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.
 

Be aware. Learn to spot these toxic plants: 

  1. Giant Hogweed
  2. Daphne/Spurge Laurel
  3. Poison Hemlock

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
  1. Dispose of all plant parts in 3-4 mil poly (.003 to .004 inch thick). Extra thick bags are required to avoid ripping by cut stems or thorns. 
  2. Label bags ‘Invasive Plants’ and tie off using a gooseneck tie and a zap strap 
  3. Take to one of the CVRD drop off depots: 
    • Bings Creek Recycling Centre 
    • Peerless Road Recycling Centre
    • Meade Creek Recycling Centre
 Giant hogweed - IPCMV
Photo courtesy of the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver

 Giant hogweed - FrValleyRegDistPhoto courtesy of the Fraser Valley Regional District
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