A volunteer group intent on eradicating Scotch broom is warning that the invasive species also poses a fire risk.
There are worries about drought conditions given water issues from last summer and the recent polar vortex, followed by Pineapple Express rains. Joanne Sales, Broombusters Invasive Plant Society executive director, said this year has been particularly dry and Scotch broom is something to be wary about.
The shrub is the B次元官网网址渢op offender of biodiversityB次元官网网址� and the one B次元官网网址渃ausing the greatest harm to species in B.C.,B次元官网网址� she said.
B次元官网网址淭he main reason weB次元官网网址檙e all paying attention is because of fire danger,B次元官网网址� Sales told directors. B次元官网网址淏room has naturally occurring dry branches and high oil content. The plantB次元官网网址檚 volatile oils make it an easy ignition source especially during dry summer months and its ability to spread quickly and form dense stands increases the fuel load.B次元官网网址�
Sales expressed gratitude to the Regional District of Nanaimo for a recommendation that passed at both Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal CommunitiesB次元官网网址� and Union of B.C. Municipalities conferences, calling for the B.C. government to take better steps to halt Scotch broomB次元官网网址檚 spread. Going forward, she said local government officials can continue to make Scotch broom disposal possible, pass bylaws to reduce fire risk, particularly on vacant and development land and nearby gravel pits, and ask for more from B.C. Hydro.
B次元官网网址淏.C. HydroB次元官网网址檚 current policy is to remove trees, but leave the broom,B次元官网网址� Sales said. B次元官网网址淟ocal governments can request broom be clear for fire mitigation and to stop spreading seeds.B次元官网网址�
Sales said broom cut by the organization in an RDN municipality is placed by the side of the road and picked up by municipalities. If removed in an RDN area, Broombusters contracts a tree service that will chip debris, she said.
B次元官网网址� files from Michael Briones, Black Press Media
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