As far as invasive species go, the top two culprits threatening the Sea to Sky Corridor are giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed, according to Kristina Swerhun, executive director of the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council (SSISC).
They are the organization's highest priority species, and for good reason. The giant hogweed, which contains poisonous sap, is a serious health threat.The sap sensitizes skin to ultraviolet radiation, which results in severe burns and may also cause temporary or permanent blindness.It also grows like a weed - in just one year, it can grow three to four metres tall.
Japanese knotweed, on the other hand, can have grave environmental and economic impacts. The aggressive plant can devastate waterways and also affects property value as it has the ability to grow through foundations, culverts and sidewalks.
Japanese knotweed has been called one of the worst weeds in the world, Swerhun said. "Less than a gram of root material can make a new plant and the roots can go down five metres and out up to 20. It can out-compete the native plants and is super aggressive," she said.
The battle to prevent the spread of these invasive plants is deeply entrenched in close ties between the communities of the Sea to Sky Corridor. The SSISC is a reflection of those ties. Started by a group of local conservationists who banded together with the province's support, director Edith Tobe describes the SSISC as a "ground-up" organization.
"I think it's a very strong organization because it has a full understanding of each of the community's needs," Tobe said.
The non-profit society was officially formed in 2009 and Swerhun says it has been building momentum.
"It has been really well received and is a win-win for people because if you don't deal with the invasives, there will be problems down the road that will just grow with time."
The SSISC's focus for 2012 is to engage more private landowners, said Swerhun. The group hopes to achieve that through a pilot cost-sharing program for private lands, which will rebate private landowners up to 50 per cent of the cost of the removal of giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed from their premises.
"We're hoping for a good response because weeds can start on private land and spread to public land and then the taxpayer is on the hook," said Swerhun, adding that she hopes the collaboration will grow because "weeds know no boundaries."
Tobe agreed.
"Invasive plants don't stand alone and we're all connected along the corridor... it's been eye-opening just to see the extent of the problem that we're facing," she said.
The SSISC AGM and forum will take place Tuesday (April 17) from 1 to 4 p.m. at Totem Hall, featuring updates from the corridor, neighbouring regions and the province.
On Earth Day, April 22, the SSISC has partnered with the Squamish River Watershed Society to organize its third annual weed pull. Come to Rose Park at 10 a.m. to help remove invasive plants. All necessary equipment is provided and the event is open to all ages.
Visit www.ssisc.info/blog for more information.
