Northwest Invasive Plant Council

Do You Have a Knotweed Problem?

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:40:02 -0800

If you have a knotweed problem check out the presentation (link below) put together by Mike Cheney on saltwater and light-suppression techniques for knotweed control. Follow Mike's battle with knotweed on Haida Gwaii over several repeated treatments and through years.

First Nations Partnerships in Invasive Plant Managment

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:23:47 -0800

Take a look at how the Gixtsan are "Weeding out the Invaders" as part of their invasive plant management program. Check out the presentation given by NWIPC First Nations Coordinator Merci Hillis, and NWIPC Director Bob Drinkwater at the international Weeds Across Boarders Conference in Banff Alberta, May 28, 2008 by selecting the link below.

NEW - Multi-Agency Pest Management Plan

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:39:32 -0800

The current Pest Management Plans (PMPs) that NWIPC contractors operate under are about to expire. The Ministry of Forests and Range is spear-heading the development of a government PMP that will cover both the Northwest and Northeast. Download our press release for a summary on the process. Go to the Invasive Alien Plant Program web site and look for *DRAFT - UNDER DEVELOPMENT* to read the draft plan.

NWIPC 2008 Annual Report

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:16:47 -0800

Details of 2008 accomplishments and financial summary. Thanks to all the partners, members, volunteers, directors and contractors for making 2008 so successful! Please pass report on to others concerned with invasive plant issues in our area. Comments welcome!

2008 Photo Contest Winners

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:01:37 -0800

Congratulations to our three winners of the 2008 Photo Contest! Stacey Barker, 1st prize for her excellent picture demonstrating the amazing size of Giant hogweed. Marc Schuffert, runner-up for highlighting the seemly innocent nature of Himalayan balsam. Julianne Leekie, runner-up for capturing the close-up details of Spotted knapweed. Thank you everyone who sent in pictures! The judges said the decisions were not easy. To view all entries please select the text link below.

Let the Bugs Do the Work

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:12:50 -0800

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 -0800

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 -0800

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 -0800

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.