News/Reports
2006 Invasive Plant Program, Chemical Treatment Okanagan Region
1 Introduction
Invasive plants can be found throughout the Okanagan Region, introduced by travel, trade, gardening and agricultural practices. Non-native species introduced to the area are free of the natural predators and pathogens that would otherwise keep their populations in check in their natural habitats. The often aggressive and competitive nature of invasive plant species makes them difficult to control, and often results in the displacement of natural plant communities and disruption of natural ecosystem functions. Invasive plants of concern to the Okanagan Region may or may not be designated as noxious weeds under the BC Weed Control Act.
This is the first year a co-ordinated effort was made between the Ministry of Transportation (MoT) and Ministry of Environment (MoE) to address invasive plants along transportation corridors adjacent to and within provincial parks, protected areas and The Nature Trust Lands within the Okanagan Region. This joint effort was highly successful, resulting in the treatment of nineteen additional areas.
The Okanagan Region for each ministry has an approved Pest Management Plan (PMP). The PMP outlines problem weeds within the region, describes management initiatives, provides treatment options and strategies and outlines the treatment decision process. The majority of the treatments were completed with Tordon 22K. Vanquish, Grazon and Roundup were used in a limited number of situations, based on treatment objectives and site specific conditions.
A total of $52,000 was spent on chemical treatments and $13,000 on contract monitoring in the Okanagan Region this year. Of that, $45,000 was contributed by MoT and $20,000 by MoE. Funds were distributed as follows:
$26,000 on highways $25,000 in parks protected areas and The Nature Trust Lands $13,000 on contract monitor
MoE staff will complete the pesticide use report as required under the PMP and all treatment records and spatial data will be entered into the Ministry of Forests and Range Invasive Alien Plant Program (IAPP) database.
See the complete PDF: MOTAnnualReport2006_1291921152662_a59fd55eda300803c1eb631ad2993d9d6998ad2907372b3966f6c5cc2fc0dc6d
Images of invasive plants are adapted from : Control of Invasive Plants on Crown Land in British Columbia, BC Forest Practices Board.