What is an Invasive Species?
Invasive species are plants and animals that are not native to our region and as a result, lack natural predators. Not all non-native species are invasive. For a species to be considered invasive, they would have a negative impact ecologically, socially or economically. Invasive species tend to grow rapidly, out-compete native species, and are challenging to manage, often requiring a dedicated management approach implemented over multiple years.
Invasive Species Management Bylaw
The Invasive Species Management Bylaw requires landowners and occupiers to prevent growth and control the spread of invasive plant species on, to and from their land.
The Bylaw prohibits:
Enforcement
As with all District of Squamish bylaws, the District aims to seek voluntary compliance, which is often achieved through education. Under the Bylaw, the District may deliver a notice informing a property owner/occupier of the presence of invasive species, recommended steps to treat the species, and a reasonable timeline in which they are to comply. In cases of non-compliance, the Bylaw enacts fines (up to $50,000) or enables the District to ensure compliance by performing the works at the land owner’s or occupier’s expense.
Invasive Plant Disposal Protocol
Local municipalities and Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council (SSISC) have developed best practices for the disposal of invasive species throughout the corridor. View the Invasive Plant Disposal Protocol. Please note: Japanese Knotweed is not longer accepted at the Squamish Landfill. The protocol document is currently being updated to reflect this change and will be available shortly.
Invasive species are the second most significant threat to biodiversity after habitat destruction by land clearing, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN 2017). The economic and environmental impacts of invasive species are also significant.
Invasive species grow rapidly, are hard to get rid of, and out-compete native species. Because they arrive in Canada without their natural predators to keep them in balance, invasive plants and animals can spread rapidly. Specific threats include:
Invasive plants and animals spread a variety of ways, including:
The District of Squamish’s highest priority invasive species are Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, and Yellow Flag Iris, all of which are on the BC Weed Control Act’s Noxious Weeds List.
These species grow and spread aggressively, are highly competitive, difficult to control, and can be highly destructive to natural resources, infrastructure, industry, and human health.
Negative impacts:
Currently, there are more than 9 hectares of Japanese Knotweed on municipal land in the District of Squamish (based on 2010 data). Mapping shows that Japanese Knotweed and aforementioned species are spreading, and locations are increasing each year.
The Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council undertakes a control program for Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), in partnership with various landowners including the District of Squamish.
The District of Squamish works closely with the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council, and contributes annually to the organization.
These funds are successfully leveraged by SSISC to obtain additional funding, and used to develop programs that both benefit our community and provide direct support to District of Squamish staff to manage invasive species.
Some of the programs include the Japanese Knotweed Pesticide Control Program, the Invasive-Free Certification Program, Rebate Program for Invasive Plant Control on Private Land, and Community Weed Pulls.
For more information:
Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council website
Japanese Knotweed Treatment Program
Invasive Plants & Soil Permits
The movement of soil that contains invasive plants, roots or seeds may require a Soil Permit. If you are unsure, please contact us by email or 604.815.5012.
Contact us: [email protected], 604.815.5012 or use the online customer service form.
Disclaimer: This content is a summary of the District’s Environmental Bylaws & Guidelines. It is not legal advice and does not provide an interpretation of the law. In the event of any conflict or difference between this webpage and the bylaws or guidelines, the bylaws or guidelines are correct and legal and must be followed.
December 9, 2024 at 6:50 PM
Information regarding ongoing disruptions due to Canada Post strike action
The District is reminding residents of ongoing disruptions as a result of the Canada Post strike action.
December 3, 2024 at 7:32 PM
District seeks community input to shape future parking management in Downtown Squamish and tourism-based locations
The District of Squamish is seeking public input as it develops a plan to manage Downtown and tourism-based parking.