Nearly $3 million in provincial funding is being granted to a number of organizations and local governments across the Kootenays for invasive species response and programming.
“B.C. has some of the most amazing ecosystems in the world, with many that are unique, fragile and in danger from invasive plants,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “No one person, group, agency or government can effectively control invasive plant species alone, and collaboration is critical to everyone’s success. The work these groups do is crucial in our fight together to ensure B.C.’s unique environments remain healthy and vibrant.”
The East Kootenay Invasive Species Council is receiving a significant amount at $282,000.
The organization has twin mandates of field operations to help partners to plan, co-ordinate, and monitor terrestrial invasive species while also providing education and outreach to spread knowledge to curb the spread of invasive species.
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.
Further funding in the Kootenays was earmarked to the Regional District of Kootenay-Boundary ($78,000), Regional District of East Kootenay ($29,000) and Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society ($80,000)
"Invasive species pose a significant threat to biodiversity," said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central, in a press release. "I am grateful we are continuing to partner with the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society, who through education and managing invasive species in effective ways work hard to keep our lakes pristine, forests lush, mountains healthy, and economies thriving."
The work of these groups supports B.C.’s 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. include 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.
