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Best Management Practices

Best Management Practices photo

Invasive species are plants and animals that have been introduced to an area without the predators and pathogens from their native habitats that would help keep them in check. They can threaten property and recreational values, infrastructure, agriculture, public health and safety, as well as the ecological health and diversity of our natural environment.

Technical Guides for Practitioners

Invasive species are often difficult to control. The Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver works with the Metro Vancouver Regional District and many experts across the region to develop locally tested and science-based best practices for practitioners (e.g., municipal staff, contractors, landscapers, developers, stewardship groups and others) to manage a growing list of invasive species. These species-specific guides provide the best local information on identification, tracking, management, disposal and restoration.

 

Other resources for practitioners 

 

Online Course

This free one-hour introductory course is intended to improve awareness, detection and control of invasive species in our region. By completing this course, you will learn about what makes a species ‘invasive’; impacts, vectors of spread and management practices; key species to look out for in the Metro Vancouver region; relevant policies and regulations; and how to prevent and report invasive species. This course provides a great introduction or refresher for anyone who works on invasive species in Metro Vancouver. It is often used by agencies onboarding or training staff.

 

Regional Brochure

This regional brochure contains basic information on invasive species and highlights 12 priority plant species in the Metro Vancouver region relevant for the public, gardeners and homeowners.

 

Factsheets for Residents

The following 2-page fact sheets provide information about impacts, identification, prevention, control, and ways you can help to stop the spread of several invasive species of concern in the Metro Vancouver region. There is a factsheet for each of the best management practices above. If you are a resident looking to dispose of invasive plants or soil containing invasive species, be aware that some facilities may not accept the material due to risk of further spread. DO NOT put invasive plants in your backyard composter as the temperature will not get hot enough to destroy these plants and their seeds. Contact your municipality directly for disposal advice.