The provincial government has included a southwestern Ontario project in its list of grants to protect the environment.
The Hillman Marsh Conservation Area in Leamington has been awarded $286,000 through the Ontario Community Environment Fund.
The money will be used to eliminate invasive hydrilla in the area through treatment, monitoring, and outreach.
"Protecting Ontario's natural environment is a priority for our government," said Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones. "This investment will support the rapid response to the first detection of hydrilla in Canada, helping protect Hillman Marsh, the Great Lakes, and the ecosystems that are so important to our communities. Our government supports initiatives that preserve our natural environment for future generations."
The Invasive Species Centre defines Hydrilla as a plant that "can alter habitat and negatively impact native species".
"This invasive aquatic plant can dramatically degrade water quality, causing a decrease in native species by blocking sunlight, decreasing oxygen levels, raising pH levels, and increasing water temperature," added the Invasive Species Centre. "It also makes swimming, boating, and fishing very difficult and decreases water flow, which can create mosquito breeding grounds and clog irrigation pump filters."
Queens Park has approved almost $3-million for 26 community-led projects across Ontario.
