At Greenways, a lot of our work is tied to invasive species. It is inherent in all of our site maintenance and restoration work, and is also central to many other Greenways projects.
The City of Campbell River has expanded on its efforts to reduce the presence of invasive plant species on City-owned property by contracting Greenways to complete the removal of invasive Himalayan Blackberry from around the Campbell River area, including the foreshore at Ken Forde Park, as well as the riparian area surrounding Trillium Detention Pond.
These contracts are built on the existing contract Greenways has held since 2018, removing invasive Scotch broom from targeted areas. All these contracts involve intensive removals repeated many times to catch regrowth from missed roots or from young plants coming up from seeds. We prevent regrowth by digging out roots of blackberries, pulling small broom plants, and cutting mature broom at the base. This work is completed by our summer crew and regular contractors.
What are invasive species? Invasive species do not naturally occur in a specific area and their introduction has been known to cause economic or environmental harm. Invasive species have the ability to reproduce and spread quickly, which can make them difficult to kill or remove. These species spread rigorously, while often making it difficult for indigenous species to thrive in the same area.
Greenways uses the most recent and accepted literature and practices in removing invasive species. To learn more, visit the Invasive Species Council of BC.
The “Top 5 Invasive Species in and around Campbell River” summarized by Sandra Milligan, President of the Beaver Lodge Trust Society, in a brief video.
SCOTCH BROOM
(Cytisus scoparius)
Greenways has been working on the removal of Scotch broom for over 20 years as part of its mandate to restore critical habitats. In 2018, Greenways partnered with the City and launched the Broom Project to contain its spread within Campbell River. Invasive species like broom thrive in disturbed areas, so removal and restoration work is done in conjunction to manage it long term. As part of the Broom Mapping project, Greenways coordinates these efforts with community group. Together, we prioritize treatment locations and monitor results on a city-wide scale, providing equipment and support as needed. Greenways maps Scotch Broom biennially and treats select sites annually. Removal is prioritized at designated City-owned Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs).
Click here to become a Broombuster and get involved with invasive species removal! Or email info@greenwaystrust.ca.
Scotch Broom forms dense thickets and spreads rapidly in disturbed soils. Broom restricts large mammal movement, out-competes native flora, and poses a wildfire risk. Due to high seed production, the ability to expel seeds large distances, and increased growth when cut, Scotch Broom dominates sites quickly.
For more information on Scotch Broom, click here.
KNOTWEEDS
(Polygonum spp)
The Knotweed Program, which is free for homeowners in the city of Campbell River, was developed in 2014. City staff and Greenways Land Trust have worked in partnership until 2020 to address Knotweed in the community. Physical removal attempts of this invasive plant result in higher growth rates and further spread in infested areas. Currently, the only way to contain and eliminate Knotweed is by controlled herbicide application. Annual treatment of Knotweed occurs in midsummer.
To report Knotweed or join the City’s treatment program:
Email the Coastal Invasive Species Committee at info@coastalisc.com
The main species in Campbell River is Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica). Knotweed destabilizes banks, negatively affects fish habitat, and shades out native flora. It threatens our environmentally sensitive areas, as well as infrastructure in the built environment. Because knotweed has extremely strong, deep root systems, it often grows back larger after attempts to cut it down.
For more information on Knotweeds, click here.
