Follow the rules, be PlantWise
Did you know that invasive plants are subject to various bylaws and regulations?
Across all of BC, land owners and occupiers are required, under the BC Weed Control Act, to control invasive plants (i.e., those listed as noxious weeds under the Weed Control Regulation).
- In Whistler, the Environmental Protection Bylaw makes it a ticketable offence to plant, or fail to remove invasive species.
- In Squamish, the Invasive Species Management Bylaw prohibits the planting, growing or selling of invasive species within the District of Squamish.
- In the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, the Noxious Weeds Control Bylaw requires residents to keep their properties clear and free of noxious weeds.
These are just a few examples. For more information, please visit our bylaws page.
Be both PlantWise and BearSmart
Bears are a part of the Sea to Sky region’s natural environment. Enticing them close to our homes with landscaping that provides food for bears can create conflict and be detrimental for both bears and the community.
Some of the non-invasive plants recommended in the Grow Me Instead guide (which you are likely holding) are attractive to bears, and therefore not recommended for planting in areas where we don’t want to find bears feeding.
What can you do?
- Avoid planting bear attractant plants next to building entranceways’ beside windows/doors’ near children’s playsets; beside driveways, paths, roads and in other high-use areas.
- Select plants wisely. The online version of the Grow Me Instead resource specifies when non-invasive species are bear smart.
- Familiarize yourself with local bylaws pertaining to managing bear attractants. They are in place to protect the bear and human populations. Learn more about wildlife attractant bylaws on the SLRD’s website.
Go to https://bcinvasives.ca/play-your-part/plantwise/grow-me-instead/ to navigate the Grow Me Instead resource.
Bear attractant plant lists
When creating a planting plan, please refer to the resources below to ensure you are being PlantWise AND Bear Smart.