Residents urged to stop invasive plant threatening lake use and safety
Residents and visitors in Ontario are being encouraged to protect Lake Simcoe from water soldier, a fast-growing invasive aquatic plant. This plant spreads quickly in shallow water and along shorelines, making activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating difficult. It can also pose a health risk, as its sharp leaves may cut skin.
Lake Simcoe is the largest inland lake in southern Ontario and provides drinking water to nearly 500,000 people. However, it is currently facing the largest known population of water soldier in North America. Because of the lake’s importance, controlling the spread of this plant has become a priority.
“Monitoring and management planning efforts by the Working Group are ongoing, but preventing the spread of water soldier relies heavily on public action. Community members play a critical role,” says Colin Cassin, Invasive Species Centre Executive Director. “Report sightings and reduce the risk of further spread by cleaning, draining, and drying watercraft and equipment after use.”
Water soldier was first discovered in Cook’s Bay in August 2024. Since then, the Lake Simcoe Water Soldier Working Group has been managing the issue. This group includes government bodies, Indigenous communities, municipalities, conservation groups, universities, and non-profit organizations working together to monitor and control the plant.
Experts emphasize that public involvement is essential. Residents can help prevent the spread by following simple but effective steps. Cleaning, draining, and drying watercraft and equipment after use is one of the most important actions. Even small plant fragments can spread to new areas.
People are also encouraged to learn how to identify water soldier and report sightings with photos and accurate locations. In some cases, the plant can be safely removed following proper guidelines. It should always be disposed of on dry land to prevent it from re-entering water bodies.
Water soldier are banned under Ontario law and using it for landscaping or other purposes is illegal. By taking responsible actions, communities can help protect Lake Simcoe and prevent further environmental damage.
Photo Credit: Invasive-Species-Centre-water-soldier