POWELL RIVER, B.C. – The month of May has been designated Invasive Species Action Month across British Columbia, and Powell River is a part of the action.
Invasive species in the region include vegetation like Japanese Knotweed, English Holly, Periwinkle and Scotch broom.
READ MORE: Time to bust some broom
According to the Powell River Regional District, invasive plants reduce biodiversity, alter ecosystem functions, and reduce property value.
“What we are trying to do is make people aware of what invasive species are out there and what they can do with them, how to dispose of them and how to treat them,” said Regan Keil, Parks and Properties Supervisor with the Regional District.
Residents are invited to drop-off any invasive plants at the old incinerator site on Marine Avenue on Saturday, May 26 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
The old incinerator site is located right across from Willingdon Beach.
“Any type of invasive species. We’re looking for (scotch) broom, knotweed, stuff like that,” Keil said.
Depending on how many items are dropped off, the Regional District will use its Burn Boss machine.
“The Burn Boss is an air curtain burner, so it uses air to prevent stuff from flying out of the enclosed container,” Keil explained.
“It burns at a high temperature so it kills any seeds that are left behind.”
The RD held its first drop-off of the month on May 12, but there were not enough items dropped off to warrant the use of the Burn Boss.
In January 2017, the RD’s Board of Directors adopted an Invasive Plant Management Strategy. The strategy established a framework for eradicating invasive plants.
For more details on the efforts to combat invasive species, Keil said residents could call the Regional District at (604) 487-1380 or visit the RD’s website.
