Northwest Invasive Plant Council

Come check us out at events across Northern BC

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:25:30 -0700

Dear NWIPC Members, The NWIPC info booth will be out at various events across northern BC. See the events calendar for an event near you. Maybe you could come out to represent us at an event near you. Get in for free plus a Cool green t-shirt and a hat. Last year's volunteers had a great time. The booth attracts all kinds people and interesting conversations. The potted weeds will be on display. Come and have fun at one of the following events. See attached file for a calendar. Email us to Volunteer.

Events this June and July

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:05:48 -0700

June 12th - 15th: -Seafest - Prince Rupert 14th: -Farmers Market - Terrace 15th: -A Walk in the Garden - Prince George 21st: -Aboriginal Days - Kispiox 27th: -Farmers Market - McBride July 5th: -Farmers Market - Prince George 11th -13th: -Atlin Music Festival - Atlin Volunteer to help and get a free t-shirt and hat.

NWIPC NEWS Volume 8

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:02:39 -0700

Here's the Scoop. Click the link to read it. This pdf is full of interesting and inspiring info on what we do. This issue focuses on gardening: The Passing of the Noxious Torch, weed of the month - Himalayan Blackberry, NWIPC Events in June & July, PG Community Gardens, Be Garden Aware,and Two yards - which one is worse? Enjoy!

NWIPC 2007 Annual Report

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:25:27 -0700

The NWIPC annunal report for 2007 is now available for downloading from our site.

Let the Bugs Do the Work

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:12:50 -0700

The NWIPC is always looking for new and better ways to eliminate invasive plants. One interesting way is bring in a natural predator of the weed to attack and control its growth and spread. This is called "biocontrol". This fall, the Ministry of Forests and Range (MFR) with help from the NWIPC released the weevil Rhinusa antirrhini on Dalmatian and Common toadflax plants at two locations within city of Prince George. The weevil R. antirrhini is one of several biocontrol agents that have been through extensive testing to be sure that it will not attack native plants. Adult weevils feed on the pollen and lower parts of toadflax plants. Female lay eggs in the flowers and the eggs hatch in about two weeks. The emerging larvae feed on the toadflax seeds. After the weevils mature they feed for a short time on the toadflax stems before moving into the soil to overwinter. All this feeding reduces the number of seeds produced and lowers the survival of attacked plants. The two Prince George release sites will be checked in 2008 to see if the weevil survived the winter. The goal is to have the weevil reduce the number of plants and its seed production. The weevil is not expected to get rid of all the toadflax plants, only weaken them. To eradicate all toadflax plants other control methods like hand-pulling or herbicide application would have to be used.

Interview with Becky Brown on the Corrections Crew Field Days

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:15:07 -0700

Corrections Crews are made up of inmates participating in the treatment of invasive plants. Heading this BC government initiative is Becky Brown, Invasive Plant Coordinator for the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. This is the first year such a large-scale program has been done, involving 6 different facilities. Now nearing the end of this year's corrections program, we interviewed Becky about her experiences. NWIPC: How is the corrections program organized? Brown: Each facility consults its region's stakeholders, and a program is developed to suit their capabilities. We try and help fill in the gaps by complementing existing invasive plant programs. NWIPC: Who can work on the crews? Brown: An inmate that has the will to work and is a low risk to himself or others. NWIPC: what tools do the crews use? Brown: We keep it to a minimum: shovels and hand tools, and occasionally a brush saw for thick infestations. NWIPC: Is there any training? Brown: Yes, we educate them about the invasive plants and how to prevent their spread. We hope to certify the crew member so they have an employable skill when they leave jail. NWIPC: What preventative measures are taken to stop the spread of seeds? Brown: Before a crew leaves the site, they clean all tools, and wipe down clothes and vehicles. We are especially careful around rivers to limit spread downstream. NWIPC: What are the main benefits of this program? Brown: Access to lots of manpower gets infestations under control; the inmates get employable experience. NWIPC: How do the inmates feel about it? Brown: They are happy to get skills and training, and they enjoy the outdoor work. Crews know they are benefiting society and get a sense of accomplishment when they see an infestation all treated. NWIPC: What do you see for the future of this program? Brown: Three additional years of funding that will prove that this is a beneficial and effective investment. Better coordination between facilities will get even more sites treated. NWIPC: Thanks to Becky and all the crews for your hard work and initiative. We hope that the crews' work will lead them to an appreciation of the beauty of our province and the desire to protect it from invasive plants. Brown: Thanks to all regional stakeholders, especially the regional weed committees, for their support in developing and implementing this year's program.

Interview with MOT's Ryan Spillett

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 16:14:01 -0700

The NWIPC would not be as effective without our partners. They give us the funds, the knowledge, and the support we need to continue our work. The agencies extend awareness within their organizations and the general public. Without them our projects, people, pamphlets, publicity, and pride would be very poor. We interviewed Ryan Spillett, Ministry of Transportation's (MOT) Environmental services tech, about how our great partnership works. NWIPC: What are some of the benefits of this partnership? Spillett: It opened the doors for more co-operation between agencies. We have become familiar with each other's responsibilities, and realize that we are all working towards the same goals. NWIPC: What are some factors that affect the invasive plants on roadways? Spillett: Weeds are ideal growers in any disturbed sites, including roads. Also there is lots of movement that provides opportunities for the spread of seeds. NWIPC: How do you pool your resources? Spillett: We are pooling manpower, funds, and knowledge along with other council members. During the two yearly meetings we pool our thoughts. Broad knowledge makes us better equipped to make some big decisions in the fight against invasive plants. I would like to thank all the members of the NWIPC.

Community Weed Pull: The Glenannan Weed Warriors

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 16:15:47 -0700

The NWIPC's first Community Weed Pull event was held July 13th on Telegraph Rd. in Fort Fraser. Ten participants from the Glenannan Community Association of Francois Lake braved the extreme heat (33°;!) to pull Field scabious in an herbicide sensitive area. The pull site was a roadway and forest next to an infested field (NWIPC will treat this season) which is completely covered with Field scabious. The event started with a short invasive plant identification and management talk. The volunteers pulled for about two hours under the guidance of the NWIPC coordinators and Vanderhoof IPMA contractor Mathew Harder and his crew. The whole event lasted about 2.5 hours and resulted in about 1 km of area cleared. Prizes were awarded for the largest weed (approximately 6 ft tall!), the largest root, the most species of invasive plants found and the most flower heads collected. The Glenannan Community Association received a $250 honorarium on behalf of the NWIPC.