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It’s never been easier to report invasive plants! The Invasive Plant Council of BC is pleased to announce the establishment of a provincial toll free hotline, 1-888-WEEDSBC, to which callers can report invasive plants and make a difference in their community.
A member of the Invasive Plant Council team will receive calls and answer questions about invasive plants, how to identify specific species, and offer contacts for regional invasive plant committees and local resources.
Use of the provincial hotline is open to all members of the public, and is part of “Eyes Across BC,” an outreach and awareness initiative partnered by the Invasive Plant Council of BC and the Agriculture Environment and Wildlife Fund. Eyes Across BC programs involve reporting invasive plants through the hotline, and training workshops where participants can become informed “spotters” of invasive plants. These programs are FREE! Please call 1-888-WEEDSBC to find out how to get involved in local efforts to stop the spread of invasive plants.
You can also access the Invasive Alien Plant Program Application site at http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/Plants/application.htm or go directly to the Report-a-Weed site at http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/Plants/raw.htm
If you want to contact a local person you can call the Co-Ordianator of the East Kootenay Invasive Plant Council at 1.888.553.5472 or send an email to coordinator@ekipc.com.
Invasive plants are the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss, and can cause damage to the environment, economy and human health. Having been introduced without their natural pests and predators, these unwanted plants can form dense infestations, displacing native species and disrupting natural ecological processes.
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, there are an estimated 485 invasive plant species in Canada, and weeds in crops and pastures alone cost approximately $2.2 billion annually. In BC, farmers and ranchers lose an estimated $50 million in crop revenue each year, and then pay millions more in control measures.
Impacts associated with the introduction and spread of invasive plants are not unique to one industry, organization, or community – all citizens, regions, and industries in BC are affected.
Help your community protect local resources by managing invasive plants. To find out more about invasive plants in your area or to seek alternative plants, visit www.invasiveplantcouncilbc.ca or phone 1-888-WEEDSBC.
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