The B.C. government is making new commitments to the removal of invasive plant species, which negatively impact local ecosystems, as new funding is announced.
NDP MLA for Juan de Fuca鈥揗alahat, Dana Lajeunesse, said the funding will allow the 台湾MM裸聊室 Invasive Species Committee (CISC) to continue fighting the spread of invasive plant species.
鈥淭he 台湾MM裸聊室 Invasive Species Committee does great work to address the impact of invasive species in their communities, which, when left untreated, can harm people, plants and animals throughout B.C.,鈥� said Lajeunesse.
The funding will support the group in engagement, outreach and education, she added.
CISC is set to receive $10,000 to continue its programming. The group serves communities across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, qathet, Sunshine Coast, Mount Waddington and Strathcona.
Across the province, 33 projects are set to receive a total of $2.89 million to control and eradicate invasive plants.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) will also receive $16,000 in funding.
鈥淲hen invasive species take hold in a community, they spread without resistance 鈥� in your home, in the outdoors and on farms,鈥� said Nina Krieger, MLA for Victoria鈥揝wan Lake, explaining the CRD would continue its work fighting invasive species.
鈥淲ith this funding, the Capital Regional District will be able to continue its work to address invasives and mitigate their impact on our neighbourhoods.鈥�
Invasive plants are known for their ability to disrupt ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, increasing soil erosion and impacting water quality. They can pose a health risk to people and animals while threatening agriculture and tourism industries in B.C.
Sightings can be reported using the Report Invasives BC app or online at .
Some of the specific invasive plant species being targeted for removal include various forms of knotweed, marsh plume thistle, common tansy, wild chervil and Scotch broom.
Scotch broom, for instance, is invasive because it outcompetes plants, changes soil chemistry, and is highly flammable, posing significant threats to biodiversity and fire risk, according to Nature Conservancy of Canada.
