Mountain Bikers: Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks
- REMOVE plants, animals and mud from bikes, boots, gear, pets and vehicles.
- CLEAN your gear before entering and leaving the recreation area.
- STAY on designated roads & trails.
Photo Credit: WORCA
Clean Bikes, Clean Trails
By cleaning your gear (like your bike!) and shoes between rides, you can help avoid spreading a number of invasive plant species, such as Himalayan Balsam, also known as Policeman’s Helmet. This invasive is a prolific seeder that displaces native plants and threatens biodiversity. Since it dies back during the winter months and doesn’t have a deep root system like native plants, Himalayan Balsam also causes erosion along riverbanks in fall and winter.
The presence of Himalayan Balsam in riparian zones, reduces water quality and damages benthic communities.
Trail Builders: We Need Your Help Too!
Invasive plants LOVE disturbed soil, and they LOVE hitching a ride on travelers. If you’re not careful, that traveler could be you!
What’s at risk?
- Sensitive ecosystems
- Biodiverse wildflower meadows
- Erosion
- Increased wildflower risk
What Can You Do?
- Clean boots, tools and equipment before working on trails
- Know where your soil/materials are coming from – use local whenever possible
- Consider potential spread of invasive species in trail planning and building
- Learn about regional and provincial priorities for invasive species management
- Learn how to prevent their spread
- Provide bike washes for trail users
- Commit to long-term monitoring for invasive species
- Connect with your regional invasive species folks!
Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash