Invasive Species in - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Invasive Species in

British Columbia: Introduction

An Online Course for BC Parks Staff, Volunteers and ContractorsSlide2

Welcome!

Course Goal: provide an introduction to invasive species in BC, explore their impacts, highlight key species for BC Parks regions, and learn how to report invasive species.  Audience:BC Parks staff, volunteers & contractors Important eyes “on-the-ground” preventing detecting, and reporting invasive speciesKnow

the landscape, can detect invasive species before they spread - Visitors in parks are vectors of invasive species spread

- Parks

can be sites for illegal dumping of yard waste, unwanted

petsSlide3

Course Objectives

Provide general information on invasive species and their characteristics Highlight impacts of invasive species with emphasis on Parks Examine their main entry pathways Focus on specific invasive species for BC Parks regions Emphasize prevention, regulations and reporting toolsSlide4

Course Procedure

This course contains information, definitions, photos and regional lists of invasive species in BC The course should take about an hour to complete, and you can move between the slides at your own speedThere are questions throughout the material to help assess your progress, and several options to test your learning at the end of the course, including classroom discussions (if applicable) and an online survey. Thank you for your interest in invasive species prevention!Slide5

Section 1: Invasive Species: An Overview

This section of the course outlines some general background on invasive species:Definitions – what is native, non-native and invasiveGeneral information on invasive species Key characteristics

– the features that make a species invasive

M.

Haffke

Orange HawkweedSlide6

1.1 What is a Native Species?

A native species is one that naturally occurs in an area:a plant that has lived and evolved in a certain place for a long time, is part of the natural

ecosystem are adapted to local conditions, co-evolved with other species, predators, diseases, & climate factors

Kinnickinnick

, a native ground cover plant.

N.BakkerSlide7

Question:

What are some other terms that are similar to “invasive species”?

Butterfly Bush

J.

Leekie

Daphne

D. HannaSlide8

Non-Native

Alien

Introduced

Exotic

WeedsSlide9

1.2 What Are Alien or Non-Native Species?

Animals and plants from other parts of the world that do not naturally occur in an area, and were likely brought by humans, either accidentally or intentionally. Also known as "non-native", “introduced” and "exotic" Not evolved as part of the native ecosystem; no natural predators or diseases to keep them in balance

DandelionJ.

LeekieSlide10

Non Native but Non-Invasive Species

Not all alien species are invasive: many ornamental plants won’t survive outside of gardenstomatoes and wheat are beneficial food resourcesbrown trout and ring-necked pheasant from Eurasia are prized by anglers and huntersHowever, others, such as the Asian long-horned beetle and the gypsy moth, have destroyed countless hectares of

forestBrown Trout

Wikipedia

Ring

-necked

Pheasant

WikipediaSlide11

1.3 What is an Invasive Species?

Invasive species are non-native species that cause social, economic and/or environmental harm, and can spread rapidly to new areas, and: move into a habitat and completely out-compete native vegetation: no predators and diseases to keep them under control often grow faster (earlier in the spring) and aggressively

N. Page

Himalayan KnotweedSlide12

1.3 What is an Invasive Species?

E.g. Leafy spurge contains a latex sap that causes blisters to livestock, humans and wildlifeE.g. Knotweeds grow very rapidly along bodies of water, shade out other plants reduce access for recreational activities, cause erosion and replace essential native vegetation in riparian areasKnotweed

Leafy Spurge

R. Mueller

L. ScottSlide13

Invasive Species are Diverse

There is a wide range of invasive species, including plants, insects, fish, mammals and birds in BC:Insects (e.g. Asian Gypsy Moth, European Fire Ant) Fish (e.g. Small-mouth Bass and Yellow Perch)

European Fire AntS. Buaer

Yellow Perch

WikipediaSlide14

Invasive Species are Diverse

Amphibians (E.g. American Bullfrog) Mammals (E.g. Eastern Grey Squirrel; Nutria)Birds (E.g. Starlings)

American Bullfrog

S. Price

Starling

Wikipedia

WikipediaSlide15

Activity

Please define these terms generally and give one example of:Native SpeciesAlien or Introduced SpeciesInvasive Species

BC ParksSlide16

DEFINE

THESE TERMSNative SpeciesAlien or Introduced Species

Invasive SpeciesSlide17

For Review

Some Definitions:Native Species: One that has evolved naturally in an area, with no human interventionAlien or Introduced Species: Does not occur naturally in an area; usually brought by humans either on purpose or by accident

L. BeattieCommon Tansy removalSlide18

For Review

Some Definitions:Invasive Species: a species that disrupts an ecosystem due to the lack of natural controls such as predators and diseases Noxious Weeds: a plant species that has been identified in the BC Weed Control Act and is labeled as dangerous to crops, animals, natural habitats and/or humans. For humans, usually they are non-native plants that grow rapidly and cause injury through contact or

ingestionField Scabious

J.

LeekieSlide19

Activity

Try to determine if the following species are:Native / Non-Native, Non-Invasive / InvasiveClick through slides for the answer!Slide20
Slide21

Lupine

NativeSlide22
Slide23

Flowering Cherry Tree

Non-Native, Non-InvasiveSlide24
Slide25

Mule Deer

NativeSlide26
Slide27

Scotch Broom

INVASIVESlide28
Slide29

Labrador Tea

NativeSlide30
Slide31

Smallmouth Bass

INVASIVESlide32
Slide33

Day Lily

Non-Native, Non-InvasiveSlide34
Slide35

Yellow Flag Iris

INVASIVESlide36

1.4 Some Characteristics of Invasive Species

There are four main distinguishing features of invasive plants:prolific seed producers their seeds spread easilythey establish quickly they lack natural

predators

E. Coombs

Scotch BroomSlide37

1. Can be prolific seed producers/ reproducers:

Some weeds produce thousands of seeds per plant:E.g. Purple loosestrife can produce over 300, 000 seeds/yrE.g. Gorse seeds have a hard coat and can persist in the soil for 25 to 40 years E.g. Zebra mussels can produce up to 1 million eggs a year.

Purple Loosestrife

L. HaugenSlide38

2. Seeds spread easily and effectively

Hounds-tongue has burrs: hooked seeds become attached to animals, vehicles and clothingDiffuse knapweed produces 18,000 seeds a year and forms tumbleweeds Leafy spurge seeds float and remain viable for years

L. ScottHounds-Tongue burrs on hiking bootsSlide39

3. Can quickly establish and thrive on disturbed, open ground, spreading and displacing native plants;

Some plants release toxins in the soil that prevent other plants from growing: Eg. Spotted knapweed (toxin - catechin) Roots or other plant pieces can sprout new shoots:e.g. Tansy ragwort and Dalmation

toadflax will sprout from roots, root pieces and crown buds

B. Stewart

Spotted KnapweedSlide40

4. Usually lack natural pathogens or predators:

Don’t have predators or diseases here that control populations in their countries of origin. E.g. Purple loosestrife has over 120 species of insects that prey on it in its natural habitat. In BC we have bio-control on Purple loosestrife and it has established wellE.g. Sulphur cinquefoil and orange hawkweed are not palatable, so not grazed by livestock or wildlife and spread widely, displacing other forage

plants

B. Stewart

Sulphur

CinquefoilSlide41

Detection

In a park setting, look for monoculture, or a lot of one species of plant in an area;often these are invasive species that have spread and displaced the native plants, reducing the biodiversity of an areaJapanese Knotweed

T. HeutteSlide42

Question

Follow the links below to photos and description of a widespread invasive plant and its seeds.http://www.bcinvasives.ca/invasive-species/invasive-plants/hounds-tonguehttp://www.weedsbc.ca/weed_desc/hounds.html

Describe how each of the four main characteristics of invasive species show up in this selected species, and allow it to spread and thrive.

Hound’s Tongue

L. Scott

prolific

seed producers / reproducers

seeds

spread easily and effectively

can

quickly establish and thrive on disturbed open

ground

, spreading and displacing native species

usually

lack natural pathogens or

predatorsSlide43

CHARACTERISTICS

DESCRIBE HOW THIS APPLIESProlific seed producers / reproducersSeeds spread easily and effectively

Can quickly establish and thrive on disturbed open ground, spreading and displacing native species

Usually lack natural pathogens or predatorsSlide44

Invasive Species Impacts

Invasive plant infestations can:disrupt natural ecosystem processesalter soil chemistry, preventing the regrowth of native plants and economic cropsaffect wildlife habitat and reduce forage availabilityi

ncrease soil erosionpoison livestock and wildlifeincrease the risk of wildfires

i

nterfere

with

forest regeneration

c

ause

allergic reactions

and severe skin abrasions and burnsSlide45

Section 2. Invasive Species Impacts

In this section, we will highlight the rationale for why invasive species are such a problem for BC, and the importance of identifying, monitoring and managing them.Slide46

2.1 Economic Impacts

Agriculture and RanchingInvasive plants cause serious problems. They reduce crop quality by: replacing target cropstainting crops with spines, toxic plants and inedible foragesome such as tansy ragwort and hound’s tongue can poison livestock

Burdock burrs on livestock

L. ScottSlide47

2.1 Economic Impacts

Additional costs can include: treating animals who ingest toxic plants or have burs or spines in their bodies invasive species such as starlings that consume cropsa reduction in land

values; e.g. Knotweeds, European fire antJapanese knotweed grows through fence from

neighbouring

property.

C&FSlide48

Question

:How much money do you think BC loses each year in forage and crop losses due to invasive plants? a) $1 million b) $20

million c) $35 million d) $50 million

e

) $75 million

Field

Scabious

NWIPC

ANSWER:

Estimates indicate that up to $50 million is lost in BC every year, due to crop and forage

lossesSlide49

Economic Impacts: Forestry

Invasive plants impact forest regeneration activities: invade a disturbed area quickly, limiting natural regeneration out-compete tree seedlings in reforestation areas make reforestation an expensive challenge Some invasive plants (e.g. gorse on Vancouver Island) are very flammable - pose a major fire hazard

English Ivy

D. MoorheadSlide50

Economic Impacts: Transportation

The Ministry of Transportation invests $1.3 Million each year on invasive plant control! Additional costs include:cutting back invasive plants to re-establish sightlines condemning gravel pits infested with invasive plants

repairing roads from knotweed damage: roots can grow up to 20m from the parent plant—growing underneath a highway to become established on the other side!

Japanese knotweed

CABISlide51

Question

What are some ways that roads and transportation corridors contribute to the spread of invasive plants? a) Plants spread and thrive on disturbed ground along roadsidesb) Vehicles transport seeds and plants along corridorsc) Wind blows and spreads seeds down roadway corridorsd) People and animals travel on roadways, spreading seeds and plant material

e) Vehicle movement blows seeds and plant materials

f) A

ll

of the above

Alex Fraser Research Forest

Oxeye Daisy

f)

ALL OF THE ABOVESlide52

Question

How much do you think it costs Canada as a whole in lost revenue each year, due to invasive species? $1 billion $5 billion $10 billion $20 billion $35 billion

ANSWER: Very hard to

calculate—according

to Environment Canada, the estimated annual lost revenue caused by just 16 invasive species is between $13 and $35 billion

dollarsSlide53

2.2 Environmental Impacts

Invasive species have many serious, far-reaching environmental impactsAn estimated 16% of endangered plants in Canada are in competition with invasive species

L. Scott

Diffuse KnapweedSlide54

2.2 Environmental Impacts

Invasive plants reduce biodiversity: out-compete native plants for water, nutrients, and space and can alter soil chemical composition so that native species are unable to grow there alter habitats and displace wildlife disrupt ecosystems: when plants change, food webs changenon-native, invasive grasses have been linked to altered grass-fire cycles worldwide

Spotted knapweed in Glacier National Park eliminated seven rare and uncommon plant species in 3 years.Slide55

Reduce Water Quality

Invasive species can reduce water quality through increasing soil erosion, sedimentation, shading of riparian areas, and degrading fish habitat. E.g. Didymo or “Rock Snot” is a fresh water diatom found in over 12 watersheds throughout Vancouver Island, and in the Bulkley, South Thompson, Kettle, Columbia and Kootenay Rivers forms massive blooms destroying habitat for fish, plants and invertebrates, reducing oxygen in the water, altering food webs

J.

Leekie

DidymoSlide56

Question

Name five main environmental impacts that invasive species can have on a region.

L. Wilson

Yellow HawkweedSlide57

Environmental Impacts

1. 2.

3. 4.

5.

Reduce biodiversity of a region

Impact landscapes

Disrupt ecosystems

Destroy wildlife habitats

Reduce water qualitySlide58

2.3 Social Impacts

Invasive plants can impact human health and safety:obstruct sightlines and road signs along highway corridorscause skin burns and dermatitisincrease allergies E.g. leaves and stems of Giant hogweed, an escaped ornamental, contain toxic sap that can cause hypersensitivity to sunlight, resulting in burns, blisters, and scarring

CIPC

Giant HogweedSlide59

Recreation Impacts

Invasive species limit habitat, displace fish and wildlife and reduce water quality. E.g. Eurasian watermilfoil displaces native plants and makes water bodies unsuitable for fish or for swimming May cause partial park closures if deemed necessary

Eurasian WatermilfoilSlide60

Recreation Impacts

Park trails and camp sites expensive to maintain due to toxic or prickly invasive plants. E.g. the seeds of Puncturevine, found in the Okanagan, can puncture bike tires and hurt animals and peoplePuncturevine

L. ScottSlide61

First Nations Culture

Many First Nations have suffered the loss of traditional food and medicinal plants, due to invasive plants displacing native species.

Invasive plant removal onTobacco Plains Reserve

E.

Armagost

Kispiox

Community Weed Pull

M.

HillisSlide62

Changing Conditions: Climate Change

Climate change does and will continue to play a role in invasive species establishment and spread. Warmer weather allows species that live further south to migrate and populate BC environments: E.g. NutriaChanging environmental conditions allow invasive species to flourish in certain areas, such as disturbed or degraded areas, as well as more sensitive environmentsSome native species can become invasive due to changing climatic conditions: E.g. The mountain pine beetle is native but its wide spread invasion was partly brought on by warmer winters, allowing populations to grow rather than die off during very cold

temperatures

Mountain Pine Beetle

Nutria

Judy Millar

Judy Millar

WikipediaSlide63

Changing Conditions: Climate Change

Top 10 invasive species for consideration under climate change:Plants:1.      Yellow starthistle Centaurea solstitalis2.      Kudzu Pueraria montana3.      Medusahead

grass Taeniatherum caput-medusae4.      Puncturevine

Tribulus

terrestis

5.      Giant Hogweed

Heracleum

mategazzianum

6.      Parrot feather

Myriophyllum

aquaticum

Animals

:

7.       Nutria

Myocastor

coypus

8.       Yellow perch

Perca

flavescens

9.       Smallmouth bass

Micropterus

salmoides

10.    Signal crayfish

Pacifastacus

leniusculusSlide64

Section 3. Invasive Species Introductions: How Do They Get Here?

In this section, we outline some of the main pathways of entry of invasive species, to provide a basis for where and how to look for them, and prevent their entry and spread. Invasive plants are introduced to Canada and BC in many ways – and people usually have a role to playSome species are brought in on purpose (e.g. as ornamentals or pets) while some are brought in by accident (e.g. through crop and seed contaminants) Slide65

Question

List as many ways you can think of that invasive species could enter BC: include both plant and animal species.

Diffuse Knapweed on truck flap

Eurasian

watermilfoil

on boat motor

L. Scott

OFAHSlide66

Invasive Species enter BC thru:

Travel and trade RecreationGardening and agricultureShipping/CanalsWater, wind, soilEscapeesPets Intentional releasesSlide67

Increased travel and trade (land, air, water)

. People are moving around the globe more than ever, and invasive species hitch rides on vehicles, containers, baggage3.1 Key Pathways of Invasion/Spread

Ministry of Transportation Slide68

Recreation. Plants

and animals hitch rides on boats, pets, car and bike tires and bumpers, wildlife, all-terrain vehicles, hiking boots, camping and fishing gear Keep an eye on campsites and trails for plants and seeds spread by park visitors3.1 Key Pathways of Invasion / Spread

Treated burdock at public campground

J.

LeekieSlide69

3.1 Key Pathways of Invasion / Spread

Gardening & Agriculture - Cultivated plants escape from gardens and farms to wetlands, grasslands, and roadsides. Purple loosestrife was sold at garden centres for its lovely purple flowers, but has now spread across Canada and covers millions of hectares. Some seed mixes are also contaminated with invasive plant seeds.

Utah State University

Purple Loosestrife in gardenSlide70

Shipping & Canals

Shipping. A major source of water-based invasive species is ballast water that ships take on for stability and later dump into harbours worldwide. Species that have come to Canada this way are the zebra mussel, round goby, and spiny water flea. Other plants and animals arrive as stowaways, hidden in cargo on ships, trains, trucks, and planes.

CBS News

NYIS

Zebra Mussels

Round GobySlide71

Shipping & Canals

Canals. Artificial waterways have allowed the sea lamprey, an eel-like fish from the Atlantic Ocean, to cross natural barriers and invade the Great Lakes

Wikipedia

Sea LampreySlide72

Water, Wind and Soil

Natural processes spread seeds, plants and other species around. Many invasive plants have seeds well-adapted to being blown long distances.

Milk Thistle going to seed

J.

Samanek

J.

Samanek

Milk Thistle in bloomSlide73

Escapees

The American Bullfrog, native to eastern North America, was introduced to BC in the early 20th century by people wanting to farm them for their meaty legs Fallow deer escaped from game farms and are now established on several Gulf Islands

American Bullfrog

R.

Ottens

Fallow deerSlide74

Pets / Intentional Releases

Pets. The release of unwanted aquarium pets introduced red-eared slider turtles, European wall lizards, rabbits and many fish species into the wild. Parks tend to be favourite drop-off sites.

Wikipedia

Red-eared Slider Turtle

Wikipedia

European Wall LizardSlide75

Pets / Intentional Releases

Intentional releases. European starlings and house sparrows let loose in New York City's Central Park in the 19th century now blanket the Western Hemisphere

Wikipedia

House SparrowSlide76

Section 4. Management and Legislation around Invasive Species

4.1 Prevention: EDRR!Prevention is by far the most efficient approach to invasive species management: don’t let them in!BC Government has instituted an Early Detection Rapid Response plan: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/invasive-species/edrr.htmSlide77

Section 4. Management and Legislation around Invasive Species

4.1 Prevention: EDRR!EDRR: Early Detection of newly arrived invasive species, followed by a well-coordinated Rapid Response, will increase the chances of eradicating or containing themis the most cost-effective means of controlling expansion of invasive species Activities guided by the BC Invasive Plant EDRR PlanSlide78

4.2 Coordination is Key - The IMISWG

In BC, an Inter-ministry Invasive Species Working Group (IMISWG) was formed to take a strategic approach to the management of invasive species Forests

, Lands and Natural Resource OperationsEnvironmentBC Parks

Agriculture

Transportation

Energy and Mines

Community, Sport and Cultural Development

Oil and Gas Commission

Includes members from Ministries

of: Slide79

4.2 Coordination is Key - The IMISWG

Associated Membership:Ministry of Aboriginal Relations & Reconciliation Ministry of Environment– Environmental Management Branch Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations – Forest Health Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General Agricultural Land Commission Ministry of Health  Note: Legislation and past management plans on IMISWG website

Inter-ministry Invasive Species Working Grouphttp://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/invasive-species/index.htmSlide80

4.3 Regulations for BC Parks Staff to Know

Parks can be prime sites for invasive species introductions, through visitors, recreational activities, and dumping of unwanted pets, yard and garden waste. Know where to look for species that are prohibited in BC:The Controlled Alien Species Regulation, under the Wildlife Act: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlifeactreview/cas/species.html

The Weed Control Act:http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_96487_01

The

BC Proposed Prohibited Noxious Weeds

- invasive

plant species that are not present in BC (or only extremely limited in extent), and pose a significant

threat.

http

://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/invasive-species/prohibited.htmSlide81

Section 5. Invasive Species in Your Region

Question: List some invasive species you know about that are present in BC (list at least 5). Do you know of specific invasive species that are affecting your BC Parks region?

1.2.3.

4.

5.Slide82

5.1 Invasive Plants – Main Provincial Invaders

The main invasive plants that are currently a management concern across BC are as follows: Giant hogweed (Heracleum mategazzianum) Knotweeds (Japanese, Giant, Bohemian, Himalayan - Fallopia japonica; F. sp

.) Blueweed (Echium vulgare) Knapweeds (Spotted, Diffuse, other -

Centaurea

sp

)

.

Leafy

spurge (

Euphorbia

esula

)

Marsh plume

thistle (

Cirsium

palustre

)

Common

tansy (

Tanacetum

vulgare

)

Ministry of Agriculture

BlueweedSlide83

5.1 Invasive Plants – Main Provincial Invaders

The main invasive plants that are currently a management concern across BC are as follows: Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica) Sulphur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) Daisy

(oxeye, scentless chamomile – Chrysanthemum leaucanthemem)

Hawkweeds (orange

and

yellow

–

Hieraclum

aurantiacum

)

Purple

loosestrife (

Lythrum

salicaria

)

Eurasian

watermilfoil

(

Myriophyllum

spicatum

)

Yellow flag

iris (

Iris

pseudacorus

)

Himalayan balsam

/Policeman’s helmet

(

Impatiens

glandulifera

)

Didymo

/rock snot (a

diatom

–

Didymosphenia

geminate)

L. Scott

Oxeye DaisySlide84

5.2 Spotlight: The Top Invasive Plants in your Region!

BC Parks are categorized under five regions:Northern Region South Coast (Lower Mainland)West Coast (Vancouver Island/ North Coast)Cariboo/ThompsonKootenay/Okanagan Slide85

Regions

For the purpose of investigating invasive species, there is a lot of overlap; therefore the 5 regions have been combined into three general areas: NorthernCoastal - South Coast and West Coast Interior - Cariboo/Thompson and Kootenay/Okanagan

J.

Leekie

Marsh Plume ThistleSlide86

Northern Region: “The Dirty Dozen”

Common tansy Tanacetum vulgareDalmation toadflax Linaria dalmaticaDiffuse knapweed Centaurea diffusaField scabious

Knautia arvensisHoary alyssum Berteroa incanaLeafy spurge Euphorbia

esula

Marsh plume thistle

Cirsium

palustre

Orange hawkweed

Hieraclum

aurantiacum

Oxeye daisy

Chrysanthemum

leaucanthemem

Scentless chamomile

Matricaria

perforata

Merat

Spotted knapweed

Centaurea

maculosa

Yellow hawkweed

Hieracium

caespitosumSlide87

Coastal - South Coast and West Coast “The Dirty Dozen”

Giant hogweed Heracleum mategazzianumKnotweed species (all) Fallopia japonica; sp. Daphne laurel Daphne laureolaOrange and Yellow hawkweeds Hieraclum

aurantiacum; H. caespitosumEnglish ivy (any ivy species) Hedera helixLamium

Lamium

album

Thistles (Canada and Bull)

Cirsium

arvense

Blueweed

Echium

vulgare

St. John's

Wort

Hypericum

perforatum

Blackberry species

(

Himalayan and Cut leaf

)

Rubus

discolor;

Rubus

laciniatus

Purple Loosestrife

Lythrum

salicaria

Yellow Flag Iris

Iris

pseudacorus

Slide88

Interior: Cariboo/Thompson & Kootenay/Okanagan

“The Dirty Dozen”Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicariaDiffuse & spotted knapweed Centaurea diffusa, C. maculosaRush skeletonweed

(EDRR species) Chondrilla junceaCommon bugloss (EDRR species)

Anchusa

officinalis

Puncturevine

Tribulus

terrestis

Longspine

sandbur

Cenchrus

longispinus

Leafy spurge

Euphorbia

esula

Yellow flag iris

Iris

pseudacorus

Tansy ragwort

Senecia

jacobea

Hoary alyssum

Berteroa

incana

Orange hawkweed

Hieraclum

aurantiacum

Dalmatian toadflax

Linaria

dalmaticaSlide89

5.3 Invasive Animals – Main Provincial Invaders

Here are a few other invasive species to be aware of. Read about the species that are of concern in your region: Bass: smallmouth, largemouth (South, West Coast, Interior) Micropterus salmoides, M. dolomieu Zebra and Quagga mussels (not in BC but moving west from Manitoba)

Dreissena polymorpha, D. bugensisAsian clam (not in BC but in the US) - Corbicula

fluminea

European and Argentine fire ant

(West Coast and South Coast) -

Solenopsis

sp

.

Eastern grey squirrel

(South Coast, Thompson /Okanagan

) -

Sciurus

carolinensis

American

bullfrog

(

West Coast, Okanagan, South Coast)

-

Rana

catesbeiana

Nutria

(

South Coast

– Richmond) -

Myocastor

coypus

Slide90

Other Invasive Species of Concern:

Zebra and Quagga Mussels – a province wide alert! (Dreissena polymorpha, D. bugensis) We do not want these in BC !! cost millions of dollars through clogging pipes, waterways, and hydroelectric equipment

have spread west from Ontario to Lake Winnipegwater-based recreation a major way they can enter BC, attached to boats, equipment http://www.bcinvasives.ca/invasive-species/invasive-organisms/zebra-and-quagga-mussels

c

heck

out

the ISCBC ‘

Clean, Drain, Dry’

P

rogram

for information on

prevention:

http

://www.bcinvasives.ca/special-events/clean-drain-

dry

 Slide91

Other Invasive Species of Concern:

European Fire Ants – South and West Coast (Solenopsis sp.)came to North America from Eurasia in the early 1900’sspread across several provinces, including BC nests difficult to spot, very hard to eradicate

armed with a ‘fire’ like sting, will attack aggressively if disrupted http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/invasive-species/fire_ants.htm

R.

Ottens

European Fire AntSlide92

Other Invasive Species of Concern:

Asian Clam - a province-wide alert: Okanagan Alert (Corbicula fluminea)These clams have spread throughout the USA, and are present in waterways throughout Washington State Similar to zebra mussels, they reproduce in large colonies that clog waterways and pipes. Find out more at the National Invasive Species Council websitehttp://www.invasivespecies.gov

http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/index.shtml

Wikipedia

Asian ClamSlide93

Other Invasive Species of Concern:

Eastern Grey Squirrels – Thompson / Okanagan (Sciurus carolinensis)small number released in Stanley Park in 1909spread to Lower Mainland, Okanagan, Vancouver Islandoutcompete native squirrels and birds; eat eggs and nestlingshttp://www.bcinvasives.ca/invasive-species/invasive-organisms/eastern-grey-squirrel

Wikipedia

Eastern Grey SquirrelSlide94

Other Invasive Species of Concern:

Bullfrogs – Okanagan, South and West Coast (Rana catesbeiana) biggest frog in N Americabullfrog farms promoted in BC after World War II, but were not profitable; frogs released into the wildprey on and outcompete native frogs, other amphibians, fish, small mammalscarry diseasesRead more - The Bullfrog Projecthttp://web.uvic.ca/bullfrogs

/

Wikipedia

BullfrogSlide95

Other Invasive Species of Concern:

Nutria – South CoastMyocastor coypusLarge, semi-aquatic rodent native to S. America; prolific breederNow found in Lower MainlandOvergraze wetland plants, destroying marshlands, cause erosionBurrowing damages river and stream banks and dykes, canals http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/efauna/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Myocastor%20coypus

Wikipedia

NutriaSlide96

Invasive Plants threaten BC Parks

Check out the Invasive Plant Threat Analysis Report done in 2010, that covers all BC Parks and Protected Areas:http://www.fvrd.bc.ca/InsidetheFVRD/MeetingsAgendasMinutes/AirQualityandEnvironmentManagement/Archived%20Agendas/0%2005%2004%20EC%20Environment%20Committee/item%206.1%20Invasive%20Plant%20Analysis.pdfSlide97

Question:

How could invasive species infestations affect the BC Parks in your region, economically, environmentally and socially?  Please list two points under each category:Economic impacts / Environmental impacts / Social impacts

Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park

Judy MillarSlide98

Potential Impacts to BC Parks:

Economic 1.2.

Environmental1.2.

Social

1.

2.Slide99

Section 6. “What Can I Do To Help?” Actions: Prevent, Record and Report!

Prevention is the best tool against the introduction and spread of invasive species. Being “on the lookout” for invasive species in BC Parks will help to decrease likelihood that new invasive species will become established, and increase likelihood of eradication if they do show upImportant to be able to:Identify and report invasive species, understand how to prevent their spread, and how to help control and eradicate the ones that are already establishedSlide100

Question

List some actions you can take to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants in BC Parks.Woss Lake Provincial Park

BC ParksSlide101

Actions to take to Prevent the

Spread:1.2.3.4.5.

6.Slide102

6.1 Some Actions to Take

Learn as much as you can about native and invasive plants and animalsStaff, contractors and volunteers to check and clean equipment, vehicles, recreational gear, boots, clothes for seeds/plant pieces Never transport non-native species such as fish bait or plants from one site to anotherNever allow transportation of firewood from one region to anotherSpot and report invasive plants – learn to recognize and identify invasive species, report them to your regional invasive species committee or ISCBCMaintain Healthy Plant Communities – restoring and maintaining Park ecosystem health will increase resilience against invasive

plant invasionsSlide103

6.1 Some Actions to Take

Minimize and re-vegetate soil disturbance – manage park operations and maintenance activities to maintain desirable vegetation and minimize soil disturbanceReseed/re-vegetate – with regionally appropriate, non-invasive, non-persistent seed mixtures or plants. Check the seed certificate analysis to ensure no prohibited species are in the mixture and use native species wherever possible. See BC Parks Seeding GuidelineMinimize horticultural escapes

– grow regionally native plants or those known to be non-invasive; dispose of garden waste appropriatelyMinimize spread – control invasive plants PRIOR TO flowering or seed development; use only clean soil and gravel in any construction workSlide104

6. 2 How to Report an Invasive Species

SightingInvasive species tend to show up in areas that BC Parks staff frequent, like hiking trails, campgrounds, day use areas, shoreline areas, along roadsides and in ditches.If you see a plant species that looks ‘out of place’, or a creature you don’t recognize and have concerns about,

PLEASE REPORT IT! You can report the sightings by phone or online

Burdock

R. MuellerSlide105

Report Invasive Species

Report-A-Weed Website and Mobile APP (download from website) The BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations operates the Report-A-Weed website and phone app http://www.reportaweedbc.caContact your local weed committee or regional district:

Check ISCBC’s website listing for a contact or call 1-888-933-3722http://www.bcinvasives.ca/general/regional-

committees

IAPP

Invasive Alien Plant Program Application:

Database

for invasive plants in

BC

http

://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/plants/

application.htm

RAPP Line

- Report

sightings of invasive mussels to the Report all Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline

: 1

-877-952-

7277

Phone

ISCBC Toll-free: 1-888-933-3722Slide106

What to Collect to Report an Invader:

When you report a sighting of a suspected invasive plant or animal species, be sure to include:a photo if possiblethe location as specifically as possible (e.g. coordinates are ideal) the datethe name of the suspected species a description of the species and the

location site, and the area of infestation (m2) if known in the course package there is an

Information

Sheet on

How

to Collect

a

Plant Sample

: Review this

information Slide107

Invasive Species – Useful Links

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operationshttp://www.for.gov.bc.ca/HRA/Plants/ Inter-Ministry Invasive Species Working Grouphttp://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/invasive-species/index.htm

Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC): TIPS Sheets on 16 invasive plants: Targeted Invasive Plant Solutions http://www.bcinvasive species.ca/resources/outreach-materials

/invasive

-plants-

tips

Activities TIPS

- focus on the best management practices for specific activities: e.g.

check the Forestry

, Aquatics: Water-Based Recreation and Highways operations TIPS sheets for applicable information to Parks operations.

http://www.bcinvasive species.ca/resources/activities-

tips

E

Flora

- An

online encyclopedia of native and invasive plants of BC

http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/eflora/

Royal BC Museum: Aliens Among Us

– 47 alien species profiles

http://alienspecies.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/eng/content/

home

Invasive Alien Plant Program (IAPP)

: A

web-based database that stores information on comprehensive invasive plant data in

BC.

http

://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/plants/

application.htm

 Slide108

Summary

You now have some additional tools to help identify invasive plants and other speciesYour Participant’s Package contains additional information and resources. See the following page for some helpful online links

Hoary Alyssum in field

BC ParksSlide109

Thank

You for Your Participation, and for your interest and commitment to preventing the spread of invasive species in BC!

Field Crew

Judy Millar