What are Invasive Species?
Invasive species are non-native species that can cause major ecological, economic, and environmental harm. They often outcompete native species, alter habitats, introduce diseases, and disrupt local ecosystems. Invasive species can spread through human activity such as trade, travel, and landscaping. Noxious weeds are non-native, invasive plants listed under the BC Weed Control Act Regulations.
These species:
- Outcompete native plants and crops
- Thrive in disturbed environments
- Spread rapidly via seeds or root fragments
- Lack natural predators in our region
They grow aggressively in areas like:
- Roadsides, trails, railways
- Grasslands, wetlands, and parks
- Home gardens—beware of wildflower seed mixes that may contain invasive seeds
Make Note: Not all invasive plants are classified as noxious weeds. Some weeds are classified as provincial noxious or just within certain regional districts of British Columbia, with certain species classified as noxious within the boundaries of the Regional District of North Okanagan.
How RDNO and ISCBC Work Together
The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) and the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) collaborate to prevent and control invasive species. Their activities include early detection, community education, and joint management with stakeholders such as government agencies, local groups, and residents.
What You Need to Know
The Weed Control Act of BC imposes a duty on occupiers of land to control noxious weeds, but without wide-spread cooperation and a commitment by individuals to address the problem, the efforts of weed programs can have limited success.
Please do your part by learning more about invasive plants and get actively involved, for the sake of our environment and economy. Together, we can make a difference!