Invasive plants hitchhike on horses

 

In order to restore and preserve the native ecology of the South Chilcotin Mountains it is absolutely necessary to prevent further spreading of invasive plants. These non-native plants grow aggressively because they have been introduced to British Columbia without the limitation role of their native insect predators and plant pathogens. Therefore noxious weed species, like Giant Burdock (Articum lappa), Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense), Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea biebersteinii) can be highly destructive by competing with indigenous species for space. The annual reproduction of these non-native plants is enormous.

 

 

Our Wilderness Stewardship Foundation team went out into the field for an inspection. The result is that there are less signs of intruders in the Provincial Park of the South Chilcotin Mountains/Big Creek. However the noxious weeds are rapidly growing around the park's boarder - especially the Giant Burdock. We could found it all around Tyauhton Lake. Now we have to be very careful because the seeds get introduced in areas where they presently do not occur by transportation. Earth, clothes, equipment and livestock can transport weed seeds and plant propgules. Everything needs to be inspected when moving or transporting it from weed-infested areas to non-infested areas. For example seeds get easily tangled in the horse mane and tails while grazing in the range. Traditionally the trails of the South Chilcotin Mountains are used for recreational horseback rides. The horses would spread the seeds all over the Provincial Park if they don't get pulled out before the trip. 

Everybody can help in minimizing the distribution and protect the local ecosystem. Take responsibility and action by being aware of the issue, collect the seeds and exterminate them.

 

For more information about invasive plants check out our WSF project Invasive Species Control, the Invasive Plant Council of BC and The BC Weed Control Act (RSBC 1996).