have a presence along our roadsides. Other invasive plants such as dog strangling vine and garlic mustard may be found to invade deeper into forests. Invasive plants displace and threaten native vegetation and ecosystems. To learn more about identifying and preventing the spread of invasive plants, please visit the Invasive Plants page of the Invasive Species Centre. |
Invasive Aquatic Species |
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For invasive aquatic species including invasive fish, invasive aquatic plants, and invasive vertebrates, please visit the Invaders page of Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program. |
Noxious Weeds |
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Noxious weeds are harmful to agricultural and horticultural operations. Some are toxic to the touch, such as Giant Hogweed and Wild Parsnip. As part of the duties of the County Weed Inspector, work is ongoing with the public to identify noxious weeds, document occurrences, examine and implement control options, and provide public education and safety awareness. To learn more about noxious weeds, please visit the Weeds Act page from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. |