7.2 Promote the use of EDDMapS in Ontario

Preventing invasive plants from arriving and becoming established in Ontario is critical in the fight against this growing threat. EDDMapS is a fast and easy way to map invasive species without requiring any GIS or technical computer experience. By promoting the use of EDDMapS to the public, this can help engage them in learning more about invasive plants. Promoting the web-based and smartphone app will improve tracking across the province, resulting in better species distribution maps. If more people are using the program, there is a higher change that detection of new species will occur, which will enable rapid response.

Although it is important to track the distribution of all invasive plants within the province, the focus within this municipal strategy will be on public tracking of species on the pre-determined Watch list. Tracking Watch List species using EDDMapS increases the likelihood of new invaders being caught quickly.