The Grand Forks valley is quickly greening after a long winter but not all the green is necessarily good. Aggressive, non-native species of weeds lurk throughout the valley causing endless problems. Impacts such as the destruction of habitat for wildlife and birds, soil erosion and reduction of crop production are a few of the impacts caused by these invasive plants.
Hoary alyssum runs rampant through our whole valley, along with many other species of plants, and more are being identified each year.
When planning your hanging basket, flower bed or garden, select plants wisely. Non-invasive exotics should be selected. Deadhead continuously through the growing season, properly dispose of yard and garden waste.
Use wildflower mixes with caution as many containers are not properly labelled and may contain invasive species. Garden ponds can also be a risk of infestation. Yellow flag iris and purple loosestrife are already causing problems in the lakes in the area.
Invasive plants spread quickly. They stick to the tires of vehicles and bicycles while people drive the highways and byways of the valley. A pattern of this has been recorded by the Boundary Weed Program.
Seeds can get caught in clothing, ATVs, farm equipment, wind, water, animals, bringing in hay from other areas to name a few. Seeds that are not properly cleaned can be another source.
There are many things that can help reduce the spread of plants. Check clothing, equipment and pets when near a site of infestation. Remove the seeds and properly dispose of them. Avoid driving in an infested area, as seeds have been known to be spread for up to 11 km.
Obtain topsoil, manure and gravel from clean sources. Check hay and straw before purchase.
Biological suppression, which are natural predators that feed on a particular invasive plant, have been successful in the control of Hounds tongue, Dalmation toadflax, Diffuse knapweed to name a few. Work is being done to find something that will work on hoary alyssum.
You can request release of insects for your property by contacting the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) at 1-800-355-7352.
A more aggressive method of control is herbicides, which need to be used carefully. The ideal time to apply the spray is when the plant is green and actively growing and the flower is just ready to come into full bloom. Once they are dry and stressed from drought, the application will not be as successful.
The site should ideally be seeded with a crop or lawn after treatment.
It may take up to three years of treatment to completely rid an area of the Hoary alyssum.
The RDKB has an assistance program to assist homeowners with invasive plants. The landfill will accept, free of charge, double-bagged plants after you pull them.
The spray equipment loan program has equipment for loan. Backpacks, three-point hitch sprayers and skid mounts for ATVs are available.
A New Invaders Program will treat up to two hectares of herbicide control for priority species plant without charge to the landowner. Also, a cost share program in RDKB Areas D and E will cover 50 per cent of the cost of herbicide treatment by a contractor for up to two hectares for a more widespread invasive plant species.
For more information on these programs contact RDKB 1-800-355-7352.
I have been tossing about the idea of reinstating the former local weed committee in RDKB Area D. This group could work on the various methods of controlling weeds, education, and management.
The inclusion of predator birds, such as starlings could also be considered. If you think you would be interested in being part of this group contact me at 250-442-3817.
– Irene Perepolkin is Area D director for the RDKB.