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City, region working to root out giant hogweed and knotweed

Nanaimo residents can help eliminate invasive species by reporting locations
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David Stewart, city environmental planner, checks out a stand of knotweed spreading on the shore of Long Lake on Tuesday. (CHRIS BUSH/The News Bulletin)

Almost anyone can become a NIMBY when it comes to knotweed and giant hogweed.

The city and Regional District of Nanaimo have teamed up with the Coastal Invasive Species Committee to help eradicate knotweed and giant hogweed through the Knot On My Property program.

One of the primary goals of the program, which was launched in 2013, is to verify reports of locations where giant hogweed and knotweed is growing within the regional district.

The information generated is provided to professionals who are sent out to treat selected sites to eliminate the plants.

In 2016, 74 knotweed and 15 giant hogweed sites were identified. Ten of those sites were eradicated and the rest of the infested areas were significantly reduced. The site locations were also added provincial invasive plant program database.

One knotweed site that will be treated this year is on the shore of Long Lake.

David Stewart, city environmental planner, said knotweed came to the Island about 10 years ago and spreads rapidly, as does giant hogweed.

“For knotweed, one of its main issues is the roots can cause damage to infrastructure and buildings,” Stewart said. “In fact it’s so bad that in England you’re not able to get insurance on your house if you have knotweed on your property. That’s not quite the case here, but it’s certainly highly damaging.”

The sap in giant hogweed is highly toxic and if it comes in contact with skin that is exposed to sunlight afterward it can cause burns, blisters and scarring.

WorkSafe B.C. has issued a toxic plant warning for giant hogweed, which can grow to six metres in height and has leaves that can exceed 2.5 metres in length.

Once sites are identified, the city calls in Coastal Invasive Species experts to deal with the plants, since hogweed is so toxic and knotweed simply spreads when it is pulled or cut.

“Both of them can spread out and prevent native species from growing in that area,” Stewart said.

Coastal Invasive Species Committee workers will be eradicating both plant species in Nanaimo from Monday (July 31) to Aug. 5.

People can report sightings of giant hogweed and knotweed until July 31 by calling toll free to 1-844-298-2532 or via e-mail at info@coastalisc.com.

For more information about the plants and the damage they can cause as well as other invasive species being managed, visit www.coastalisc.com.



Chris Bush

About the Author: Chris Bush

As a photographer/reporter with the Nanaimo News Bulletin since 1998.
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