Prevention TIPS

We are privileged to live in BC, where we enjoy the vast, natural beauty of its wilderness, vibrant urban centres, limitless opportunities for year round outdoor recreation, and character-rich small towns—it’s possible to discover hidden natural treasures around every corner!

So it’s important that we take ownership, and be accountable to our surroundings. Part of accomplishing this is considering how we can protect our province from invasive species. You might be surprised how simple it can be to form new habits, and create positive change. Read on to find out how your hobbies or workplace can be a good place to start….

Prevention TIPS:

Gardeners
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Boaters and Anglers
Travellers
Transportation/Utility Workers
Natural Resource/Field Workers

Gardeners

• Community Weed Pull. Photo: CIPC

  Learn to recognize the plants that you see. If you see a plant that looks out of place, report it to 1-888-WEEDSBC (933-3722).
• Choose plants wisely. Consider replacing fast-spreading invaders such as English ivy, periwinkle or lamium with non-invasive or native alternatives.
• Deadhead (cut) flowers, seed pods and berries of invasive plants.
• Participate in local efforts to control invasive plants, join a Communities Pulling Together weed pull in your local area.
• Avoid ”recycling” or “composting” garden debris. Dispose of all seeds and plant parts, including stems and roots, in trash bags for deep burial at your local landfill. For additional disposal methods call 1-888-WEEDSBC (933-3722) or contact your regional invasive plant committee.
   

For more ways you can help, please refer to the Grow Me Instead booklet. For details on selecting non-invasive bird and wildflower seed mixtures, refer to the Seed Mixtures T.I.P.S.

Outdoor Enthusiasts

• Seeds on hiking boots. Photo: J. Leekie

  Invasive seeds can hitch a ride on your gear, boots and vehicle, so scrape and spray off any caked-on soil before entering or leaving an area.
• Avoid carrying invasive seeds into your favourite natural areas by bringing weed-free hay and sourcing firewood within a 50-mile radius of your campsite.
• Recognize and report invasives. If you see a plant or species that looks out of place, report it to 1-888-WEEDSBC.

Boaters and Anglers – CLEAN-DRAIN-DRY

• Invasive plants on boat trailer and motor. Photo: Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters

  CLEAN off plant parts, animals and mud from your boat and equipment. Use a car or boat wash station if available. For motorized boats, look closely at the hitch, rollers, motor, propeller, axle, and bilge. For non-motorized boats, look along the paddles and the hull.
• DRAIN everything that can hold water on to dry land (e.g. buckets, wells, bilge and ballast). Your motor, wet well and bilge should be entirely drained on land after leaving the water.
• DRY all items completely before launching into another body of water.
• Recognize and report invasives. If you see an aquatic plant, fish, or other organism that looks out of place, report it to 1-888-WEEDSBC.

Travellers

• Transfer of zucchini plant.

  Know the origin of what you're buying. Imported goods are often pathways for invasive plants.
• Buy local when you have the option. Be careful to declare all food and plant materials—fruits and vegetables, plants, insects and animals can carry pests or become invasive themselves.
• Ensure that the plants you are bringing into BC are not listed as invasive for this province or the local area.

Transportation/Utility Workers

• Cleaning of equipment after maintenance activities. Photo: J.Leekie

  Inspect and clean vehicles and equipment, including tires and undercarriage, before entering or leaving an infested area. Remove and bag invasive plant seeds and plant parts,and dispose of waste at a landfill or other designated disposal site.
• Use only invasive plant-free fill material, including soil and gravel. Soil that has been excavated should not be re-used before appropriate treatment.
• Avoid parking, turning around, or staging equipment in invasive plant infestations or mow prior to use. Keep equipment yards and storage areas free of invasive plants.
• Wash equipment after returning it to the maintenance yard.
• Recognize and report invasives. If you see an invasive plant that looks out of place, report it to 1-888-WEEDSBC.

For additional information on best practices for roadsides, see the Highways Operations T.I.P.S. or the Best Practices for Managing Invasive Plants on Roadsides: A Pocket Guide for British Columbia's Maintenance Contractors
 

Natural Resource/Field Workers

• Field inspection for invasive plants, Kamloops. Photo: ISC

  Inspect and clean vehicles and equipment, including tires and undercarriage, before entering or leaving an area. Remove and bag invasive plant seeds and plant parts, and dispose of waste at a landfill or other designated disposal site.
• Determine priority invasive plant species within your operating area. Stay informed through collaborations with regional experts, and assist staff and contractors to identify and minimize spread of invasive plant species within your operating area. Recognize and report invasives.
• Carry out regular surveys and record the locations of invasive plants in your operating area.
• Minimize unnecessary soil disturbance during road, landing, skid trail construction and during site preparation. Ensure soil being moved does not contain invasive plant parts and seeds.
• Wash/remove plant parts and seeds from personal gear, equipment, vehicles and machinery before leaving infested sites.
• Re-vegetate disturbed areas as soon after disturbance as possible.
• If you see a plant or species that looks out of place, report it to 1-888-WEEDSBC (1-888-933-3722).

For more detailed information on best practices for Forestry Operations and restoration activities, applicable to other resource sectors, see the Forestry Operations and Seed Mixture T.I.P.S