Spotted knapweed is one of the common invasive plants targeted for control in the Thompson-Okanagan.

Image Credit: Invasive Species Council of B.C.

VERNON – The provincial government is providing $34,400 to the Regional District of North Okanagan to help control the spread of invasive plants.

This is one of 31 grants, totalling $1,727,000, that are being distributed throughout the province in 2016 to local governments, regional invasive species committees and the Invasive Species Council of B.C. This funding will assist with these groups’ ongoing activities and also support the objectives of the provincial Invasive Plant Program.

“Invasive plants degrade the integrity of our natural environment and have a damaging impact on our agriculture industry,” Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster said. “This funding will support the ongoing battle to stop the spread of noxious weeds in the North Okanagan.”

The grants will be used to help raise public awareness of invasive plant concerns, survey invasive plant populations and actively treat high-priority sites to control the spread of these destructive plants.

Invasive plants are species that have been introduced into British Columbia from other areas. They displace native vegetation and can cause considerable economic and environmental damage. Some pose a health risk to people (e.g. skin irritation). Invasive plants can also disrupt natural ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, increase soil erosion, alter soil chemistry and adversely affect commercial crops.

This funding is in addition to the $935,000 already allocated by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations for invasive plant control and management in 2016-17.

Quick Facts:

- The provincial Invasive Plant Program identifies sites where new invasive plant species have been found and responds rapidly to contain and eradicate them before they become established and start spreading.
- Currently, some of the targeted invasive plant species in B.C. are marsh plume thistle, European common reed, garlic mustard, knotweed, Spartina, orange and yellow (non-native) hawkweeds, knapweed, giant hogweed, blueweed, common tansy, tansy ragwort, hoary alyssum, field scabious, leafy spurge, purple loosestrife, yellow flag iris, Himalayan balsam and Scotch broom.

Learn More:

Invasive Plant Program 

Invasive Species Council of British Columbia

News from © iNFOnews, 2016