Protecting Our Lakes from Invasive Species

A trip between lakes calls for more than deciding where to launch. Ontario's invasive species guidance asks boaters and anglers to pay attention to what travels with them: plants and mud on a boat, standing water inside it, and bait left after fishing. Cottage gardeners have a part to play, too. A useful routine begins before leaving one place and continues before arriving at another.

Why Invasive Species Matter in Lake Country

Ontario regulates invasive species that pose a risk to the natural environment. Its guidance connects prevention with everyday choices around water and gardens. That makes lake stewardship something to consider while planning an outing, packing fishing supplies or choosing plants, rather than only when a problem becomes visible.

For a practical starting point, think about the whole journey. What needs cleaning after the boat comes out? Where will unwanted bait go? Is a plant being moved between properties? Asking those questions before packing helps turn broad concern for the lakes into a clear set of tasks.

What Ontario's Rules Say

The province's invasive species guidance describes the Invasive Species Act as setting rules to prevent introductions and control spread. As of January 1, 2024, Ontario added 10 invasive species and four groups of species, at the genus level, to its regulation under the Act. Those additions include both terrestrial and aquatic species.

Ontario also states that introducing a plant or animal into a body of water where it is not native is illegal. The practical instruction is straightforward: never move aquatic plants or animals between water bodies. Treat that as a separate question from whether a boat looks clean enough to use.

Clean, Drain, Dry

The province organizes its boating advice around cleaning, draining and drying. Follow the sequence when planning travel to another water body, allowing time for the final step rather than treating departure as the end of the job.

  • Clean: remove aquatic plants and mud from the boat, motor and trailer.
  • Drain: empty standing water from the boat's transom, live wells and motor intakes.
  • Dry or wash: before travelling to another water body, dry the boat for at least five sunny days, or clean it with hot water over 50°C or pressurized water over 250 PSI.

Ontario includes that final step to address invaders that cannot be seen. A quick look over the boat is therefore only part of the routine. When choosing an itinerary, consider how the drying period or the washing alternative will fit between outings. Cleaning and draining still belong in the plan whichever final option is used.

Bait and Fishing Gear

For fishing, Ontario recommends artificial lures or bait local to the area where fishing is planned. It advises freezing or salting bait intended for future use. Put unwanted bait in the garbage or on land at least 30 metres from any body of water. Do not move aquatic plants or animals to another lake.

Make bait disposal part of packing up the fishing gear, with a clear decision about what will be kept and what will be discarded. The province's guidance also covers aquarium contents: plants and dead aquarium pets should be sealed in plastic bags and placed in the garbage, rather than flushed down a toilet.

In the Cottage Garden

Choose native or non-invasive garden plants, and avoid relocating plants from a home garden to a cottage garden or in the opposite direction. A familiar plant at one property is still something to consider carefully before moving it elsewhere. Plan the garden without relying on transfers between the two places.

Ontario advises against composting unwanted invasive garden plants in a backyard or disposing of them in natural areas. Its guidance directs gardeners to check municipal instructions on whether these plants belong in garbage or yard waste. Keep that disposal question alongside plant selection when planning garden work.

A Shared Responsibility

Make the routine easy to explain to anyone sharing the boat, fishing gear or garden work. Agree on who will clean, where bait will be discarded and how time between lakes will be handled. For the wider lake-association and shoreline context, read about cottage life in Haliburton County. Everyday care and a shared plan belong together.