Welcome to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Invasive Plant Committee, a non-profit group that works in cooperation with organizations, First Nations, governments and industry to  minimize the negative impacts caused by invasive plants.
  

Recent Updates:

  1. The SUMMER newsletter is posted soon on the Updates page
  2. Check out the Resources page for more information on teaching cows to eat weeds.
  3. The Fall Fairs are happening around the Cariboo!  Hope to see you there.

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHING SOON!

Keep checking back for updates!

 
Invasive Plants
orange hawkweed
mountain bluet
 
yellow hawkweed
marsh plume thistle

Invasive plants are non-native plants that have been introduced to BC that have detrimental economic, environmental and health affects on humans, livestock and wildlife. Also known as noxious weeds, or alien species, they are far more aggressive than other common garden or lawn weeds. Economic impacts of invasive plants include reduced forage quality and quantity for cattle ranchers, as many invasive plants are unpalatable to livestock. Invasive plants are the second largest threat to biodiversity in the world, due to their ability to out-compete native plants; this threatens habitat for wildlife as native plants are displaced. Common invasive plants in our region include spotted knapweed, diffuse knapweed, oxeye daisy and orange hawkweed. Recent invaders include field scabious, sulphur cinquefoil and marsh plume thistle.

One of the most significant ways that invasive plants are spread are through human activities. Cars and trucks on the highway, all-terrain vehicles and mountain bikes on trail systems, and industrial activities such as logging and gravel extraction can transport and unknowingly disperse weed seeds to new areas. Many invasive plants are garden ornamentals that escape from gardens and invade natural areas.


Impacts

Invasive species are not native to our region and tend to favour disturbance, grow rapidly, are hard to get rid of and form monocultures, while outcompeting native species.  Because they arrive in Canada without their natural predators to keep them in balance, invasive plants and animals can spread rapidly.  Specific threats include:

  • decreased biodiversity
  • altered water flow and leading to erosion and/or less available water
  • creating and increasing the fire hazard
  • damage to roads and other built structures
  • reduction of crop yield
  • recreational & tourism trails/areas choked by invasive monocultures
  • decreased property values
  • a loss of medicinal plants and cultural practices (loss of wild edibles, loss of habitat for wildlife and fish)

Take Action
 
Invasive plants are everyone’s problem, and need to be everyone’s solution. People are the largest spreader of invasive plants. 

You can make a difference!

Learn to identify local invasive species in your area.
Remove and control invasive species on your property.
Attend local activities like hand-pulling days.
Do not purchase noxious weed seeds from suppliers or catalogues.
Contain creeping plants by growing them in containers.
Don't let invasive plants go to seed, or remove them from your property.
Grow alternative plant species by substituting less aggressive plants for non-native invaders.
Do not use roadside or "wild" plants in flower arrangements if you cannot identify them.
Clean equipment, tools, vehicles and footwear before leaving an area that is infested with invasive plants.
Organize a "weed-free" space, like a local schoolyard or roadway.
Report invasive plants to the CCCIPC at
250-392-1400.