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Action urged to control invasive plants

The B.C. government has declared June as Invasive Species Action Month.

To get British Columbians active in preventing and stopping the spread of harmful invasive species, the B.C. government has declared June as Invasive Species Action Month.

Invasive species threaten the province’s environment, economy and society, including human health.

“Stopping invasive species is possible if we change our behaviours and take action together,” said Gail Wallin, executive director of the Invasive Species Council of B.C.

“Increased prevention, detection and improved management of invasive species can provide significant economic benefits to the province, businesses, industry, and citizens.”

To promote Invasive Species Action Month, a new website has been set up at bcinvasives.ca and the public is encouraged to post to social media using the hashtag #ActionOnInvasivesBC.

The Invasive Species Council of B.C. will highlight specific areas of focus for each week of Invasive Species Action Month.

The first week launches a new campaign, Don’t Let It Loose!, that will educate about the harm of releasing unwanted pets and aquarium plants into the wild.

The second week will focus on PlantWise, educating gardeners and those in agriculture, ranching and horticulture about preventing and stopping the spread of invasive plants in B.C.

The third week is focused on aquatic invasive species, with special campaigns around Clean Drain Dry to encourage boaters to take responsible actions to prevent the spread of invasive mussels and aquatic plants.

The fourth week will focus on outdoor recreation, reaching out to campers and outdoor sports enthusiasts to remind them to Burn it Where you Buy it for firewood and Play Clean Go to remove debris from outdoor equipment to prevent spreading invasive species.

A full calendar is available at bcinvasives.ca