Invasive Species Alert - Know Your Responsibility
When COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in many parts of the province this past summer, many people started traveling again. Of course, traveling anywhere these days means taking extra precautions to not transmit any unwanted things we may carry. While COVID-19 fits into this category, it also relates to, invasive species.
Most people do not realize that tourism is a major cause of invasive species spread and introduction, especially to remote natural areas. Invasive species can hitch a ride on clothing, footwear, luggage, vehicles, boats and even pets. Costing Canada billions of dollars every year, invasive species are also listed as the second biggest threat to biodiversity, next to habitat loss.
BC is home to more species of living things than any other Canadian province, with over 70 per cent of Canada’s nesting bird and land mammal species and over 60 per cent of its plant species. This diversity makes this province “Super Natural” — but it also means it has the most to lose.
Whether travelling by air, land or boat, unwanted “hitchhikers” may be tagging along. Species like carpet burweed, burdock or thistles can easily cling to clothing, boot soles and tent pads and become established in a new, pristine area.
Enjoy the great outdoors and adopt these simple actions to protect the many native plants, animals and ecosystems that we all depend on:
Brush off all dirt and seeds from your shoes when leaving a trail or natural area.
Shake out your tent before you pack up your camp site.
Brush off any mud or seeds from your bike or ATV tires at the end of a trail.
Clean Drain and Dry your watercraft when moving between water bodies to make sure no unwanted hitchhikers get a free ride to a new lake or stream.