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Invasive Species
Invasive Species are the second greatest threat to biodiversity in the World, after habitat loss. In BC, it is estimated that 25% of our endangered species are negatively impacted by invasive species. Without efforts to prevent their spread, invasive plants will generally increase their area an average of 14% annually. This exponential rate means that populations double every five years.
The CVRD has a strategy for invasive plant management including a bylaw, inventory, removal of key species and a public awareness campaign. We need to be extra aware of some plants in our region that are highly toxic: Giant Hogweed, Daphne/Spurge Laurel and Poison Hemlock. Currently, one of these plants, Giant Hogweed, is included in a bylaw because of the high impacts of this plant and the opportunity to test our processes before expanding to additional plants.
The CVRD has a strategy for invasive plant management including a bylaw, inventory, removal of key species and a public awareness campaign. We need to be extra aware of some plants in our region that are highly toxic: Giant Hogweed, Daphne/Spurge Laurel and Poison Hemlock. Currently, one of these plants, Giant Hogweed, is included in a bylaw because of the high impacts of this plant and the opportunity to test our processes before expanding to additional plants.
Be aware. Learn to spot these toxic plants:
Toxic Plant. Do not touch! Giant Hogweed has been identified in our Region. If touched, the plant can cause skin to become severely irritated. There is a bylaw prohibiting the growth of Giant Hogweed in all Electoral Areas of the CVRD to protect communities from the serious health and environmental impacts of this plant.What does Giant Hogweed look like? Size: a large plant, growing up to 4.5–6 m tall. Leaves: deeply incised, stiff hairs on the underside and can exceed 2.5 m in length, Stems: purple blotches on the stalks. Flowers: large white “umbrella-like” flower clusters. Report sightings of Giant Hogweed: Please call the Coastal Invasive Species Committee. Toll-Free: 1-844-298-2532 Disposal
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Photo courtesy of the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver |
For additional information, please visit: |
Poisonous Plant. Do not eat! Daphne/Spurge Laurel is found in roadsides and wooded areas across our region. The berries, seeds and leaves are highly poisonous. If touched the plant can cause skin to become irritated. Management
Disposal
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For more information on Daphne/Spurge Laurel, please visit: Coastal Invasive Species Committee |
Poisonous Plant. Do not eat! Poison Hemlock can be found along streams and ditches in our region. All plant parts are highly poisonous.Management
Disposal
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For more information on this plant, please visit: Coastal Invasive Species Commitee |