Invasive Plants in PNW Ecosystems
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Invasive Plant Management following the 2003 Okanagan Valley Wildfires, British Columbia.Lisa Scott, South Okanagan-Similkameen Invasive Plant Society, The South Okanagan-Similkameen Invasive Plant Society identified a need to invest substantial efforts on weed management (inventory, treatment, monitoring and research) within the region of three wildfires that occurred in the South Okanagan in 2003. The three wildfires – Anarchist (Osoyoos), Vaseux and Okanagan Mountain Fires – encompassed an estimated 34,500 hectares of shrub-steppe and forested landscapes. Wildfire and its associated soil disturbances create an ideal seedbed for invasive plant establishment; consequently effective management is an even greater concern in fire-impacted areas. There is also limited published data on the predicted fire response of invasive plants occurring in the Southern Interior, although most species are anticipated to rapidly spread as a consequence of the fire and related soil disturbances. A 5-year study focusing on the impact of the wildfire and associated soil disturbances on the invasive species was initiated in 2004 for each of the fire-impacted sites. A ‘task team’ of collaborating stakeholders was established for each site, including representatives from regional, provincial and federal government, industry, conservation groups, ranchers and private landowners. The task teams cooperatively developed and implemented an effective approach to invasive plant management. Detailed inventories were completed, treatment was conducted (herbicide, physical, biological and cultural control), permanent vegetation plots and photo points were established and predictive models were developed for selected species. The risk assessment models will help guide future management in the Okanagan and potentially can be expanded to other areas of the Southern Interior.
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