Photo: Orange Hawkweed (Source: www.dpi.vic.gov.au)
Invasive Plant Contractor: Dennis Meier
Invasive Plant Control 2009 Annual Report
Peace River Regional District Invasive Plant Control 2009/2010 Contract Description 1 Under the direction of the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) a contract was undertaken to control invasive plants. Invasive Plant Control Contractor, Dennis Meier, combined educational initiatives geared toward enhancing public awareness of invasive plants with weed control enforcement strategies to achieve the following tasks between the period of May 2009 through April 2010: ♦ Handle complaints from the public with appropriate follow-up ♦ Provide information to the media ♦ Present information to the School System ♦ Attend, where feasible, trade fairs or agricultural conferences/meetings ♦ Arrange a seminar for contractors and individuals ♦ Coordinate between the public and the appropriate ministries or agencies who have responsibility for weed control ♦ Maintain a data base of problem area properties for ongoing attention, especially addressing the issue where absentee landlords are not responding to the program ♦ Host one-day annual weed identification workshop for contractor employees.
Invasive Plant Control Contractor: Biography
Dennis Meier brings over 45 years of personal and professional knowledge of the challenges and opportunities in the Peace River Region. Dennis has over 10 years of professional experience with Invasive Plant Control Programs locally, regionally and provincially and participates regularly in the following Annual General Meetings: (i) North American Weed Management association (NAWMA); (ii) BC Grain Producers; and (iii) Peace River Forage Association. He is the local coordinator for the NEIPC Pooled Funding Pine Pass Project and has also been the coordinator for the Peace River Area Farm and Ranch Safety and Health Association (FARSHA). Dennis’s ongoing commitment to ensuring sustainable agricultural and ranching opportunities throughout the Peace River is evidenced by his own investment as owner/operator.
1 References: See Appendix A for overview of the PRRD’s Duty to Control Noxious Weeds; See Appendix B for Weed Control Act
Invasive Plant Control Program 2009 Annual Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. OVERVIEW ...... 1 II. ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION ...... 2 A. Administration and Coordination ...... 2 B. Data Management ...... 2 C. Common Invasive Plants in the Peace River Regional District...... 3 III. 2009 Annual Report Highlights...... 5 A. Yellow and Orange Hawkweeds Coming to the Peace River Regional District .... 5 B. BC Hydro Site C ...... 5 C. Wild Caraway on Alaska Highway...... 5 D. Use of Milestone Herbicide near Water...... 5 E. Biological Control – Bioagents...... 6 IV. EDUCATION AND AWARENESS ...... 7 A. 2009 Summary of Trade and Agricultural Fairs, Conference and Meetings...... 7 B. Public Awareness/Educational Initiatives...... 9 C. Special Projects...... 11 V. ON-THE -GROUND TREATMENTS ...... 12 A. New Invader Program...... 12 B. Targeted Dumps of the PRRD ...... 12 C. Summary of Select Sites and Treatment/Control...... 13 VI. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT ...... 18 VII. OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES ...... 19 A. Opportunities...... 19 B. Challenges...... 19 C Concerns Regarding the Spread of Invasive Plants in the PRRD...... 19 VIII. 2009 ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 22 A. Education and Awareness...... 22 B. Training and Accredited programs ...... 23 C. Biological Control...... 23 D. Working Together...... 23 E. Oil, Gas and Pipeline Companies ...... 23 F. Organic Producers...... 24 G. Landowner Responsibility ...... 24 H. Reward Responsible Landowners...... 25 I. Legislation and Regulation ...... 25 APPENDICES ...... i Appendix A: PRRD Duty to Control Noxious Weeds...... ii Appendix B: Weed Control Act...... vii Appendix C: NEIPC 2009 Plan and Profile April 2009 ...... xv Appendix D: Education and Outreach Plan December 2009...... xvi Appendix E: 2009 Pine Pass IPMA Summary ...... xvii Appendix F: 2009 PRRD Pest Management Program Report...... xviii Appendix G: Consultation Draft – Environmental Protection and Management Regulation (November 2009) ...... xix Invasive Plant Control Program 2009 Annual Report
I. OVERVIEW The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) Invasive Plant Control Program (IPCP) promotes the management of invasive plants in the Peace River area primarily through education and awareness activities. Under the direction of the General Manager of Environmental Services for the PRRD Office, the Invasive Plant Control Contractor is responsible for the deliverables as identified in the PRRD Invasive Plant Control Contract. Much of the strategic planning implemented is in collaboration with local, regional, provincial and federal key stakeholders. The 2009 IPCP Annual Report provides an overview of the Invasive Plant Control Program and Contractor activities as well as a summary of emerging concerns and recommendations. In 2009 we celebrate the ongoing collaborative efforts to manage invasive plants regionally and provincially. Education and awareness activities continue to span a variety of venues. Examples include presentations to various committees and agencies, participation in local, provincial and federal councils and agencies, attendance at local community events and the provision of training and information workshops to key stakeholders. On-the-ground treatments this year continue to include Dumps of the PRRD, Crown Lands, and select sites such as Refineries, Gravel Pits, Cities, Oil and Gas etc., as well as Landowners. Significant challenges are still present. Emerging concerns that are noteworthy include. the use of Canola screenings for oil clean up, expanding pipelines, the presence of invasive plants near water, the spread of Orange and Yellow Hawkweed, and the presence of Dalmatian Toadflax along the banks of the Pine and Peace Rivers. Each year, a diverse set of recommendations is presented regarding the control of invasive plants. These recommendations provide a high level overview of recommended actions that would strengthen the control of noxious weeds throughout the Peace River Regional District. In 2009, the emphasis continues to be accountability.
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II. ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION
A. Administration and Coordination The PRRD Invasive Plant Control Program is administered by the PRRD District Office. Under the direction of the General Manager of Environmental Services, the Invasive Plant Control Contractor is responsible for the deliverables as identified in the PRRD Invasive Weed Plant Control Contract. The Contractor combines educational initiatives geared toward enhancing public awareness of invasive plants with weed control enforcement strategies locally, provincially and federally to achieve a sustainable Invasive Plant Control Program for the PRRD. The following diagram provides a high level overview of the invasive plant treatment/control relationships in place. This diagram does NOT include a summary of the education and awareness activities nor the project coordination responsibilities that are also provided as part of the Weed program.
Diagram: PRRD Invasive Plant Control Program enforcement/management relationships
PRRD Invasive Plant Contractor
General Provincial M.O.F & Weed Representative: New Invader Spray Spraying Range Inspection Local, Program Regional, Prov Contractors Highways & Community & National Gravel Pits Pastures committees
PRRD Lands, Oil & Gas Private Municipalities Railways M.O.F & Range Dumpsites & Properties Towns Community Transfer Cities Pastures Stations School Districts
B. Data Management All PRRD sites investigated and/or monitored this year continues the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to track treated sites and to flag sites for follow-up in 2010. This data is submitted to the Invasive Alien Plant Program for storage in their database.
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C. Common Invasive Plants in the Peace River Regional District In alignment with the NEIPC Plan and Profile, the Peace River Regional District recognizes three categories of invasive plants: (1) Prohibited Invasive Plants, (2) Primary Invasive Plants, and (3) Secondary Invasive Plants. Categorizing invasive plants helps in allocating resources and determining control methods. Some invasive plants are relatively new to the region (e.g., spotted knapweed) whereas others have been in the region for quite awhile (e.g., Canada thistle). The following table summarizes the three invasive plant categories for North East BC.
Prohibited Primary Invasive Secondary Invasive Plants Invasive Plants Plants Secondary invasive plants can spread easily but Prohibited invasive Primary invasive plants the requirement to contain them is usually site plants are highly have the ability to spread specific. Invasive plants under successful competitive with an rapidly but are not as biological control and native plants that behave ability to spread rapidly. aggressive as prohibited in a weedy like fashion may be included in this invasive plants category. • hawkweeds, orange and • blueweed • bladder campion yellow • buckwheat, tartary • bluebur, western • hounds tongue • burdocks • buckwheat, wild • goat grass • Canada thistle • bull thistle • knapweeds • wild caraway • chickweed, mouse eared • knotweed • chamomile, scentless • chicory • leafy spurge and cypress • cockle or campion, white • cleavers spurge • hoary cress • curled dock and sheep sorrel • marsh plume thistle • green foxtail • dragon head, American • scabious, field or blue • pepper weed • goat’s beard or oyster plant buttons • plumeless thistle • flixweed • rush skeleton weed • kochia • foxtail barley • tansy, common • loosestrife • groundsel, common • velvetleaf • mustard, wild • hawksbeard, narrowleaf • night flowering catchfly • hemp nettle • oxeye daisy • lambs-quarters • Russian thistle • mallow • sow thistles • mullein • tansy ragwort • mustard, dog • toadflax, dalmation and • mustards common • nodding thistle • pineapple weed • prickly lettuce • quackgrass • smartweed • St. Johns Wort • stinkweed • stork’s bill • spurry, corn • tarweed • water hemlock • wild oats • wormwood or absinthium • yarrow
In April 2009, the NEIPC proposed a matrix assessment based on categories for invasive plants and site priorities to define various levels for invasive plant programs. The following table summarizes the purpose or intent of the priority ranking. See Appendix C for NEIPC 2009 Plan and Profile April 2009.
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Priority Purpose or Intent
1 Extremely High To stop the spread of invasive plants threatening currently Opportunity for uninfested, highly susceptible areas. These sites are less than or Control equal to .25ha. and there is a good expectation of control. This priority also includes sites that are threatening a large neighboring economic base, for example, seed and other high value crops.
2 High To stop the enlargement of sites in highly susceptible areas. These Opportunity for sites are less than or equal to 0.5ha. Must have a reasonably good Control expectation of control.
3 Moderate To stop the enlargement of sites that are greater than or equal to Opportunity for 0.5ha in highly susceptible areas, or less than or equal to 0.5ha in Control moderately susceptible areas.
4 Low To stop the enlargement/contain sites greater than 5.0 ha. Opportunity for Control Source: NEIPC 2009 Plan and Profile. Appendix C.
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III. 2009 Annual Report Highlights
A. Yellow and Orange Hawkweeds Coming to the Peace River Regional District The Redwillow pipeline is still in the planning stage. The extension is to begin south of Tumbler Ridge 150km to an existing pipeline in Alberta (30km south of Beaverlodge). The environmental studies appear to be thorough and identified some concerns, including invasive species that are proposed for mitigation during the proposed construction stage in BC (approx km 0 to 100) and Alberta (km 100 to 150). Specifically, orange hawkweed. This species has already been noted along the existing pipeline in Alberta (50km east of the BC Border and 30km south of Beaverlodge) as well as a few plants on the slope of the Murray River. The analogy most often referred when reviewing the situation before us, is the plight of a sandcastle facing the arrival of the incoming tide. This information was considered by the Invasive Plant Council of BC as part of the Strategic Planning for 2009. Consequently, the Ministry of Forestry and Range implemented invasive plant control activities in the Murray Drainage area south of Kinuseo Falls/Red Willow areas. Training opportunities focusing primarily on identification of yellow and orange hawkweed were provided to the Oil and Gas Plant contractors in the area south of Dawson Creek. This area will be closely monitored in 2010.
B. BC Hydro Site C In 2009 BC Hydro hired a contractor to pick all invasive plants on BC Hydro properties with a target effort on diffused Knapweed. Plant identification training sessions were provided to working crews. In 2010, a contract was again committed for invasive plant control; however, activity was significantly reduced relative to previous years.
C. Wild Caraway on Alaska Highway Wild Caraway reports confirmed along the Alaska Highway and select sites monitored over the past four years. Most sites were mowed late September. Monitoring in 2009 indicates that this method of control was not notably effective in changing the spread of Wild Caraway. Mile 83 North is maintained by the Federal Government and although they provided some funding to this project, the mowing of ditches in 2009 does not appear to be a sufficient intervention. Follow up and monitoring will continue in 2010.
D. Use of Milestone Herbicide near Water A breakthrough with BC Environment is allowing the use of Milestone within the Pesticide Free Zone (PFZ) with special permission. A committee struck in 2009, including BC Ministry of Environment, to work on the use of Milestone in the PFZ suggested that permission would be granted as early as 2010. To date, permission has not
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E. Biological Control – Bioagents The presence of Dalmatian Toadflax along the Peace River, extremely difficult terrain to access, has prompted an increased interest in the application of biological control of invasive plants in the PRRD. Biological control agents – bioagents – are natural organisms (usually insects, nematodes, fungi, or virus) that can be used to reduce weed population. It is best suited to large, dense infestations where management strategies are neither cost-effective nor environmentally desirable. In BC, biological control began as early as the 1950s on St. Johns Wort, which infested thousands of hectares, especially in the Kootenay Region. This plant, as well as nodding thistle, is now regarded as being under control by biological agents. For more information on Bio-control in British Columbia refer to the Bio-control Development Program website http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/biocontrol/index.htm . In 2010 the Ministry of Agriculture allowed release of bioagents on scentless chamomile in select areas.
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IV. EDUCATION AND AWARENESS The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) Invasive Plant Control Program (IPCP) promotes the management of invasive plants in the Peace River area primarily through education and awareness activities. These activities include presentation to various committees and agencies, participation in local, provincial and federal councils and agencies, attendance at local community events and the provision of training and information workshops to key stakeholders. Additional education and awareness initiatives include targeted projects, media and school relations, tarping/poster/newsletter campaigns and ongoing public interaction. The following section provides a high level overview of many of the education and awareness initiatives and activities undertaken by the Invasive Plant Control Contractor for 2009.
A. 2009 Summary of Trade and Agricultural Fairs, Conference and Meetings
Event Description Grain Producer Annual Annual event; Invasive Plant Contractor attended networking Meeting event. (Fort St John, January 2009) Annual Meeting of the Annual event; Invasive Plant Contractor attended. Invasive Plant Council of BC (Richmond, January 2009 British Columbia BCIPC hosted a Field Tour for Coordinators throughout BC. Invasive Plant Council The intent was to raise awareness of invasive plants that are (BCIPC) Field Tour becoming more readily evident toward Northern BC. (Prince George BC, June 2009) Ministry of Forest Trainer provided IAPP training sessions Invasive Alien Plant for contractors and PRRD staff at the PRRD Office in Program (IAPP): Dawson Creek. Topics covered include: strategic and Training Session integrated approaches to invasive plant management, an (Dawson Creek BC, May introduction to IAPP Application, field exercise such as 2009) identification of invasive plants and data collection.
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Event Description Advisor to the Invasive Plant Control Contractor attended AG Advisory Agricultural Advisory Board meeting to provide an overview of the Forestry Seed Board Weeds in Seed mixes. Specifically, to promote a more appropriate mix for (Dawson Creek BC, use in the Oil and Gas industry. August 2009) Pine Pass Pooled Fund Spring and Fall Steering Committee Meetings held to review Project; Steering achievements to date and to discuss future steps for the Pine Committee Meeting Pass Project. Recommendations were submitted to the (Chetwynd BC, May NEIPC for consideration during their Annual Fall meeting. 2009; Dawson Creek, November 2009) North East Invasive Annual Spring and Fall meetings. Minutes available upon Plant Council (NEIPC) request. (Dawson Creek BC, April 2009 and December 2009) Integrated Vegetation Attendance to be determined. Management Association (IVMA): Adapting to Change Conference (Richmond BC, January 2010) BC Invasive Plant Annual meeting to review and discuss pooled funding Council opportunities. (Richmond BC, January 2010) Fort Nelson Invasive Annual Fall meeting. Minutes available upon request. Plant Council (FNIPC) (Fort Nelson, Fall 2009) Annual event: The Invasive Plant Control Contractor Fall Fairs circulated brochures, posters, and miscellaneous information • Dawson Creek Fall during the Fall Fair Days. He was also available throughout Fair the day to provide consultation and discussions regarding • North Pine Fall Fair invasive plants and invasive plant ratification techniques available.
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Event Description Annual events: In partnership with Bob Drinkwater Weed Identification (Ministry of Forest & Range), Invasive Plant Identification Workshops Project Coordinator, the Invasive Plant Control Contractor • Saulteau First co-hosted a number of separate sessions. The sessions are Nations • designed to provide a course/review of invasive plants in the Coal Industry PRRD, and included on-site interactive invasive plant (Chetwynd) identification activities.
B. Public Awareness/Educational Initiatives Invasive plants are controlled, not eradicated. Increasing general public awareness that a single application of an herbicide does not necessarily eradicate invasive plants but merely controls seed growth seasonally is essential to ensuring that control of invasive plants in PRRD is maintained. Single dose application controls the production of seed but the plant generally lives. No matter the method of invasive plant control, the control of invasive plants is an ongoing process and should be an integral aspect of operational considerations with any business. The PRRD Invasive Plant Contractor serves to assist in long-term planning for invasive plant control and is often the advocate and messenger for effective and efficient means of control the spread of invasive plants. This message is communicated through a number of means such as serving as an information resource and through pro-active advertising/campaigns. Poster Program: Scentless Chamomile, Oxeye Daisy and Hawkweeds The Poster Program is a campaign initiative implemented in Alberta that the PRRD IP Contractor deemed effective and applicable to the North and South peace regions of BC. In 2009, distribution of posters identifying Scentless Chamomile, Oxeye Daisy and Hawkweeds continued with primary focus on areas frequented by rural residents (e.g., fall fair days, farmer’s markets, and elevators) as well as throughout the Pine Pass as part of the Pine Pass project. The poster campaign also includes the “ Twelve Most Wanted ” which is a pictorial identification of the 12 unwanted weeds in the peace Region. Carbineers Invasive Plant Carbineers are informational tabs easily carried on a key chain, belt loop, ATVs etc. These small tabs provide photo identification and brief descriptions of invasive plants in the PRRD. Distribution is targeted primarily at the recreational, outdoor enthusiasts. Oil and Gas, Industry contractors are also included. Contact information is provided and people are asked to report any sign of invasive plants in their travels. Pamphlets received spring 2009, were widely distributed to key stakeholders and the general public and upon request.
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In 2009, focus continued on the eleven invasive plants to look for in the Peace using the Carbineer Program. Tarping Campaign The Invasive Plant Control Contractor continued to build on the ongoing campaign to reduce the spread of invasive plants during grain transport to and from grain elevators and seed plants by encouraging farmers to tarp their loads. Posters highlighting the spread of invasive plants due to the failure to tarp both full and empty trucks were designed and distributed in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. The Invasive Plant Control Contractor discussed the importance of tarping loads to minimize the spread of invasive plants in the Peace River area with farmers and operators at local grain elevators. This initiative continued to be strongly supported in Dawson Creek and grain elevators again noted a marked increase in tarping. In Fort St. John, posters were displayed at Agricore, Cargill, the Seed Plant, and weigh scales – they also noted an increase in tarping habits. Newsletter Distribution The Invasive Plant Council (IPC) of British Columbia regularly distributes a newsletter to all IPC members. Information on upcoming workshops, meetings, etc. and highlights of invasive plant control activities are often included. In addition to the newsletters, the IPC provides an assortment of pamphlets related to Targeted Invasive Plant Solutions (T.I.P.S.) for distribution by Invasive Plant Control Contractors as needed. (Note: this is a web-based resource 2). Media relations Each year a variety of adverts are submitted to local papers for distribution throughout the Peace River Regional District. The Peace River Block News also continues to assist in increasing public awareness of invasive plants via publication of news stories and information releases submitted by the Invasive Plant Control Contractor. Business cards and informational brochures are distributed annually to various PRRD area offices including grain elevators, seed plants, weigh scales, government offices, agriculture and forestry, city halls, town halls, and villages. Given that this is the tenth consecutive year that the Weed Contractor has circulated information and interacted with these organizations, discussion regarding the success and challenges of controlling invasive plants in the PRRD is common. These exchanges provide opportunities to gauge the public reaction to control efforts as well to further educate people about the cumulative effects of control and/or the consequence of non-compliance in areas where invasive plants have flourished as a result of poorly managed land. Schools In 2009 Western Economic Diversification provided funding to the Invasive Plant Council of BC (IPCBC) through their Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) to hire 9-12 employees to assist Regional Weed Committees with development and delivery of education and outreach programs. The objective of the Education and Outreach Plan is to
2 www.invasiveplantcouncilbc.ca
- 10 - Invasive Plant Control Program 2009 Annual Report increase awareness of key audiences across BC by augmenting current provincial and regional outreach and extension activities. Outreach workers will be placed within each of the eight Ministry of Agriculture and Lands regions where they will work closely with Regional Coordinators. Both youth and adult programs will be offered. For a full overview of the Education and Outreach Plan see Appendix D.
C. Special Projects The Pine Pass Pooled Funding Project The Pine Pass Project was started in 2006 and is still ongoing. The program focuses on controlling Ox Eye Daisy and Hawkweeds throughout the Pine Pass recognizing that this area is a pipeline for the spread of new invaders in the Peace River Region. This is an aggressive spraying program with goals to meet objectives and obligations for invasive plant management of Crown and private sector land within the Pine Pass. 3 The role of the PRRD Invasive Plant Contractor is to hire contractors, assign and coordinate workloads. See Appendix E for summary of 2009 Pine Pass IPMA.
First Nation Involvement with Invasive Plant Management In 2007 the Saulteau First Nations formed a partnership with the Northeast Invasive Plants Committee NEIPC) to work together top find solutions in the management of invasive plant species. A request for funds to develop an invasive plants program was approved in 2007 by the NEIPC. A final Report entitled “Salteau Involvement in the Pine Pass Oxeye Daisy Study: An Education” was submitted to the Ministry of Forest and Range. This report included an inventory of invasive plants on Saulteau First Nations reserve based on ocular surveys. Oxeye Daisy, Canada Thistle, Sow Thistle and Scentless Chamomile were identified in the report. Continuance of the funding to support the Saulteau First Nations-Northeast Invasive Plant Council partnership was approved for 2009. This marks the third year of funding and builds on the 2007 deliverables. In 2009, training for plant identification was extended to the Saulteau First Nations Elders. Negotiations are ongoing with West Moberly First Nations.
Ministry of Forest and Range Community Pasture Plant Management In 2009 the PRRD received a grant from the Ministry of Forest and Range to administer and conduct invasive plant control in community pastures. Contracts for site specific management were offered to local ranchers. Sunrise Environmental Inc. accepted the expanded scope to their existing 2009 contract as administered and coordinated by the PRRD Invasive Plant Control Contractor.
3 Source: PRRD 2008 Annual Report.
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V. ON-THE -GROUND TREATMENTS
A. New Invader Program 2009 marked the second year that the Invasive Plant Control Contractor served as the administrator and coordinator of the New Invader Program in the PRRD. The following table provides a summary of sites monitored and herbicide control applied.
Invasive Plant 2009 Spotted Knapweed Railroad Trestle – Pouce Coupe Treated Gravel Pit – Tumbler Ridge Treated Flatbed Bridge (Lions Campsite) - Tumbler Ridge Treated Johnson Creek Road – Hudson Hope Treated Private gravel pit – Hudson Hope Treated Ardills Pit – Fort St John/Hudson Hope Treated Clayhurst gravel pit - Clayhurst Treated BC Hydro Property – Hudson Hope Treated Old site problem site – Lone Prairie Monitored Diffuse Knapweed Site C Staging area – Fort St John Treated Dalmation Toadflax North Bank Peace River – South of Fort St John Treated Banks of Pine River – Dawson Creek/Chetwynd Treated Marsh Plume Thistle Rainy Creek Pasture - Groundbirch Treated Leafy Spurge Dumpsite - Hudson Hope Treated Orange and Yellow Hawkweeds Bully & Imperial Creeks – Tumbler Ridge Treated Mile 135 – Alaska Highway Treated Dokie Wind Power Site – Moberly Lake Treated Pine Pass – General Treated Heritage Highway – Tumbler Ridge Treated
B. Targeted Dumps of the PRRD Overall, control of invasive plants at dumpsites in the PRRD was addressed and efforts made at each site to eliminate invasive plants in 2009. An Invasive Plant Control Contract was awarded to a single contractor in 2009: Sunrise Environmental. This contractor was also responsible for spraying the highways in the area in an effort to increase cost-efficiency and effectiveness of control at these sites and ensured that the old
- 12 - Invasive Plant Control Program 2009 Annual Report dump site at Mile 98 was monitored. See Appendix F for 2009 Summary Report of Pest Management Program from Sunrise Environmental.
Dump Site 2008 2009 Bessborough Sprayed Sprayed Buick Creek Sprayed Sprayed Cecil Lake Monitored Monitored Charlie Lake Sewer Lagoon Sprayed Sprayed Chetwynd Sprayed Sprayed Dawson Creek Sprayed Sprayed Fort St. John Sprayed Sprayed Goodlow Monitored Sprayed Halfway Monitored Sprayed Hudson Hope Informed crews of Leafy Spurge Monitored Mile 62.5 Alaska Highway Sprayed Sprayed Mile 98 Monitored Sprayed Moberly Lake Monitored Monitored Prespatou Sprayed Monitored Rose Prairie Sprayed Sprayed Rolla sewer lagoons and dyke Monitored Sprayed Taylor Monitored Monitored Clayhurst Sprayed Monitored Goodlow – Water Station Monitored Monitored Progress – Old Dumpsite Sprayed Monitored
Transfer stations were sprayed as well as the Bessborough and Chetwynd Bear fences were sprayed for vegetation growth along fence.
C. Summary of Select Sites and Treatment/Control
Site 2008 2009 Ministry of Forests & Range Rainey Creek Pasture is on the The Ministry of Forests is third monitoring of Marsh In 2009 the PRRD responsible for invasive plant Plume Thistle. It appeared in received a grant from the control in the community new areas not previously seen. Ministry of Forest and pastures and forestry roads. Effort to control hawkweed in Range to administer and They have a continuing invasive plant control program the Monkman continues. conduct invasive plant in place and take an active role Hawkweed is in the Lone control in community in invasive plant control in the Prairie Pasture (probable cause pastures north and south pastures as = equipment use and transfer) well as forestry roads.
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Site 2008 2009 BC Hydro (Site C) has taken on a contractor to hire First Contract for invasive BC Hydro: Taylor, Nations People to pick and bag plant control was Hudson Hope, Linx invasive plants on the property awarded to a private Creek along the Peace River. contractor by BC Hydro. Workshops and monitoring of Will monitor 2010. progress is in place. Coordination among Asplund is the contractor for stakeholders is still Spectra; subcontractor is Pacific Taylor Refinery Site and needed to ensure Weed. Some spraying was Pumping Station effective management if done; more is required on invasive plants. Will bearms of the tank farm. monitor 2010. Activity on this site has Dawson Creek Old Property sold. Lot is now being kept invasive plants Refinery Site used for pipe yard. under control. GPS coordinates were provided Spectra Energy to Spectra to ensure that Spectra Energy is responsible invasive plants continue to be Lack of control will lead for invasive plant control along controlled in a timely manner. to further negotiations pipelines in the Peace River district as well as the Taylor Spraying and brush control with Spectra. Plant. were completed in 2008; White Rock area needs more attention.
Tumbler Ridge Effort to control scentless Lack of herbicide use is Responsibility shared by chamomile along highways in evidenced by the Tumbler Ridge and Quintette area. Hawkweed is evident in continued spread of Coal representatives town, spread continues to grow. invasive plants. Hawkweed was monitored in Tower lake Area. Due to the Highway and grid roads Ministry of Transport - drought, herbicide uptake in were sprayed by Highways invasive plants was contractor. compromised resulting in the need for multiple applications. Late season application (mid- September) proved to be CN Rail No control on CN effective in most of the area (Includes former BC Rail Property. property) sprayed. No complaints this year.
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Site 2008 2009 Invasive plants persist in Education efforts City of Dawson Creek – undeveloped corners – new underway re the presence Industrial park owners are generally taking care and impact of spread of of invasive plants. invasive plants. Hudson Hope Gravel Pit Monitored. Monitored. Chetwynd Gravel Pit The responsibility for the The seed bed of scentless The seed bed of scentless construction and maintenance chamomile continues to chamomile continues to be a of these access roads and sites be a concern in gravel is shared between Canfor, concern in gravel pits. Talisman Oil and the Ministry pits. of Forests. Organic Producers’ Communication with the management of invasive plants organic organization is not in direct compliance with prompted monitoring by North Pine the recommendations of the sprayed roads. Organic Weed inspector and differs from producer must manage the methodology employed by the buffer zone. neighbors. Organic Producers Some organic producers Ongoing communication continue to struggle to control Ongoing communication with with organic associations invasive plants. For these producers, invasive plant organic associations and the and the local and control at some sites would local and provincial invasive provincial invasive weed require cutting down most of weed working groups working groups their crops due to the fact that continues. Goal is to develop a continues. Goal is to spraying is not an option for Guideline on Governance of develop a Guideline on organic producers. If they spray to control invasive Invasive Plant Control Policy. Governance of Invasive plants, their organic Plant Control Policy. certification would be revoked. Landowner has opted to revert agriculture land to Control of invasive plants mixed tree growth. Flat Rock Area continues to be a challenge on Investment has been vacant lands. made to management invasive plant growth on these lands.
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Site 2008 2009 Talisman is engaged and committed funding to the PPPE. No funding was allocated Through the use of the Pine Sukunka Area for invasive plant control Pass Pooled Fund collaborative Oil & Gas Industry/ Old Coal in 2009. Will monitor Storage area activities for the control of impact in 2010. invasive plants were realized in the Sukunka this year. Despite efforts to No progress re: Spectra communications this year, and G. Loiselle working Pine Pass Area Spectra and G. Loiselle were together to cost- Landowner Gary Loiselle, unable to establish an share/control invasive Spectra and CN Rail agreement for cost- plants. Will assess share/responsibility for control commitment to of invasive plants. collaborate in 2010. Activity is significant – Encana Evidence indicates has a contractor in place and is Toms Lake Area invasive plant control in willing to control invasive this area is good. plants in the area. Contractor in place and Evidence indicates Canadian Natural continue to control invasive invasive plant control in Resources Ltd. (CNRL) plants. this area is good. The challenge of invasive plant control appears to Rose Prairie Contaminated hay still be improving. The (Roman Standler) transported in this area. transport of contaminated hay continues to be a problem. Contractor sprayed road Organic producer mowed some this year in an effort to Landry Area of crop to slow spread of contain spread of (Glen Landry) invasive plants. invasive plants. Will follow up in 2010. As long as company As long as company continues continues to purchase South Dawson & to purchase feed from a variety feed from a variety of Farmington of sources, invasive plants will sources, invasive plants (Peace Pork) continue to be a problem. will continue to be a problem.
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Site 2008 2009 Site was sprayed and Sprayed. Invasive plants appear handpicked. Spraying Clayhurst Crossing to be under control. Spraying and monitoring will and monitoring will continue. continue. Cecil Lake Farms Monitor owner. Monitor owner. Monitor. Crop production Monitor. Crop Klause ongoing. production ongoing. Monitor. Crop production Monitor. Crop Count Arco ongoing. production ongoing. New owners in 2009. Enforcement notification Investment in invasive John Pajor implemented. Payment plant management (Rose Prairie) outstanding as of December appears to be effective. 2008. Monitor 2010.
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VI. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT Effective control of invasive plants relies on well-developed communication links between the public and the Invasive Plant Control Contractor. Public complaints serve to not only identify infested areas, they reflect the level of awareness landowners, farmers, and ranchers have regarding the negative impact the spread of invasive plants has on surrounding land and their own desire to control the growth of invasive plants in the PRRD. As complaints are received, landowners and complaintees are contacted to determine the underlying reason of the complaint and to assess the most appropriate course of action to be taken to address the spread of invasive plants. It is important to note that not all phone calls made to the Invasive Plant Control Contractor are complaint based. There continues to be a steady flow of phone calls received from Peace River residents requesting general information pertaining to invasive plants.
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VII. OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
A. Opportunities In recent years there have been a number of significant opportunities presented to increase the effective and efficient management of invasive plants locally as well as within the province of British Columbia and across Canada. The Peace River Regional, District, through ongoing support and funding of the Invasive Plant Control Program and collaborative efforts with the North East Invasive Plant Council (NEIPC) has realized monumental successful outcomes as well as notable increases in public education and awareness.
B. Challenges Despite the numerous opportunities to increase management and control efforts of invasive plants locally, regionally, provincially and federally, there remain significant challenges to the PRRD Invasive Plant Control Program. These include the presence of invasive plants near water, weed seed in commercial seed products, the lack of enforcement by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Guidelines by Provincial bodies, the impact of growing Oil and Gas Industry activities on the spread of invasive plants, and the poor invasive plant management from Organic Producers.
C Concerns Regarding the Spread of Invasive Plants in the PRRD Use of Canola Screenings for Oil Clean Up During drilling operations, noxious weed are being introduced into virgin land. Some oil companies are using Canola seed screenings as an oil absorbent on sites. Although the piles of used seed screenings are transported from the production site to an approved hazardous waste dump area, some residual screening is left on site. Due to the fact that there are weed seeds in these screenings, noxious weeds are spreading. Given that seeds may lay dormant up to 20 years it is important that these sites continue to be monitored.
Pipeline Expansion across PRRD The Peace River Regional District has an opportunity to be a leader in promoting the control of invasive plants with the Oil and Gas sectors during the coming boom of Pipeline development. “ Prevention” is the key to controlling invasive plants and the opportunity exists to keep the new sites, access roads and adjoining land invasive plant free. In 2009, the Invasive Plant Control Contractor again distributed a written description of the roles and responsibilities of the Oil and Gas companies as reminders of the need for ongoing invasive plant control management practices. Packages included letter to specific companies as well as “Green Books” and “Twelve Most Wanted” posters.
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The following recommendations are put forward as ongoing actions to be taken by landowners and pipeline contractors to ensure the spread of invasive plants is controlled now and in the future: ♦ Have Oil Company and service providers to the oil and gas industry attend NEIPC; ♦ Encourage Gas/Oil Industry contractors to develop, implement and adhere to an invasive plant control program as part of it’s commitment to environmentally friendly deactivation practices; ♦ Encourage landowners to request a written commitment from Gas/Oil industry contractors to keep the Peace River Region sites invasive plant free – including access roads and adjoining land; ♦ Recommend clean equipment practices be implemented for all sites (Wash Program); and ♦ Recommend the purchase of locally grown clean seed (invasive plant free seed).
Invasive Plants near Water A breakthrough with BC Environment is allowing the use of Milestone within the Pesticide Free Zone (PFZ) with special permission. A committee struck in 2009, including BC Ministry of Environment, to work on the use of Milestone in the PFZ suggested that permission would be granted as early as 2010. To date, permission has not been granted and reluctance regarding permission for Milestone use persists. Follow up in 2010.
Orange and Yellow Hawkweeds The Redwillow pipeline is still in the planning stage. The extension is to begin south of Tumbler Ridge 150km to an existing pipeline in Alberta (30km south of Beaverlodge). The environmental studies appear to be thorough and identified some concerns, including invasive species that are proposed for mitigation during the proposed construction stage in BC (approx km 0 to 100) and Alberta (km 100 to 150). Specifically, orange hawkweed. This species has already been noted along the existing pipeline in Alberta (50km east of the BC Border and 30km south of Beaverlodge) as well as a few plants on the slope of the Murray River. The analogy most often referred when reviewing the situation before us, is the plight of a sandcastle facing the arrival of the incoming tide. This information was considered by the Invasive Plant Council of BC as part of the Strategic Planning for 2009. Consequently, the Ministry of Forestry and Range implemented invasive plant control activities in the Murray Drainage area south of Kinuseo Falls/Red Willow areas. Training opportunities focusing primarily on identification of yellow and orange hawkweed were provided to the Oil and Gas Plant contractors in the area south of Dawson Creek. This area will be closely monitored in 2010.
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Dalmatian Toadflax There are three Dalmatian Toadflax sites in the PRRD that have been identified that are not part of privately owned ‘flower gardens’. There are two sites located south of Fort St. John along the banks of the Peace. The access to these sites is poor but herbicide and biological control may be possible. The third site is located along Highway 97 South; the banks of the Pine River. This site is being controlled through the use of herbicides.
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VIII. 2009 ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Control of invasive plants should not only address current invasive plant problems but also anticipate future areas of concern and work toward establishing public responsibility for the prevention of invasive plant distribution. To ensure that invasive plant control efforts are effective and efficient, all residents of the Peace River Regional District should share the responsibility for control. The section below provides a high level overview of recommended actions that would strengthen the control of noxious weeds throughout the Peace River Regional District.
A. Education and Awareness ♦ Actively and aggressively promote the control of invasive plants through education and awareness of the economic and environmental impact of noxious weed invasions. ♦ Provide workshops for the general public, Land Owners and select industries on invasive plant identification and control. ♦ Continue to provide information to the public and to landowners as to the way in which invasive plants are spread and show how each of the sectors has a share in the fact that invasive plants are spread. ♦ Continue to increase public and agriculture service provider awareness of the risk of introducing invasive plants to the area via the transport and purchase of seed, feed, livestock and equipment. ♦ Encourage cities, towns and villages develop and implement bylaws to enforce invasive plant control within their boundaries. ♦ Preparation should be taken during the winter months to ensure information is communicated to target groups in a timely manner. That is, information should be distributed and education courses offered to farmers and landowners: during the winter months so as to not interfere with farming activities. ♦ Promote specific control programs to select target populations such as: the wash program for agricultural equipment, the air borne spread of invasive plant seed across fields, removal of vegetation from tillage equipment used in site-to-site transfers. ♦ Promote the wash program to all industry in the PRRD 4 and include equipment from out of area. 5 Continually encourage the cleaning of trucks and equipment, collection of dirt and invasive plant seeds and removal to designated/approved landfill or monitored area for washing. Matting should be applied to all roads and lease sites. Debris should be well cleaned from matting and absolutely NO matting from out of Peace area should be permitted for use in local or new lease sites.
4 Weed Committees are only able to provide recommendation for legislation and regulation of invasive plant control activities. 5 Definition “Out of Area”: between job sites, fields, and/or province borders.
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B. Training and Accredited programs ♦ BCIPC is working to promote the consideration of the impact of invasive plant infestation on property values by targeting appraisal training programs at recognized educational institutions. ♦ It is recommended that an appropriate agency be identifies to effectively promote and provide training and accredited programs.
C. Biological Control ♦ Promote increased use of Biological control agents – bioagents – in the Peace River Regional District.
D. Working Together ♦ BCIPC and the IVMA are working to develop a working relationship between Alberta and British Columbia to honor applicator licenses across the border. An example of how cross border agreements have been implemented is the Trade Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) whereby school teachers are able to teach in British Columbia and Alberta without having to re-test. ♦ Establish a committed working relationship with all Cities, Towns, Villages and Districts within the Peace River Regional District with respect to the roles, responsibilities and jurisdiction for invasive plant control. ♦ Continue to promote the development of a joint effort between ICBC, Highways and Peace River Regional District for mowing of ditches. This recommendation is strongly supported by local land owners. Regular cleaning of mowers and equipment on a “per kilometer” basis would greatly assist in the control of the spread of invasive plants. ♦ Continue to support the implementation of initiatives supporting the BC Invasive Plant Strategy. ♦ Continue efforts to maintain contact with other provincial Invasive Plant Control related committees (e.g., I.V.M.A.). Specifically energy should be invested in supporting the Provincial Weed Control Strategy under development.
E. Oil, Gas and Pipeline Companies ♦ Review the Consultation Draft – Environmental Protection and Management Regulation related to the Oil and Gas Activities Act (OGAA). See Part 4 – Establishment and Identification of areas and Features; Division 2 – Establishment or Identification: Invasive plants identified. See Appendix G for Consultation Draft. ♦ Establish a committed working relationship amongst Oil and Gas contractors with respect to the roles, responsibilities and jurisdiction for invasive plant control. ♦ Have Oil Company and service providers to the oil and gas industry attend NEIPC;
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♦ Encourage Gas/Oil Industry contractors to develop, implement and adhere to an invasive plant control program as part of it’s commitment to environmentally friendly deactivation practices; ♦ Encourage landowners to request a written commitment from Gas/Oil industry contractors to keep the Peace River Region sites invasive plant free – including access roads and adjoining land; ♦ Recommend clean equipment practices be implemented for all sites (Wash Program); and ♦ Recommend the purchase of #1 Certified locally grown clean seed (invasive plant free seed).
F. Organic Producers ♦ Encourage organic producers to take responsibility for their own buffer zones. ♦ Promote alternative methods for control of invasive plants where herbicides cannot be used or are undesirable to use. ♦ Promote shift in certification practice that promotes the control of invasive plants. That is, encourage the Peace River Organic Growers Association (PROGA), to de- certify producers who do not take responsibility for controlling the spread of invasive plants. ♦ Organic organizations should become actively involved with the North East Invasive Plant Committee (NEIPC) by attending at least one of the two annual committee meetings. ♦ Provide ongoing support to NEIPC formal complaints to the Organic Organization of Canada and BC as well as the Peace River Organic Growers Association regarding problematic land owners.
G. Landowner Responsibility ♦ Continue to promote business owner responsibility for the prevention of the spread of invasive plants on their property. ♦ Encourage the use of locally grown seeds for highways and forestry as well as forage producers. ♦ Crop Insurance should be conditional on the amount of invasive plants present in crop production. That is, crop producers who DO NOT employ an accepted method of invasive plant control should receive less compensation than producers who take responsibility for reducing the spread and growth of invasive plants.
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H. Reward Responsible Landowners ♦ Signage to acknowledge land owner responsibility similar to the “Adopt a Highway/Community” style campaigns in other regions. ♦ Promote a process whereby land appraisal resulting in increased monetary value for property assessed as actively striving to control invasive plants. It is possible to have the soil tested for residual chemicals as an indicator of past treatment. ♦ Continue to encourage landowners and leasees of land should to keep crop production and chemical records dating back five years on property. At the time of sale, or change of leasee, this information should be provided to new owners/leases and be considered when determining the land value for sale/purchase. ♦ Farmers/landowner should be given permission and additional funding for invasive plant control efforts along ditches and access routes next to their property.
I. Legislation and Regulation 6 ♦ Promote the development of better legislation related to the transportation of hay, straw etc. to ensure that regulations are created that make enforcement possible. ♦ Promote increased regulations regarding the certification of seed under the Canadian Seed Act to increase the effective control of the spread of invasive plants. That is, encourage the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to enforce these regulations more aggressively. ♦ Develop and implement a Certified Invasive Plant Free Hay, Soil and Gravel Program in the PRRD. (Alberta has already successfully developed and implemented such a program.)
6 Invasive Plant Control Committees are only able to promote recommendations; actual changes and implementation are beyond the mandate of these and similar committees.
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