SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT Invasive Species Community Meeting - - PDF document

SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT Invasive Species Community Meeting Minutes September 9, 2014 SPEAKERS: Executive Director, ISCBC

• G. Wallin

Senior Invasive Plant Technologist, MoFLNRO

• D. Ralph

Planning Technician, SCRD L-A. Staats Resource Director, shíshálh Nation

• S. Quinn

Parks Supervisor, District of Sechelt

• P. Schmidt

Director of Parks, Town of Gibsons

• W. Gilbertson

A community meeting on the topic of Invasive Species Management on the Sunshine Coast was held on September 9, 2014 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. at the Seaside Centre located at 5790 Teredo Street in Sechelt B.C. The meeting was held in partnership with the Invasive Species Council of BC and Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations. The meeting was facilitated by Gail Wallin, Executive Director for the Invasive Species Council of BC. Presentations were made by Dave Ralph, Senior Invasive Plant Technologist for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations; Lesley-Ann Staats, Planning Technician for the Sunshine Coast Regional District; Sid Quinn, Resource Director for the shíshálh Nation; Perry Schmidt, Parks Supervisor for the District of Sechelt; and Wendy Gilbertson, Director of Parks for the Town of Gibsons. A questionnaire was available for participants to complete which collected information about community involvement in invasive species management. Copies of the presentation slides are attached for information purposes only. Facilitator, Gail Wallin gave an overview of the agenda for the community meeting. Ms. Wallin presented on the following topics: Introduction to Invasive Species, the Invasive Species Council

• f BC, Province-wide programs, Partnerships, Ways you can help and Looking Forward.
• Ms. Wallin spoke about invasive species as being non-native to BC, do not bring natural

pathogens or predators, establish aggressively and out-compete native vegetation/habitat and bring detrimental impacts. The four major impacts of invasive species are: Environment (out compete native species, alter ecosystems); Economy (property and crop values drop while control costs rise, tourism, and infrastructure); Health and Safety (skin irritations, blisters, breathing problems, toxic); Social (impede recreation, trails become impassable or water ways inaccessible).

• Ms. Wallin focused on a species of special concern, the European Fire Ant. She stressed that this

species is very difficult to control once it is established as there is no known treatment to irradiate it. The European Fire Ant is found in BC and it is expected to become a major concern for local governments over the coming years.

Notes from Invasive Species Community Meeting on September 9, 2014 Page 2

• Ms. Wallin outlined the Invasive Species Council of BC’s work and key strategic documents that

are available to guide non-profit groups and local governments: Invasive Species Strategy for BC (2012), BC Communications Framework on Invasive Species (2014) and the Invasive Species Toolkit for Local Government (2014).

• Ms. Wallin provided an overview of the Invasive Species Council of BC, its structure and

governance model and the work it performs to bring groups together, education and awareness and the delivery of action based province wide programs (ex. Spotters Network, Plant Wise, Community Weed Pull Program). She highlighted resources that are available for the public and local government on the ISCBC website. She spoke to the various partnerships that ISCBC carries out with industry, government ministries, local government and community groups (13 independent regional committees) and other provincial and federal invasive species committees. She concluded by advising of the Reporting-a-Weed Invasive hotline (1-888-933-3722), website (www.bcinvasives.ca) and Report-a-Weed app and website (www.reportaweedbc.ca). Gail Wallin addressed questions from the meeting participants on the following topics: Q: Is the ISCBC working with neighbouring provinces and states to address species that are coming to BC from across borders? A: The ISCBC works closely with the provincial government and neighbouring jurisdictions in Alberta and Washington State. There are federal laws that control what comes across the border and they take a lot longer to change than the provincial laws. There are actions that are being taken, such as certifying horticulture suppliers from the United States. There is no legal framework now. With Zebra Mussels, there is no legal control on this species coming across the border, there is a legislative review, but voluntary action is helping to stop them from entering into BC. Q: Does ISCBC work with master gardeners or other horticulturist organizations? A: The ISCBC is working with master gardeners by offering resources and training to master gardeners’ chapters across BC. Not certain if the local Sunshine Coast chapter has joined on to the program. ISCBC is also working with the horticulture industry to voluntarily participate in the Plant Wise program, by not selling a list of specific invasive species. It does not deal with private stores or other plant retailers as of yet, but working towards this in the future. Q: Can the European Fire Ants travel through the transportation of soil and/or plant matter? A: Yes absolutely, it is a fact! The fire ant tends to move through transfer of soil and there is scientific evidence to prove this. Q: What type of bylaws can local governments enact to control the spread of invasive species on private property? A: There are two ways: Local government has the tools in terms of putting bylaws in place around invasive species and the provincial government is looking at putting new regulations in place that will make the current legislation stronger.

Notes from Invasive Species Community Meeting on September 9, 2014 Page 3

Dave Ralph, Senior Invasive Plant Technologist, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations presented on the Complexity of Addressing Invasive Plant/Species Management Challenges in British Columbia. He presented on the following topics: The complexity of BC’s situation; Solutions for Invasive Plant Management; Getting on the same page; Collaborating locally; Ensuring a scientific base in decision making; and Strengthening legislative framework.

• Mr. Ralph explained that due to the geography and diversity of the ecosystems in BC, the way in

which the provincial government manages its invasive plant management programs on Crown Land takes on a diverse approach. The complexity of the invasive plants issue has broadened the focus to be more towards species as a whole rather than just weed.

• Mr. Ralph explained that the provincial government has endeavored to “break down silos”, so

that all of the “resource based” provincial ministries collaborate on the topic of invasive species. The province works to ensuring that its efforts are complimentary with what local groups are

• doing. The Inter-Ministry Invasive Species Working Group was established in 2004 and is made

up of a broad membership across government including Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Environment, Agriculture, Energy & Mines, Recreation, BC Parks and Health. The Working Group has developed the following key strategic documents: Invasive Species Strategic Plan (2013), Invasive Pant Strategic Plan (2011), BC Invasive Species Early Detection & Rapid Response Plan (2013). The Working Group shares resources across ministries, establishes common invasive plant priorities, works collaborative on projects, established an invasive species policy, and conducted a legislative GAP analysis.

• Mr. Ralph spoke to partnerships with the Invasive Species Council of BC, collaborates locally

with 13 regional weed/invasive species committees and 14 local government weed programs. He highlighted the results of the regional weed/invasive species committees in developing regional invasive plant plans, education and awareness and partnership delivery of programs.

• Mr. Ralph outlined the provincial governments efforts to strengthening legislation related to

invasive species. The BC Weed Control Act Regulation review began in 2009. The goal would to be to harmonizing all existing legislation into one document to address invasive species as a

• whole. The Weed Control Act amendments would address: Pathways and vector spread (sale,

movement, transport, storage and disposal); Provide a solid foundation for Early Detection and Rapid Response actions through a Prohibited Noxious Weed List; and Create a Restricted Noxious Weed list to address species of provincial concern, regional concern, and that are a threat to specific values. Dave Ralph addressed questions from the meeting participants on the following topics: Q: Regarding special value species: What about the plants that the First Nations uses? How is the province working with the First Nations on the issue of invasive species? A: The province takes into consideration the impact of invasive species to humans, whether it be through food sources or impacts to health and safety. The province doesn’t want to be controlling invasive species in an area if it may be affecting local food or traditional food

Notes from Invasive Species Community Meeting on September 9, 2014 Page 4

• resources. Works locally to identify areas where invasive plants may enter areas for food

production. As far as First Nations partnerships, the province and MoFLNRO are involved in projects with the Gitxsan First Nations (Invasive plant management on first nations land,), Squamish First Nation and Tsawwassen First Nation (Spartana aquatic grass plant management project) and Nuxalk First Nation in Bella Coola (Japanese Knotweed management program). Q: What is the province doing with respects to penalties? A: With respect to penalties, the new regulation revisions will allow the use of fines for

• infractions. Currently the province does not do any enforcement of the Weed Control Act; it is

enabling legislation but is not required by local governments. Enforcement is carried out by local governments and municipalities. With the new restructuring of the MoFLNRO, there has been a Compliance and Enforcement Branch established that can enforce legislation regarding invasive species. Q: Are there any studies that address the correlation between environments that are in a natural

• r disturbed state in relation to the occurrence of invasive species.

A: Key processes are to manage ecosystems, land, plant community to keep them in a healthy state and not disturb them, so that they may resist plant invasion. Some species are so invasive that it doesn’t matter if the area is disturbed; while other species may only invade if/when the area has been disturbed. It depends on the weed species. There may be scientific studies; this would need to be followed up on. LOCAL GOVERNMENT ROUNDTABLE Lesley-Ann Staats, Planning Technician, presented on what the SCRD does to manage invasive

• species. The SCRD manages invasive plants mainly through three departments.

Infrastructure Services Department staff regularly installs and maintains water mains and water meters and manage sewage systems, which often overlap with Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) road rights-of-way. On these roads they regularly come across invasive

• species. MoTI requires an “Invasive Species Management Plan” and staff coordinates with the

Coastal Invasive Species Council to develop a treatment plan, which often results in stem- injecting knotweed infestations as a method of control. Parks Department staff is diligent in pulling invasive plants as they see them in parks and have

• rganized community weed pulls to manage scotch broom. For the bikeway/pathway projects

staff often come across invasive plants on MoTI road rights-of-way and staff coordinate with the Coastal Invasive Species Council to develop an “Invasive Species Management Plan”, which

• ften results in stem-injecting knotweed infestations as a method of control. Parks staff have

helped with education and outreach by developing and distributing brochures. Planning & Development Department field public inquiries regarding invasive plants on private property and Crown land. The SCRD’s Invasive Species webpage has pictures and information

• n identifying invasive plants and pests, information on the management/control of the invasive

species and information on disposal, with links to additional resources such as the Coastal ISC website, the Invasive Species Council of BC, the Report-A-Weed website, and more. In 2012

Notes from Invasive Species Community Meeting on September 9, 2014 Page 5

and 2013, the Planning budget provided funding to support the Coastal ISC and in 2014 $1000 has been provided for the establishment of Sunshine Coast Invasive Species Council. This meeting was organized by the SCRD to learn how invasive species management is happening on the coast, and to get feedback from the community on how to strengthen invasive species management. Q: What is contained in the stem injection? A: Glysophate Sid Quinn, Resource Director, presented on what the shíshálh Nation does to manage invasive

• species. He stated that invasive species affects us all and it is important to maintain a healthy

environment because this affects the traditional and cultural sites of the shíshálh Nation. The shíshálh Nation works closely with the Coastal Invasive Species Council to train volunteers and staff. The District of Sechelt has also provided resources to work together and identify plants that exist within the territory. There has been some success working with BC Hydro to control Scotch Broom on the right of ways and near parks. There has been a big improvement with this and the return of native grass species in these areas. At the shíshálh Nation Earth Day celebrations there are educational pamphlets distributed to the

• public. Communication with community members has been positive in regards to identifying

invasive species on band member’s property and advising on how to dispose of the plant to control the spread. The Resource Department also answers telephone inquiries and reports of outbreaks. Staff will treat Japanese Knotweed by cutting off the stem at 12-18 inches, putting them in bags and disposing of them at the landfill. There is also information for the community on the shíshálh Nation website: www.secheltnation.net. With limited funding opportunities, it is important to pool resources and work together to ensure that we leave the environment in a better condition for future generations. Perry Schmidt, Parks Supervisor, presented on what the District of Sechelt is doing to manage invasive species. The District became involved with invasive species when there were two huge areas of Japanese Knotweed infestation at Mission Point Park. He explained the District’s efforts to control and eradicate Japanese Knotweed. At first, the District wanted to avoid using stem injection. With support from the Ministry of Fisheries, crews used excavation methods to dig out the knotweed from approximately 12 feet deep. The following year, the Japanese Knotweed had doubled in size. The District of Sechelt collected information on invasive plant species locations along road allowances and park lands with the help of staff and the public. For the control of Japanese Knotweed, the District uses stem injection and it is very effective. During the first year, around a dozen sites were treated with stem injection. Regular visits were conducted at the sites to monitor if any spread occurs. In some places, the knotweed had come up again and those sites were treated again.

Notes from Invasive Species Community Meeting on September 9, 2014 Page 6

The District of Sechelt is also monitoring Giant Hogweed. There has only been one instance reported and treated. The District is also monitoring Scotch Broom on roadways. The District carries out public outreach, works with the community associations on Weed Pulls. The District continues to collect information about areas of infestations and monitor them. Wendy Gilbertson, Director of Parks, presented on the ways the Town of Gibsons manages invasive species. There is a Noxious Weeds Bylaw No. 34. (enacted in 1936) which states “ Whereas the spread of noxious weeds in the Village area has grown to such proportion as to become a serious menace to the community, and whereas it is imperative that this evil should be brought under control, therefore the commissions of the Village and Gibson’s Landing enact as follows…” People could be fined between $5 to $50 for not controlling invasive species on their properties at that time. The Town also has a Property Maintenance Bylaw which refers to invasive species. The Town has as a Highways Bylaw, which covers all roads and paths, where by property owners are responsible for the control of invasive species up to the edge of their property. There are challenges in the Town with an aging population and maintaining their property. The Town tries to help people with the control of invasive species before enforcing bylaws upon

• citizens. Other efforts of the Town include working with local contractor Steve Marsh of Marsh

Landscaping, to map out the location of invasive species, mainly Japanese Knotweed. The Town also works with the community through education. Blackberries is a big concern for the Town, but they work with the public to ensure that after the berries are harvested, the property owner will prune it and the Town will dispose of the bushes. The Town used to have a program for weed collection, but since the green waste stations have opened, people are expected to do this themselves now. The Town of Gibsons uses stem injection for the treatment of Japanese Knotweed. The Ministry

• f Environment was made away of the Town’s projects where pesticides have been applied. The

Town did attempt other methods (controlling the acidity of the soil, etc) but the only thing that has worked is stem injection. Japanese Knotweed is used for other medicinal/herbal methods and perhaps there are other ways to look at this species. Q: There is an industry that could use knotweed for other uses; maybe we should explore this idea? A – Yes, knotweed is used for cancer fighting herbs, etc. Deer also love knotweed shoots in the Spring. COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE Breakout groups were organized to provide suggestions on and identify how invasive species management could be improved on the Sunshine Coast. Responses from the breakout groups included the following suggestions:

• Need for legislation that has “teeth” and money to back the enforcement of bylaws
• Improving cooperation and coordination with all the local governments

Notes from Invasive Species Community Meeting on September 9, 2014 Page 7

• Urgent action needed
• Government to pay for the eradication
• MoTI and BC Hydro should return to wider cutting on road right of ways. (Missing

certain species, timing of the cut needs to be in the right season, prior to seeding).

• There should be no charge to dispose of invasive plants
• Education, resources and mandatory curriculum regarding invasive species in schools.
• Local green-waste disposal sites and centralize transportation
• Support and recognize success of volunteer groups. (Signs, demo site)
• Coordinated Action Plan developed with input from all local governments, First Nations

and Powell River, which sets out joint priorities.

• Empower citizens with best practices and organize a seasonal collaborative effort.
• Do not allow clearing of land for development until building permit is issued and ready

for build.

• Develop specifications for moving equipment
• Identify benefits of a coordinated invasive species effort to create local jobs
• Are there benefits of the invasive species/plant that could be explored?
• Local government support for property owners (reduced cost of control/disposal)
• Focus on one particular species with the goal of eradication.

The range of responses given all have different priority levels. The Invasive Species Strategy of BC identifies most of the issues suggested by meeting participants. How would the Sunshine Coast identify which actions to undertake first? Facilitator, Gail Wallin suggested that a Coordinated Action Plan (which was suggested by one

• f the breakout groups) should encompass all of the elements that have been identified as above.

The plan should identify short and long term actions. Decisions would need be made if focus would be on one or a list of certain species. Gail Wallin introduced the topic of value and support for forming a local (non-profit) Sunshine Coast Invasive Species Committee. She outlined the advantages of having a local government committee that could enable enforcement measures, where as a non-profit community group would only be advisory and not have any authority methods. Comments from the meeting participants were as follows:

• Believes that less government involvement would be quicker for seeing action on the
• ground. This needs to be a more specific neighbourhood driven process for decision

making.

• What is the priority of establishing a group on the Sunshine Coast, what are the species

that we are concerned with?

• There is a general agreement that the current plan is not working. The Action Plan would

need to decide if one species is the concern or all as a whole?

• Would like to have more information about the status of sites that were treated with

pesticides from either MoTI or local governments.

Notes from Invasive Species Community Meeting on September 9, 2014 Page 8

• A representative from a local community group spoke about efforts to control and

eradicate Gorse.

• What is the status of other invasive species on the coast?
• A local Invasive Species representative needs to be available to speak to local groups.
• Broom Busters is an example of a successful local group making headway.
• A calendar pick up day, where the SCRD or local government can do pick up of weeds

and dispose of them. A Coordinated Action Plan should address to the following:

• A progress report should identify the status of invasive species and status of sites treated

with pesticides on the Sunshine Coast as a whole;

• Establish a list of priority species and recognize the differences in each community

(regional and electoral areas);

• The roles of groups and how to best utilize their resources to mobilize and support the

community;

• Resources for funding;
• Disposal information needed immediately
• Structure

Five Key Recommendations from Community Meeting on Invasive Species 1) Development of a Coordinated Action Plan

• Coordinated effort via the SCRD with all local governments, First Nations with

input from local community groups;

• The Action Plan should identify priorities, roles, resources and structure.

2) Call for Regulation with “Teeth” with budget for enforcement

• Example: For Building Permits, no clearing of land be permitted until the building

permit is ready to be issued. 3) Communication on Disposal Options Needed Urgently

• One clear and consistent message for the whole region;
• Information via SCRD Invasive Species webpage, local media through

advertisement, shíshálh Nation will post disposal information on their website, District of Sechelt can take the lead;

• Marsh Landscaping can assist in providing information;
• Consideration for disposal incentives (No charge or reduced charge);
• More signage is needed.

4) Produce a Summary Report of the Community Meeting

• Distributed to all participants with copies of presentation slides.
• Posted on the SCRD and other local government websites;
• Questionnaire results be included.

5) A Second Community Meeting be organized

Notes from Invasive Species Community Meeting on September 9, 2014 Page 9

• Focus on status of invasive species, share success stories from local community

groups, determine priorities and next steps;

• Provided resources (maps) prior to the meeting;
• Timeline - end of October.
• shíshálh Nation offered to host

1

Invasive Species Invasive Species THREATEN BC THREATEN BC

• Together. Prevent. Restore.
• Together. Prevent. Restore.

Presented by Gail Wallin, Invasive Species Council of BC

SNAK E HEAD BU L L FROG E U ROPE AN F I RE ANT ZE BRA/ QUAGG A MU SSE L S JAPANE SE K NOT WE ED

Introduction to Invasive Species Invasive Species Council of BC

OVERVIEW

Province‐wide Programs Partnerships Ways you can help Looking Forward

Invasive Species

• Are non‐native to BC; do

not bring natural pathogens

• r predators
• Establish aggressively and
• ut‐compete native

vegetation/habitat

• Bring detrimental impacts
• J. Samanek,

Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) spreads rapidly, forms thickets that crowd out forage grasses in pastures and rangelands, reduces crop yields and productivity.

Impacts

• Environment –

Out‐compete native species, alter ecosystems

• Economy ‐ Property and

y p y crop values drop while control costs rise

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria):

• ne of the top 100 world’s worst

invasive species (IUCN).

L . Sc o tt

2

Impacts

• Health and Safety ‐ Skin

irritation, blisters, scarring and severe breathing

• problems. Toxins in some

plants make them inedible

• r toxic.
• Social – Impede recreation

(ie. trails become impassable, water ways inaccessible).

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) grows up to 5m; has a highly toxic sap that can cause skin burns, blisters and scarring. WorkSafe BC has a Toxic Plant Warning

• B. Bro wn

Invasive Species of Concern

European Fire Ants

(Myrmica rubra)

Argentina Ants Lesser Fire Ants

• ‘Fire’ like sting, stings multiple times
• Small red to brownish red
• Two waist segments (native ant has one)
• Do not build obvious mounded nests. Nests found

along tree roots or shrubs, under rocks, logs,

• and in decaying wood or other rotting debris.

Nutria

• Medium sized rodents, live in

freshwater environments. They are native to South America

Invasive Species

• Destroy about 10x more plant

matter than they eat, destroying marshes and wetlands

• Construct burrows in dikes,

and embankments, causing bank collapse and erosion

• Are host to a variety of

parasites and pathogens.

Nutria bugwood.org

Key Strategic Documents

1) Invasive Spe c ie s Str ate gy for BC

• Re le a se d in 2012, a fte r 2 ye a rs c o nsulta tio n

2) BC Communic ations

F r ame wor k On Invasive Spe c ie s F r ame wor k On Invasive Spe c ie s

• Re le a se d Ja nua ry 2014, a fte r 6 mo nths

c o nsulta tio n

• c a lls fo r Co mmunic a tio n Re vie w Pa ne l
• c a lls fo r c o mmo n me ssa g e s, me dia pla ns,

sha re d re c o g nitio n, e tc

3 Invasive Species Council of BC

• Registered charity
• Membership‐ free/open to

everyone willing to collaborate Board includes:

• All levels of governments
• Industry (forestry, energy, etc)
• Conservation
• Regional Committees

Invasive Species Council of BC

The Council's Board of Directors and five committees work with the vision of:

Council works to minimize the environmental, social, and economic impacts of invasive species

Province‐wide Programs

• Clean, Drain, Dry – Encourages boaters to ‘clean, drain,

dry’ all equipment to prevent transfer between waterbodies

• PlantWise – Supports industry and home gardeners to

choose and purchase non‐invasive alternatives

• Spotters Network

V l t t & t i i

• Spotters Network – Volunteers spot & report invasives
• Youth Program – Teacher’s curricula and online activities for kids
• Community Weed Pull Program – Volunteers attack a priority

infestation for a fun‐filled four‐hr clean‐up

Changing Pr ac tic e s- T r aining

Current Programs

• Invasive Species 101
• Invasive Plant Identification
• Aquatic Invasive Species
• Pesticide Applicators Course

Business Programs:

• Forestry
• Utilities
• Weeds and Roads
• BC Parks and Biodiversity
• Oil & Gas

Marsh plume thistle

4

Partnerships

• Local governments
• Regional Invasive

Plant/Species Organizations

• BC provincial
• rganizations
• With neigbouring

jurisdictions

• With funding partners

13 independent, Regional Organizations in BC

Partnerships

Local Government

• Resources available for

developing invasive species programs p p g

• Many across BC are

becoming involved

• New bylaw in Whistler
• New approach for CRISP
• n invasive species

Partnerships

Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS)

• Federally registered

non‐profit p

• Linking Councils and

Governments across Canada

• Working together to close

pathways of spread

Canadian Council on Invasive Species

Partnerships

Canadian Council Key Priorities:

• Spotters Network
• National Education Forum
• Closing pathways of spread
• Closing pathways of spread

Members of the Canadian Council on Invasive Species

5

Reporting Invasive Species

Report Invasive Species:

• Encourage and educate others, talk to neighbours and

friends.

• Report sightings, call: 1‐888‐933‐3722

www.bcinvasives.ca

• Report‐a‐Weed app: www.reportaweedbc.ca

Questions?

Presented by Gail Wallin, Executive Director, Invasive Species Council of BC

1

The Complexity of Addressing Invasive Plant/Species Management Challenges in British Columbia

David Ralph Senior Invasive Plant Technologist Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Presentation Overview

• British Columbia’s Complexity
• Solutions for Invasive Plant Management
• Solutions for Invasive Plant Management

– Getting on the Same Page – Collaborating Locally – Ensuring a Scientific Base in Decision Making – Strengthening Legislative Framework

BC’s Solutions:

• 1. Getting on the Same Page

Inter Inter‐Ministry Invasive Species Working Ministry Invasive Species Working Inter Inter‐Ministry Invasive Species Working Ministry Invasive Species Working Group Group

• Established in 2004
• Broad membership across government (Forests

& Lands, Environment, Agriculture, Energy & Mines, Recreation, BC Parks, Health, etc.)

Inter‐Ministry Invasive Species Working Group PURPOSE: To ensure coordinated, collaborative, and ff i d li f i i l cost‐effective delivery of provincial government invasive species programs through science‐based strategic planning, harmonized robust legislation, acquisition of resources, and reporting.

2

‐ Invasive Species Strategic Plan (2013)

Inter‐Ministry Invasive Species Working Group RESULTS TO DATE:

(2013) ‐ Invasive Plant Strategic Plan (2011) ‐ BC Invasive Species Early Detection & Rapid Response Plan (2013 final draft)

Inter‐Ministry Invasive Species Working Group RESULTS TO DATE: ‐ Cross Ministry resource sharing (staff & $) ‐ Establishment of common invasive plant priorities ‐ Collaborative projects ongoing ‐ Invasive species Policy established ‐ Legislative GAP analysis completed

BC’s Solutions:

1) Getting on the Same Page Invasive Species Council of BC Invasive Species Council of BC Invasive Species Council of BC Invasive Species Council of BC

• Established in 2005, charitable Society
• Board of Directors has broad representation

from 13 perspectives

• Works collaboratively with IMISWG and

Regional Invasive Species Organizations

BC’s Solutions:

• 2. Collaborating Locally

Regional Weed Committees & Regional Weed Committees & Local Government Weed Programs

‐ 13 regional weed / invasive species committees ‐ 14 local government weed programs

‐ Regional based IP planning tables Id tifi ti f t iti f i d

Regional Invasive Species Organizations RESULTS TO DATE:

‐ Identification of opportunities for improved collaboration ‐ Education & Awareness ‐ Partnership delivery (in some areas) ‐ Virtually entire province covered by RWC or RD Programs

BC’s Solutions:

• 3. Ensuring a Scientific Base in

Decision Making Decision Making

– Detailed risk assessments completed for all proposed prohibited species – Risk analysis completed for current and future regulated species

3

Ensuring a Scientific Base in Decision Making

Factors reviewed:

• 1. Presence/absence in the province
• 2. Potential/actual impacts
• 3. Likelihood of spread (vectors)
• 4. Potential & current distribution
• 5. Confidence in current inventory data

Ensuring a Scientific Base in Decision Making

Factors reviewed:

6 Th t t i l l

( & d d

• 6. Threat to special values (e.g. rare & endangered

species; seed industry)

• 7. Threat to human health
• 8. Longevity of the problem in BC
• 9. Difficulty to control
• 10. Invasiveness ‐ disturbance Y/N

BC’s Solutions:

• 4. Strengthening Legislation

BC Weed Control Act Regulation review began in 2009

‐ BC Weed Control Act Regulation review began in 2009

‐ Drivers for change :

• Need to include more noxious weeds
• (regional variability)
• Limited ability to address new incursions
• Unregulated pathways of introduction & spread

View to harmonization of invasive species legislation

WCA Regulation Amendment

– Address pathways & vectors of spread (e.g. Sale, Movement/Transport, Storage, Disposal) Provide a solid foundation for Early Detection – Provide a solid foundation for Early Detection and Rapid Response actions

• Prohibited Noxious Weed List

– Create Restricted Noxious Weed lists – to address species of provincial concern, regional concern, and that are a threat to specific values

BC Invasive Plant Programs:

On the Same Page, Communicating and g Collaborating, Using Science and Developing Strong Regulations Moving in the right direction! Thank you