WHY THE FUSS ABOUT INVASIVE PLANTS?

By Bob Brett

The increase in movement of goods and people up and down the Sea to Sky Corridor equates to increased transportation of species from foreign ecosystems into Whistler’s native habitats. When an introduced species, a plant or animal non-native to Whistler, embeds itself in our community, it can quickly flourish and impact native plants, landscapes or aquatic habitat, resulting in negative economic, social and environmental impacts.  Invasive plant species tend to do especially well in disturbed environments, and with all the development occurring throughout Whistler and the Sea to Sky Corridor, this further clarifies the need for citizens to ban together to preserve Whistler’s natural ecosystems.

Biologists believe that invasive species are a major cause of global species extinction.

"We've been tracking invasive species for five years and have found them everywhere," says Bob Brett, the biologist coordinating the Whistler Biodiversity Project. "The invasive plants are most visible, especially in disturbed areas, and we've found over 100 species so far. We've found invasive butterflies, snails, slugs, birds, mammals, and even lichens and mushrooms. Our biggest worry is that these new species will replace Whistler's native plants and animals."

Alien Invasives: Not Wanted Dead or Alive



 Ecologists around the world have now put price tags on invasive species, something that Whistler has recently started to do as well. Patrick Reid, Chair of the Fraser Basin Council reported that “Annual economic losses from invasive plants in BC cost forest and mining companies, ranchers, farmers, utilities, government and the general public tens of millions – and perhaps even hundreds of millions – of dollars each year in lost productivity. We must fight back and defeat these alien invaders. The cost of doing nothing is just too great.”

Fortunately for Whistler, we have an understanding of the current issue. However if we lose sight of this and don’t take measure to control and eradicate these alien predators, the current situation will grow exponentially. “Currently the RMOW spends just shy of $10,000 a year managing the spread of invasive species, and left unchecked, in 10 years from now, this number could reach the hundreds of thousands if you also calculate the damage to ecosystems, recreation and tourism industries, and health and safety management” says Nicolette Richer, RMOW Environmental Coordinator. We only need to look to other communities like those on Vancouver Island or the Sunshine Coast to see the havoc that invasive plants have posed within those areas.

What You Can Do to Stop the Invasion



According to Brett, "Whistler residents can help by gardening only with native plants or plants like daffodils and tulips that don't spread. What I'm especially worried about are plants that have the potential to move into natural habitats like forests and riversides. Four species to avoid include yellow lamium (aka yellow archangel), yellow loosestrife, foxglove, and periwinkle."

In addition to what Brett mentions, Whistler residents can also do the following:



• Learn to recognize invasive species



• Remove invasive plant seeds & parts from equipment, vehicles, pets, and clothing



• Manage invasive plants on your property



• Share this information with friends, colleagues & neighbors



• Adopt an area and set up a neighborhood watch group to control invasive plants



• Educate children about invasive species



• Report sightings to Whistler’s Biodiversity Website (whistlerbiodiversity.ca)

*Whistler is especially interested in sightings of Japanese and Giant Knotweed and Scotch broom

"One piece of good news on the invasives front is that we've just formed a corridor-wide group to tackle the problem: the Sea-to-Sky Invasive Species Council. This summer we'll be starting our first regional inventory and implement a control strategy on broom and knotweed" says Brett.