The Province of British Columbia has given the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) $255,000 to fight invasive species this summer.
This funding comes as part of a wider investment in 33 different organizations across B.C. this month totalling just under $3 million. May is Invasive Species Action Month and Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, said the government wants to help tackle the problem.
“B.C. has some of the most amazing ecosystems in the world, with many that are unique, fragile and in danger from invasive plants,” Parmar said. “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.”
Parmar said he spoke to the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia in February, who impressed upon him the importance of their work. While Parmar believes most people in B.C. have heard of invasive plants, most people don't realize the extent of the negative impacts they can have on native plants, animals and ecosystems.
By providing organizations like the CRD, both government and non-governmental, with funding, Parmar said they hope to not only support research into the impact of invasive species but also mitigate and reduce their impact. In addition to the funds given to the CRD, Parmar said $400,000 has been given to the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia itself.
“In Canada and B.C., invasive plants are spreading and taking over critical lands, especially sensitive ecosystems such as grasslands and riparian areas,” Gail Wallin, the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia's executive director, said. “They 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.”
Some examples of invasive species that are currently of concern 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.
"When most people hear about invasive species, they often think about like your typical well-known offenders like Scotch broom and bullfrogs, in my riding. I don't think they realize the potential for destruction these new species are having," Parmar remarked. "I was just learning from one of our forest service members about goat grass coming in from the U.S. in the Oliver area and the impact that has.
"I think why people should care about this is you just have to look at California, for example. The fires fuelled by climate change and invasive grass have destroyed upwards of 20,000 structures and put thousands of people's livelihoods and lives at jeopardy."
Last year, Parmar said the provincial government released a provincial invasive species strategy and he hopes this month's funding will support the broader work to reduce invasive species. He believes it will also help reduce the risk of severe wildfires, especially within the Cariboo region.
When asked if more money will be invested into fighting invasive species on an ongoing basis, Parmar said the government will be looking into how best they can support the work moving forward. He plans to meet with Wallin again to check what impact this funding has on B.C.
