Have you ever wondered what happens when you report an invasive species?
At SSISC, we are always encouraging public reports, but what happens after we receive reports? And how do we turn these reports into actual plant removal?
The process from reporting to removal can be lengthy, although we strive to be as efficient as possible to minimize the risk of the plant spreading further.
Depending on the jurisdiction, permissions, and funding, treating an infestation can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years or more.
If you’ve reported a sighting to us, sit tight – we are working to address it as soon as possible.
In this article:
Step 1: Identifying the plant
After receiving a report, the first thing SSISC does is confirm the species ID. Sometimes, we can use photos to verify the plant species, while at other times, we might need to visit the site to confirm the location and species.
Plant priority
While all invasive plant reports are valuable, some plants require more urgent action than others.
For example, orange hawkweed is a common invasive species beyond landscape-level control in the Whistler valley. Our goal is to contain it to the valley bottom and prevent its spread into alpine habitats.
Orange hawkweed (Photo: Dave Steers)
- If a report came in of orange hawkweed growing along Whistler’s Valley Trail, it wouldn’t be practical for SSISC to use its limited resources to remove it, as the Valley Trail isn’t a sensitive habitat.
- However, if a report came in of orange hawkweed growing on top of a nearby mountain, like Rainbow or Cougar Mountain, it would pose a much bigger concern as it could seriously threaten our alpine biodiversity. If this were to happen, SSISC would aim to address it more urgently.
Some high-priority species in our region include giant hogweed, yellow flag iris and knotweeds, among others.
- You can learn more about priority species here.
- Check out Can Orange Hawkweed Invade Alpine Habitats?
Step 2: Updating our maps
The next thing we do is add the report to our map database. This helps us keep track of each species’ distribution. Over time, it also helps us understand whether the species’ population is growing and how its spread is evolving.
This map shows the distribution of Canada thistle throughout the Sea to Sky region. Tracking species distribution helps SSISC monitor infestations and informs how we manage their populations.
Having an up-to-date map of species distribution is incredibly important for SSISC to manage and remove invasives.
Step 3: Getting permission to remove the plant
This step has two parts: determining the jurisdiction where the infestation is located, and contacting the landowner to get permission.
After adding the sighting location to our maps, we can determine the jurisdiction of the land where the species is growing. We work closely with various local governments, including the District of Squamish, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, and often treat invasive plants growing on government land.
If the plant is growing on government land, SSISC can often obtain permission easily due to pre-existing relationships with the governments and our previous work done there.
If the plants are growing on private property, we are sure to reach out to the owner first to inform them of the infestation. Sometimes, we may invite them to remove the plants themselves, or offer our assistance in treatment and removal.
Step 4: Securing funding
Depending on the severity of the infestation, large amounts of time and resources may be needed to treat it. We may seek government funding or charge the landowners a fee for the labour and resources involved.
SSISC hires a seasonal field crew who work from May to August every summer. Their wages are funded through a combination of government grants, wage subsidies, community grants and payment from industry partners.
To see what our field crew has been up to, check out our recent blog post.
Step 5: Removal
Once SSISC has obtained approval and funding, it’s time for removal! Plant removals typically occur during the summer and fall, from May to September.
The field crew uses the most current best practices for control. In most cases, this means using mechanical methods like hand-pulling or digging. In specific situations—and only as a last resort—chemical control may also be used. The landowners have to approve the control methods used before SSISC can begin removing the plants growing on their land.
Step 6: Revisiting the site
Oftentimes, a removal is not complete after just one visit. Invasive plant removal is a continuous effort, and it may take many years to fully eradicate a species from an area.
The field crew will continue to visit the site over the following years to ensure the infestation does not return.
Real Life Examples:
Here are a few real-life examples of how a public report turned into a real-life removal:
Yellow flag iris near Levette Lake:
- SSISC received a public report yellow flag iris growing in Levette Lake in 2020.
- It was surveyed to be about 4m².
- As yellow flag iris is a high-priority species, SSISC promptly removed it in 2020, and returned for more removal in 2021, and 2022.
- By 2023, the plants did not grow back.
Scotch broom at Pinecrest:
- SSISC received a report from a community member about Scotch broom growing in the Pinecrest community, south of Whistler.
- Scotch broom, while common in Squamish and the southern Sea to Sky region, is remains a high-priority species in the northern part of our region.
- In response, SSISC collaborated with the Pinecrest community to gain access to the site, which was previously located behind a locked gate. This site will be visited annually to ensure proper management, with the goal of eradication.
Japanese knotweed at Squamish Elementary
- SSISC received a report from a teacher of Japanese knotweed growing at Squamish Elementary
- SSISC worked with the school board to gain permission and funding to treat the site.
- SSISC first treated the site in 2023, and will return this year for another treatment.
Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) shrub on a residential property in Squamish
We hope that provides some clarity to the reporting process. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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