Invasive Scotch broom continues to be an issue in B.C.
Cut broom in bloom: That’s the message the province is preaching right now, as the invasive plant, Scotch broom, tries to take over Vancouver Island.
As some communities push the province to do more about the invasion, experts are explaining that it's easier said than done.
According to Becky Brown, B.C. Ministry of Forest invasive species specialist, the plant has run rampant across the region, inhabiting many areas with at-risk native species.
The plant also creates a risk with dry brush and stems that can quickly catch flame and spread.
The Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities passed a resolution in April calling on the B.C. government to take "actionable steps" to control the spread of introduced Scotch broom across the province, as well as encouraging local governments to address it through bylaws and policies.
Joanne Sales, the executive director of Broom Busters, says thanks to years of coordinated efforts to rein in broom on Gabriola Island, the problem is diminishing, and asks why a similar effort can’t be made in Qualicum.
Brown, however, says the situation is more complicated in the Qualicum area.
"Qualicum Beach, I mean, that’s in the center of some of our oldest Scotch broom populations in the province," she said.
"We’re not going to be able to make the problem go away in a short period of time. The areas outside the south coast, we have a far greater opportunity to prevent impact in those areas than we do right in the centre of our oldest populations," said Brown.
She says it would take more than a century of intense focus on a single highly populated area to make any notable difference.
Once cut down, seeds can continue to live in the soil for 60 years, and can continue to germinate the area.
However, individuals can do their part to help. If you spot a Scotch broom not in bloom, you can pull it out by the root and toss it in the compost bin. It is a little trickier if it has already bloomed. The best chance to limit spread at that point is through burning the plant.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minnesota beats Boston 3-0, wins inaugural Walter Cup as Professional Women's Hockey League champs
Minnesota won the inaugural championship of the Professional Women’s Hockey League on Wednesday night, getting 17 saves from Nicole Hensley to beat Boston 3-0 in a winner-take-all Game 5 and claim the Walter Cup.
Canadians are eyeing moves to these cities for more affordable housing
Faced with elevated housing prices, half of Canadians in the country's largest cities are considering moving to places with more affordable housing.
B.C. mortgage broker ran $270-million Ponzi scheme, then fled Canada, bankruptcy trustee says
The trustee appointed to manage the bankruptcies of a Victoria mortgage company and its owner has concluded that they committed "numerous offences" and operated as a "massive Ponzi scheme."
Oilers rally to beat Stars, tie Western Conference Final
With the Edmonton Oilers down two goals late in the first period of Game 4, Rogers Place was quiet, fans seemingly bewildered at the early, quick scoring of the Dallas Stars and the slow start by the home team. Ryan McLeod's marker with six-and-a-half minutes in the opening frame left changed all that.
McDonald's says US$18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and their prices haven't risen that much
McDonald’s is fighting back against viral tweets and media reports that it says have exaggerated its price increases.
'Targeted again': Montreal police investigate after gunshot fired at Jewish school
Police are investigating another building in Montreal's community was struck by gunfire.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
Poilievre says Canadians 'fleeing' to Nicaragua, Liberals say it shows he 'doesn't have a clue'
Liberal parliamentarians are criticizing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre over a new video in which he promotes the idea that some Canadians are 'fleeing' Canada to live in Nicaragua because they can't afford a house in this country.
'Do not drive': Nissan warns Canadian drivers of explosion risk impacting 48,000 vehicles
Car manufacturer Nissan has issued a do-not-drive warning for some older vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators, due to the risk of explosion during a crash.