May is Invasive Species Action Month and 33 organizations throughout B.C. will be able to continue their work fighting invasive plants, due in part to a funding boost from the Province.
For the Comox Valley, $14,000 has been allocated to help fight invasive plants from the area's landscape.
鈥淏.C. has some of the most amazing ecosystems in the world, with many that are unique, fragile and in danger from invasive plants,鈥� said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. 鈥淣o one person, group, agency or government can effectively control invasive plant species alone, and collaboration is critical to everyone鈥檚 success. The work these groups do is crucial in our fight together to ensure B.C.鈥檚 unique environments remain healthy and vibrant.鈥�
Invasive plants can disrupt ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, increase soil erosion, alter soil chemistry and adversely affect agriculture production and water quality, causing substantial economic and environmental damage. They may also pose a health risk to people and animals.
鈥淚n Canada and B.C., invasive plants are spreading and taking over critical lands, especially sensitive ecosystems such as grasslands and riparian areas,鈥� said Gail Wallin, executive director, Invasive Species Council of British Columbia. 鈥淭hey are estimated to cost us over $2 billion in losses annually. As many invasive species are intentionally introduced through activities, such as gardening or moved by tires, it is critical to stop the spread of invasive plants through increased awareness and adopting responsible practices, including PlantWise and Play Clean Go.鈥�
The work of these groups supports B.C.鈥檚 Invasive Plant Program in identifying and reporting where invasive plant species have been found, encouraging landowners and managers to control invasive plants and managing high-risk infestations to limit further spread throughout the province.
Some of the targeted invasive plant species in B.C. are: Japanese, Bohemian and giant knotweed; marsh plume thistle; common tansy; wild chervil; garlic mustard; poison hemlock; spotted knapweed; common bugloss; orange and yellow (non-native) hawkweeds; giant hogweed; blueweed; tansy ragwort; spartina species; hoary alyssum; purple loosestrife; field scabious; leafy spurge; yellow flag iris; and Scotch broom.
People can report invasive plant species sightings from anywhere in B.C. by using the Report Invasives BC smartphone app or through the online reporting tool:
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