In the future, the Act may introduce regulated areas in Ontario as control areas for invasive species, and will work towards establishing measures to prevent introduction and/or control the spread of existing invasive species. Inspectors may make an order declaring land to be an “Invaded Place” if there is evidence that a regulated invasive species is present and the order is required to:

• Prevent the invasive species from spreading to areas outside of the place, or

• To control, remove, or eradicate the invasive species that is on or in the place

The Ontario Invasive Species Act supports the creation of additional plans, as these will enable enhanced partnerships and actions to support the prevention and control of invasive species across the province. The Act also provides tools for preventing the sale and distribution of invasives. The capability of the Act will be limited to dealing with the species that get listed in the regulations as being either “prohibited” or “restricted”. See the Government of Ontario website for the list and additional information: https://www.ontario.ca/page/stop -spread-invasive-species .

Thames Valley Corridor Plan, 2011

The Thames Valley Corridor Plan addresses key land planning and management issues along the Corridor. The TVCP establishes an overall concept plan for the Thames River and associated corridor lands, and relates to the preservation and protection of the Natural Heritage System in the following manner:

• “The City recognizes the Thames Valley Corridor as its most important natural, cultural, recreational and aesthetic resource.”

• 3.1 Natural Heritage, Stewardship, and Protection

  • NH-3: Internally, identify potential private land acquisition areas that may facilitate the restoration and/or expansion of forest cover and contiguous natural vegetation along the length of the Thames Valley Corridor. Priority areas for acquisition are those with a high diversity of Carolinian plant species or SAR as identified on the City’s Ecological Land Classification (ELC) database, or that support interior forest habitats, or provide natural connections to the larger system.

  • TR-1: Protect and manage areas with unique or rare plant and animal species.

  • TR-2: Develop and implement a comprehensive restoration and management program focused