Quinte Conservation is applying aquatic herbicides in parts of Prince Edward County to control water soldier, an invasive plant that threatens local waterways.
The treatments are scheduled from Oct. 6 to 16 in Sawguin Creek Wetland North, Muscote Bay and Gravelly Point.
Quinte Conservation says herbicides will not be used in intake protection zones for municipal drinking water treatment plants. Municipally treated drinking water remains safe to use and consume.
Property owners who could be affected by the work have been notified.
Water soldier was first detected in the area in 2021. The plant can form dense mats of floating and submerged vegetation that outcompete native species, reduce biodiversity and interfere with recreational activities.
A technical working group made up of municipalities, conservation authorities, the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, government agencies and other groups has been working on research, monitoring, control and prevention efforts since the invasive species was discovered.
