Robert McGowan is the Water Soldier Management Technician for the Invading Species Awareness Program at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. In this role, Robert leads monitoring, surveillance and controls efforts of the largest North American water soldier population found in the Trent River. Robert has an Honour Bachelor of Science Degree from Trent University as well as a Fish and Wildlife Technologist Diploma from Fleming College. His previous work experience includes work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and Credit Valley Conservation.
Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) is an invasive aquatic plant first discovered in the Trent River in 2008. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters partnered with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to control this population with the goal of limiting its spread and distribution. This presentation will highlight control efforts to date as part of the Water Soldier Integrated Management Plan.