For the most part, removing invasive species by hand is a relatively straightforward process. However, there are a few situations where you should consider the safety of yourself and the ecosystem. Let’s talk about 3 things you should think about before heading out to remove invasives!
1. Be familiar and cautious about the terrain you’re in
Invasives grow in a variety of conditions and locations, including hazardous areas near active traffic, along waterways, in remote areas, or on steep slopes. These areas can be unsafe to reach and pose a safety hazard to you. Please don’t remove invasive species if they are growing in dangerous spots.
Along the same lines, never trespass on private land to remove invasive species. It’s great that you want to help, but only remove invasives when you are on public land or have explicit permission from landowners.
Avoid going to dangerous areas like steep slopes to remove invasive species.
2. Know what species you’re removing
While many invasive species are safe to remove by hand, some invasives can be harmful to humans. For example, Spotted and Diffuse Knapweed cause skin irritation, so it’s important to wear long sleeves and gloves when removing them. Stay informed about the invasives you are removing, and ensure you have proper tools and protection. Check out our plant profiles to learn more.
Some invasives, on the other hand, are extremely dangerous, and their control should be left to professionals. For instance, Giant Hogweed sap is toxic. When it makes contact with human skin and is exposed to sunlight, it causes blistering and painful burns.
If you come across a dangerous invasive plant in the Sea to Sky, please report the sighting to us!
Additionally, manual removal and improper removal of some invasive species can actually increase their spread. For instance, we do not recommend mechanical control options for removing any Knotweed species, as it may accelerate shoot development and cause further spread. Be sure to read the species profile page of the particular species you’re interested in removing to make sure you’re following our removal recommendations.
So, which plants should I remove then?
If you’re wondering what invasives you can remove, the Invader Eliminator kit suggests invasive plants that are safe to remove for each of the Sea to Sky communities.
Removing Diffuse Knapweed can cause skin abrasion, so be sure to wear gloves! (Photo credit: Bryan Kelly-McArthur)
3. Don’t remove invasives in ecologically sensitive areas
Sometimes invasives will grow in ecologically sensitive areas that do not tolerate disturbance.
For example, we generally don’t recommend removing Smallflower Touch-Me-Not or Himalayan Balsam if it’s growing along stream banks, as their removal could leave the banks bare, causing erosion and affecting the stream habitat. Think of it as “First, do no harm”: if removing a patch of invasive plants may negatively affect the ecosystem, then it may be a good idea to consult with a professional first.
If you’re worried about damaging a sensitive ecosystem, it’s best to report the sighting to SSISC. In collaboration with the landowner and other specialists, we’ll evaluate the situation and formulate a safe and feasible course of action, and work with the entity responsible for the land, as needed.
Avoid removing invasive plants in ecologically sensitive areas. (Photo credit: B. Brett)
And lastly, dispose of your plant material appropriately
After you’ve safely removed invasive species from an area, please remember to put the plant material into the garbage if you are in the Sea to Sky region. Do NOT compost invasive plant material.
That’s it!
Stay safe and thank you for helping remove invasive species from the Sea to Sky region. If you come across invasive species that you are unsure how to remove, please report the sightings to SSISC.
Do you have questions about how SSISC manages invasive species in the Sea to Sky?
Visit our Invasive Plant Management page or contact us!