What is a invasive species ?

An invasive species is an animal, plant, bacterial or fungal species that is intentionally or accidentally introduced into an ecosystem where it is not indigenous. This species is capable of rapid proliferation and adaption to its new environment, often at the expense of indigenous species that have evolved over time to thrive under the natural conditions of the ecosystem. The term "exotic," which refers to non-native species, should not be confused with the term “tropical.”  Rather, it simply means that the species originates from a distant region outside of its current ecosystem.

What motivates the APLC to prevent the spread of certain invasive species in its watershed?

Given the negative ecological, economic and social impacts associated with invasive species — such as the reduction of biodiversity, destruction of natural habitats, transmission of diseases and degradation of water and soil resources — it's important to take proactive measures to prevent their spread. These species can also lead to high costs for damage management, reduced water quality, and disruptions to fishing and recreational activities, ultimately reducing property values. Therefore, it's crucial to implement preventive measures to mitigate their impact.

In addition to the invasive species already identified in Petit and Grand lac des Cèdres, the province of Quebec is grappling with several other harmful invasive species within its territory.  Here are a few examples of species that are also of concern to the APLC:

• The zebra mussel, originally from Eurasia, was accidentally introduced into the Great Lakes in the 1980s and has since spread to many lakes and rivers in Quebec. This invasive species can disrupt aquatic ecosystems by filtering large amounts of water and clogging water inlet pipes. Its presence has resulted in a reduction of phytoplankton and zooplankton, which has negative impacts on the lake's food chain and biodiversity. For more information on the zebra mussel and its impact on Quebec's lakes, refer to the report Vulnérabilité des lacs du Québec à la moule zébrée (Vulnerability of Quebec lakes to the zebra mussel — only available in French) published by RAPPEL.
• The common reed (Phragmites australis), an invasive plant, is widespread in many regions of Quebec, often found along the shores of streams, lakes and marshes. It has been observed in several areas, including Montérégie, Estrie, the Montreal region, Outaouais, the Laurentians and certain parts of Bas-Saint-Laurent. The presence of this species can negatively impact biodiversity, water quality, habitat stability, fire risk and human activities. For further information, please refer to the report Le roseau commun (Phragmites australis) : une menace pour les milieux humides du Québec? (The common reed (Phragmites australis): A threat to Quebec's wetlands? — only available in French).
• Originally from Asia, Asian carp were introduced to the United States in the 1970s and have since spread north to the Great Lakes and the rivers of Quebec. This invasive species can cause significant disruptions to aquatic ecosystems by consuming large quantities of aquatic plants and other organisms. Populations of Asian carp have been reported in several water bodies, including lac Saint-Pierre, lac Saint-Louis and lac Saint-François, as well as in the Rouge and Ottawa rivers. These areas are closely monitored to prevent the spread of Asian carp and minimize their impacts on local ecosystems.
• The spiny waterflea and the fishhook waterflea have been spotted in Lake Ontario and, in 2021, were observed closer to our Cedar lakes, in the McConnell Lake sector of the Ottawa River. These prolific species spread rapidly and can be transported over long distances by boat or wet equipment. Both species can have significant and, above all, irreversible ecological repercussions. They may be responsible for the decline in abundance of certain fish species. Their easy attachment to fishing gear, thanks to their spines, and their small size make them difficult to detect. Controlling these species is ineffective, given their low numbers of predators. Prevention is therefore essential.

The impact of invasive species on our lakes: What you need to know

Here are the invasive species that have been documented in Petit and Grand lac des Cèdres so far:

Eurasian watermilfoil: You can consult the web page dedicated to the watermilfoil control project and find out about all the interventions since 2015.

Viviparus georgianus: This freshwater snail — also known as banded mystery snail — is recognized by its brownish-yellow shell with dark brown or black bands; it can grow up to two inches long. It disrupts aquatic ecosystems by outcompeting native snail species, feeding on detritus from the water and grazing on algae and fish eggs found on the bottom. These snails can cause inconvenience due to their high population density, which can reach several hundred individuals per square metre. In 2021, community members reported many dead snails floating on Grand lac des Cèdres, and the APLC is monitoring their presence by documenting their location on a map. Experts recommend that residents remove dead snails and bury them a good distance from the lake to prevent the contamination of other species.

Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata): In spring 2022, a significant presence of didymo was observed in the Ruisseau des Cèdres. Didymo is an invasive aquatic alga that forms slimy mats on rocky river and stream beds, leading to negative impacts on the ecosystem and aquatic life. Although didymo can proliferate rapidly and cause disruptions in aquatic ecosystems, no control interventions are planned at the moment. It is important to note that didymo is not toxic to humans. APLC remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and consulting with experts to determine the best course of action.

Actions taken by the APLC

In our efforts to combat invasive alien species in the Cedar lakes, the APLC will use four different strategies or methods:

Awareness: Raising awareness among Petit and Grand lac des Cèdres users about the risks associated with invasive species and the measures that can be taken to prevent their spread. This includes informing them about the municipal by-law that requires mandatory washing of boats

Prevention: Encouraging the cleaning of boats and equipment used in nautical activities to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species

Early detection: Closely monitoring the Cedar lakes and promptly contact experts when we observe any unusual species that may be invasive

Control: Consulting with experts to put in place means to reduce the presence of an invasive species in the body of water

Actions planned for 2024 

• Meeting of the analysis committee and municipal administrators to review the results of the study on the use of boat ramps and the risks posed by the introduction of aquatic invasive species (AIS)
• Submission of an action plan to reduce the risk of introducing AIS to the Cedar lakes
• New awareness campaign on empowering users to reduce the risk of AIS contamination
• Creation of a citizen monitoring and early detection group for the Cedar lakes.
• Eurasian watermilfoil control: See project page

Actions taken for 2023

• Ongoing monitoring by a team of residents
• Awareness: prominent signage to inform users of the obligation of washing their boats

• Routine inspections of boat launches and boat washing by Messines inspectors
• A dedicated project page focused on the control of Eurasian watermilfoil, including best practices for control and prevention
• A detailed map of the presence of the Viviparus georgianus snail, as well as advice and guidance from the experts from the University of Guelph
• Ongoing monitoring of the Ruisseau des Cèdres to detect and prevent the spread of didymo (Didymosphenia geminata), with updates regularly added to an inventory
• Prevention: study of boat launch usage and the potential risks of introducing aquatic invasive species
• Questionnaire to owners of cottages on Grand lac des Cèdres about their boat washing habits and those of their visitors

Actions taken in 2022

• Ongoing monitoring by a team of residents
• Routine inspections of boat launches and boat washing by Messines inspectors
• Awareness: prominent signage to inform users of the obligation of washing their boats
• Dedicated project page focused on the control of Eurasian watermilfoil
• Second year of monitoring by residents of Grand lac des Cèdres for the presence of the Viviparus georgianus snail, with no significant presence detectedUpdated map to reflect latest findings
• First observation of didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) algae
• Ongoing research and consultation with experts to determine if a response plan is necessary
• At present, no plan is proposed
• Prevention: development of a comprehensive methodology for studying the use of boat ramps and assessing the risks of introducing aquatic invasive species

Actions taken in 2021

• Ongoing monitoring by a team of residents
• Routine inspections of boat launches and boat washing by Messines inspectors
• Awareness: prominent signage to inform users of the obligation of washing their boats
• After observing a strong presence of the Viviparus georgianus snail, we consulted with experts at the University of Guelph and the Canadian Museum of Nature
  • A map was created to document the locations and quantities of the snails
• Residents were instructed on proper methods for disposing of dead snails, in order to prevent the spread of the invasive species
  
  

Actions taken in 2015–2020

• The Municipality of Messines introduced BY-LAW NUMBER 2018-347 on the mandatory washing of boats
• Installation of a high-pressure, hot water boat wash station
• For information on controlling Eurasian watermilfoil, please see the dedicated control project page 
• Awareness: prominent signage to inform users of the obligation of washing their boats
• Awareness: dedicated web page and article in the newsletter to raise awareness among lake users about the importance of washing boats.