WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN - City of Kelowna

3.4 Protect Timber Resources
Invasive plants competing with the growth of planted trees can interfere with the regeneration of timber
harvest areas. Hound’s-tongue, tansy ragwort, Canada thistle and bull thistle are common in cut blocks.
3.5 Ensure Human Health and Safety
Invasive plants impact humans in several ways. Tall roadside weeds, including diffuse knapweed,
Dalmatian toadflax, prickly lettuce, Canada thistle and mustards, reduce visibility for drivers and animals,
which in turn increases the risk of accidents and collisions. Invasive plants can also be fire hazards,
especially non-native grasses like cheatgrass. Several invasive plants contribute to allergies, particularly
hay fever.
3.6 Maintain Enjoyment and Accessibility for Public Recreation
The burs, thorns and spikes on invasive plants like diffuse knapweed, hound’s-tongue, burdock,
cheatgrass, common anchusa, bull thistle, Russian thistle and Canada thistle can injure or cause physical
discomfort to recreational users. Dense stands and overgrowth of these invasive plants can also prevent
access or hinder navigation of trails and other recreational sites.
3.7 Preserve Scenic Beauty
Many invasive plants are unsightly, reducing the natural beauty of the landscape.
3.8 Reduce Economic Losses
Invasive plants reduce property values and cost landowners time and money to control.
4.0 INVENTORY OF INVASIVE PLANTS
Properties within the management area were selected for inventorying based on the size of the individual
lot and the capacity to support invasive plants. Only properties greater than 2 acres were inventoried.
Parcels smaller than 2 acres were excluded from the inventory; most of these properties were residential
lots and contained highly manicured landscaping with no bare ground or other areas susceptible to
invasive plants. Assessments were conducted primarily on foot, with some roadside surveys conducted
from vehicles.
Point data was collected for all invasive plants classified as noxious under the Weed Control Act of BC.
Data was collected using a Trimble Pro XR differentially correctable GPS with a TSC-1 data logger at an
accuracy of +/- 50 cm. Each data point recorded UTM coordinates, a two-letter species code, distribution
code and when applicable other notations of interest, including the presence of biological control agents.
Distribution codes were based on the Ministry of Forests Site and Invasive Plant Inventory Standards
(http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/invasive/IAP_01.htm). Refer to Appendix 1 for a copy of the record form.
Location point data was logged at 3-second intervals each day to generate a daily track log and record nil
data. A listing of all invasive plants located within the management area is included in Table 1 on page 6.
Figures 2 and 3 illustrate all infestations of Priority A and B invasive plants located within the
management area. Priority designations are further outlined in section 5.2.
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Post-fire Invasive Plant Management Plan for the City of Kelowna
Eco-Matters Consulting
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