District of Sechelt Urban Forest Plan

District of Sechelt Urban Forest Plan 2010
danger from very low danger, to extreme danger. In addition updated information is available on open
fire bans, campfire bans, and forest use restrictions to prevent wildfires.
“In the Sunshine Coast Zone there are two fire bases, one in Powell River and one in Sechelt. Sechelt is
home to 2, three-person IA crews.” 21 The Provincial Fire Crews work cooperatively with the Sechelt Fire
Department to repress fires in the area.
BC Ministry of Forests and Range has a comprehensive Wildfire Management Branch which provides up
to date weather forecasting, actively tracks wildfires across the Province, and provides fire danger ratings
by region.
Disease, Pests and Invasive Species
Insects and diseases are serious threats to a tree’s health. Environmental stresses, such as the disruption
of a root system and changing climatic conditions can weaken a species ability to respond to insect and
disease attack. “Disease organisms and insects commonly attack an already stressed tree, adding further
damage to the existing symptoms. Therefore, by providing a healthy environment, the tree increases its
natural defenses.” 22
Invasive plant species, such as Scotch Broom and Blackberry, are not native to the region and tend to outcompete
native species for available resources. 23 They often thrive on freshly disturbed lands that
provide full sun exposure, and will dominate regions and disrupt ecosystem function if left unchecked.
Invasive species can have major effects on ecosystems and landscapes, including 24 :
Alteration of the chemical composition and pH of soil;
Alteration of the structure of the foreshore;
Decline of species that rely on native plants or animals that have been displaced by
invasive, or of species that are preyed upon by invasive animals;
Alteration of fire regimes;
Fragmentation of the landscape, created by patches of invasive plants that have lower
habitat or food value.
Targeted Management Plans are required to deal with specific invasive plant species, pests and disease.
21 Ministry of Forests and Ranges, Wildfire Management Branch. 2010. Coastal Zones. Website.
22 Queens University. 1999. Urban Forest Plan 1999.Website.
23 Capital Regional District. 2010. Invasive Species. Website.
24 Ibid.
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