What is an Invasive Species?
An invasive species is any organism (plant, animal, fungus or bacterium) that is not native to an area and can harm our health, the environment or the economy. Not all introduced species are considered invasive. They can spread quickly, crowd out native species, damage ecosystems, and increase management costs. If you see an invasive species, report it to help prevent further spread
Why are Invasive Species a Threat?
Invasive plants and animals are the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss.
Invasive species are moving across British Columbia (and Canada) rapidly and at considerable cost to our environment, economy and society. Invasive species can alter habitats and disrupt essential ecosystem functions. Some invasives can also be toxic to animals and humans.
Invasive plants displace native vegetation by competing for water, nutrients, and space. They can be introduced in a number of different ways, including improper disposal of garden plants, unintentional dispersal, or intentional planting. Invasive species can grow and spread quickly, and they can often be very difficult to control or eradicate once they begin to spread.
Once established, invasive plants can:
- Harm native plants and wildlife
- Reduce water quality
- Damage farmland and natural areas
- Increase wildfire risk
- Spread diseases
- Cost communities money to manage
Economic Impact
According to Environment Canada, the annual cumulative lost revenue caused by just 16 invasive species is estimated at between $13 billion and $15 billion. An estimated $7.5 billion in revenue is lost annually in the forestry and agriculture sectors alone due to invasive species.
The Invasive Species Council of British Columbia has produced numerous resources on invasive species and their associated environmental, social, and economic costs.
SLRD Regulations to Control Invasive Species
The SLRD supports regional invasive species management through funding, partnerships, and local regulations.
- Invasive Species Management and Control Service Bylaw No. 1541-2017
This bylaw establishes a regional service that provides funding to the Lillooet Regional Invasive Species Society (LRISS) and the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council (SSISC) to support invasive species education, monitoring, and management across the region. Bylaw No. 1541-2017 was adopted by the SLRD Board on December 13, 2017. - Noxious Weeds Control Bylaw No. 1542-2018
This bylaw requires property owners to control noxious weeds on their property to help prevent their spread. Bylaw No. 1542-2018 was adopted by the Board on February 28, 2018.
The service is funded through taxation within the SLRD's electoral areas and member municipalities.
Learn more about the development of these bylaws on the Project Page.
Regional Invasive Species Organizations
Northern SLRD (Areas A and B)
- The Lillooet Regional Invasive Species Society (LRISS) is a not-for-profit organization working to reduce and minimize the negative impacts of invasive species. LRISS has an open and free membership that includes the general public, St’át’imc First Nations, local, regional and provincial governments, and both public and private land managers.
Southern SLRD (Areas C and D, Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton)
- The Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council (SSISC) is a not-for-profit society that works in cooperation with organizations, governments, and industry in the southern part of the SLRD to minimize the negative impacts caused by invasive species.
- If you spot an invasive species in Electoral Area C or D or in Pemberton, Whistler or Squamish, you can report an invasive species sighting to the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council directly.
What You Can Do
Help prevent the spread of invasive species by:
- Cleaning boots, bikes, boats, and equipment
- Avoiding the planting of invasive species
- Disposing of yard waste properly
- Reporting invasive species sightings
- Learning to identify common invasive species in your area
Report an Invasive Species
If you see an invasive species, report it through the Province of BC's reporting system. Include a photo and the location whenever possible. Reports are reviewed by invasive species specialists and help support early detection and management efforts.