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Building consensus: Working together to manage invasive plants in Southwestern British Columbia

Dawn Hanna, Greater Vancouver Invasive Plant Council (GVIPC); Lesley Douglas, Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD).

A variety of invasive plant species are wreaking havoc on the ecosystems of Southwestern British Columbia. At present, there are a number of stewardship groups, non-profit organizations and regional and municipal governments involved in the management of invasive infestations in the Greater Vancouver area. But, until recently, there was no coordination among all these groups to ensure that similar standards were being used or to ensure that all groups were working from the same page, so to speak. Last year, representatives from the previously mentioned groups as well as other interested parties (e.g. commercial nurseries, academic institutions, utility companies and the provincial government) formed the Greater Vancouver Invasive Plant Council. The aims of the GVIPC are to collaborate with stakeholders on regional invasive plant management and initiatives; increase awareness of the need to manage invasive plants in the region; encourage the use of relevant science in the management of invasive plants; collect, compile and disseminate information regarding the management and control of invasive plants; undertake education and outreach activities that complement other initiatives dealing with invasive plant management; and collaborate with the Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia. The presentation will review the status of the GVIPC and its strategies, both current and future.