Most people with even modest environmental sensibilities would agree that in general, green is good. However, the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council (SSISC) has recently completed research that shows Squamish residents some plants are not as attractive as they may appear.
Founded in June 2009, the council has worked to raise information and awareness about destructive species of plants and animals, exposing the negative impact they can have on local ecosystems.
That research will be presented on Wednesday (April 7) as the SSISC has its annual general meeting from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Howe Sound Inn in Squamish.
"The AGM is open to anyone with an interest in managing invasive plants," says SSISC coordinator Kristina Swerhun. "We invite any person or organization that travels or operates on the land that can prevent the spread of these species."
The council hopes the meeting will bring together 30 to 40 individuals from across the province that are involved in controlling invasive plant and animal populations. Swerhun hopes the gathering will help build the potential of a coordinated management effort between community groups.
"When community groups are working towards a common goal, they need to know that they aren't working alone," Swerhun said.
"It would make sense for all the groups to work together so that they know their neighbours are doing something as well. That way, they won't feel as though their efforts are in vain."
The meeting will highlight the council's accomplishments since its inception. Most recently, SSISC completed a two-month inventory of invasive plants in the Squamish area.
The catalogue was conceived as a means to help landowners, managers and occupiers identify various species that are threatening to humans, animals and local ecosystems.
The Scotch broom plant emits a toxic substance into the soil that prevents other life from growing, while the spurge laurel's berries and leaves are toxic when ingested or touched. Japanese knotweed may concern property owners; the bamboo-like plant is capable of growing directly through infrastructure, lowering land values and damaging structures.
"A lot of the area inventoried is owned by the crown or municipality," Swerhun said. "If we can establish effective invasive species management now before the infestations get worse, it will save a huge number of tax dollars later on control."
Squamish residents Alex Vignola, Dominique Monnier and Sara Rowland were hired under the Invasive Plant Council of B.C.'s (IPCBC) Hot Spots program.
Under direction from the Sea to Sky Council, the team made significant progress in documenting the extent of the invasive threat within the District of Squamish, the Squamish Forest District and provincial parks, as well as transportation and utility corridors.
"IPCBC hired the team and organized the regional councils that oversaw the work being done," says Swerhun.
"Since the board is cross-jurisdictional, we could easily work across multiple areas. It's a great way to understand the full extent of these species' reach."
Based on the success of their research, a second year has been added to the program. Under SSISC's direction, a five-member team will follow up on previous research in the Sea to Sky Corridor, continuing inventory and control work on priority species.
However, as 2010 is the last year that such funding will be available, Swerhun asserts that future research will depend on community involvement.
"We have made presentations to the District of Squamish, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, the Village of Pemberton, and the Squamish Lillooet Regional District," she said. "Where things go from here is largely dependent on their support and interest."
For more information on the council and its work, contact Swerhun at (604) 935-7665, email [email protected] or visit www.ssisc.info
