EURASION WATERMILFOIL: AN INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANT
by Christiane Dana | August 9, 2023 | Blog
The RCM des Sources, located in Estrie, is grappling with the problem of Eurasian watermilfoil in its main body of water, known as Trois-Lacs. This invasive aquatic plant is very prolific, is a significant nuisance to habitats, and makes enjoying water activities difficult, even impractical. Its stems wrap around watercraft propellers or cling to fishing tackle. Unfortunately, once introduced into a body of water, it multiplies at high speed. It then becomes almost impossible to get rid of it…
ACT QUICKLY
Eurasian watermilfoil generally multiplies when it is cut by a boat propeller and its proliferation occurs easily from one watercourse to another. The root of this problem in Trois-Lacs is the absence of boat washing and the municipality’s weak preventive control over the establishment of invasive aquatic species.
The RCM des Sources’ challenge has therefore been to protect its body of water by being present as much as possible at the various public boat ramps in order to decontaminate the watercraft. Also, the municipality had to raise awareness of this problem among its population and assess the social acceptance of embracing a new habit before launching into the water.
THE OZERO SOLUTION
The temporary rental of a turnkey mobile washing station was the optimal option for this municipality. The equipment is completely self-sufficient in terms of water and electrical supply, in addition to being easy to use to decontaminate boats, no matter the place. Also, the rental option enabled the municipality to test this technology without committing to purchasing equipment.
A WINNING RESULT
The rental enabled the RCM of des Sources to clearly establish the traffic volume of their public boat ramps to prepare their long-term prevention strategy. The station helped raise awareness among several users and confirmed their interest in a lasting control measure for invasive exotic species in Trois-Lacs. Lastly, their employees felt that using the equipment was simple and user-friendly.
“The flexibility of Ozero Solutions, both in their equipment options and in their availability was a very positive point of our experience with them. We particularly appreciated the training provided at the start, which was detailed and friendly. The rental helped us implement a concrete measure to protect our lake and to evaluate the possibilities for the next steps in prevention against invasive exotic species. Next year we plan to install a stationary washing station and we’ll consider Ozero Solutions in our call for tenders.”
Marie Durand, Land Use Planning Project Manager for the RCM of des Sources
