The in-depth invasive species resources on this page include technical bulletins, best management practices, and videos. These resources are aimed at helping resource managers and the public in the fight against invasive species. Control techniques outlined in the technical bulletins and best management practices inform resource managers on how to handle invasive species, while the descriptions help inform the general public on identification. 

Technical Bulletins

In 2017, the Early Detection & Rapid Response Network worked with leading invasive plant control professionals across Ontario to create a series of technical bulletins to help supplement the Ontario Invasive Plant Council’s Best Management Practices series. These brief documents were created to help invasive plant management professionals use the most effective control practices in their effort to control invasive plants in Ontario.

*Please note: the Invasive Plant Technical Bulletin Series is currently undergoing some updates and will be reposted when the process has been completed. Please visit the Ontario Invasive Plant Council website for updates.

Black Locust
European Black Alder
Technical Bulletin European Buckthorn
European Buckthorn
Technical Bulletin Garlic Mustard
Garlic Mustard
Technical Bulletin Giant Hogweed
Giant Hogweed
Himalayan Balsam
Honeysuckles
Technical Bulletin Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed
Technical Bulletin Phragmites
Invasive Phragmites
Technical Bulletin Purple Loosestrife
Purple Loosestrife
Reed Canary Grass
White Sweet Clover
Technical Bulletin Wild Parsnip
Wild Parsnip

Best Management Practices

These Best Management Practices (BMPs) are designed to provide guidance for managing invasive plants in Ontario. They were developed by the Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) and its partners, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF), and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Foods, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). These guidelines were created to complement the invasive plant control initiatives of organizations and individuals concerned with the protection of biodiversity, agricultural lands, crops, and natural lands.

*Please note: some Best Management Practices documents are undergoing review and not available at this time.

Buckthorn Best Management Practices
European Buckthorn
Garlic Mustard Best Management Practices
Garlic Mustard
Giant Hogweed
Japanese Knotweed Best Management Practice
Japanese Knotweed
Invasive Phragmites
Purple loosestrife best management practices
Purple Loosestrife
Wild parsnip Best management practice
Wild Parsnip
Norway Maple

Quick Reference Guides

Stay tuned – more info coming coon!

Grow Me Instead Guide

Choose non-invasive plants using the Grow Me Instead Guide!

The Grow Me Instead Guide is a staple for those seeking to shift to non-invasive garden alternatives. This resource was created by the OIPC’s Horticulture Outreach Collaborative, of which ISC is a contributing member

Grow Me Instead Guide Northern Ontario

Clean Equipment Protocol

Invasive species are plants, animals and microorganisms that have been accidentally or deliberately introduced into areas beyond their normal range, that outcompete native species. Invasive species are a major threat to Ontario’s natural areas, and are very costly to deal with once established.

Invasive species can be spread to new areas by contaminated mud, gravel, soil and plant materials on vehicles and machinery.

The best practice is to prevent the spread of invasive species. By inspecting and cleaning equipment and following some simple guidelines, the risk of spreading invasive plants is greatly reduced.

* These documents were produced by the Ontario Invasive Plant Council for the Invasive Species Centre.

Video Resources

Find more videos on our YouTube Channel