1

FILE: 18597- 40\NWIPC

Pest Management Plan

402-0644-05/10

2005 to 2010

Invasive Alien Plants, (Weeds), Skeena-Stikine, Kalum, Nadina,

Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Prince George and McKenzie Forest Districts

______________________ Bob Drinkwater, P.Ag. Invasive Plant Specialist Northern Interior Forest Region

Province of British Columbia

Northern Interior Forest Region 1011 – 4th Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3H9 Phone: 250-565-6139 fax: 250-565-6671

Ministry of Forests & Range

2

3

Executive Summary Aggressive alien invasive alien plants (weeds) are arriving and establishing in north central and northwest British Columbia. North Central and west BC includes Fort Saint James, MacKenzie, Prince George, Vanderhoof, Nadina, Skeena-Stikine and Kalum Forests Districts. Invasive plants degrade habitats and seriously disrupt ecosystems and the plants, animals and resource users dependent on those habitats and ecosystems. This Pest Management Plan (PMP) outlines the actions that will be taken to prevent the establishment of invasive plants and the various methods and how those methods will be integrated to manage invasive plants that have established in north central and north west BC. For invasive plant programs to be successful the people who live in the area must support the programs. Public awareness of invasive plant programs is needed for early detection of sites, support for the expenditure of public funds, and guidance and direction of what is needed and wanted. One aspect of invasive plant awareness that raises public interest is the use of herbicides on public land. There are proponents and opponents to the use of herbicides. Some feel that herbicides are a safe, effective and efficient method to deal with invasive plants and are required to protect the environment. Others feel that risks with herbicides have not been fully identified and uncertainties about health and environmental impacts mean herbicides should be the method of last resort. The suggestions of when and why herbicides will be used were heard during the consultations and drafting of this PMP and during years of discussions at Invasive Plant Committee meetings and events. The various opinions and suggestions have been considered in drafting this PMP.

4

Table of Contents

Topic Page 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose 1.1.1 Short Term Objectives 1.1.2 Long Term Objectives 1.2 Scope of the Plan 1.3 Term of the Plan 1.4 Operating Principles

4 5 7 7 8 8 8

2. OVERVIEW AND HISTORY OF THE PLAN AREA 2.1 Habitats Susceptible to Invasive Plants 2.2 Competitive Species 2.3 Public Use 2.4 History of Invasive Plant Management 2.5 Herbicides Used for Management of Invasive Plants

9 9

10 10 11 11

3 RELEVANT LEGISLATION 3.1 Federal Legislation, Authorities and Policy 3.1.1 Pest Control Products Act 3.1.2 Fisheries Act 3.1.3 Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act 3.2 Provincial Legislation, Authorities and Policy 3.2.1 Integrated Pest Management Act 3.2.2Forest and Range Practices Act 3.2.3 Weed Control Act 3.2.4 Workers Compensation Act and Industrial Health and Safety Regulations 3.2.5 Waste Management Act

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 13 13 13

4 CONSULTATION PROCESS 4.1 First Nations 4.2 Stakeholders and Public Consultations

13 13 14

5 THE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 5.1 Prevention 5.2 Pest Identification 5.3 Monitoring 5.4 Treatment Thresholds 5.5 Pest Management Options 5.5.1 Physical Control – Hand Pulling 5.5.2 Physical Control – Mowing and Cutting 5.5.3 Biological Control 5.5.4 Herbicide Control 5.6 Treatment Selection 5.6.1 Determining Pest Management Options 5.6.2 Examples of Determining Pest Management Options 5.7 Post Treatment Evaluation

14 15 15 18 19 20 20 21 22 26 29 29 32 36

6 ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION 6.1 Community Watersheds 6.2 Domestic Water Intakes 6.3 Fisheries Resources and Riparian Areas 6.4 Wildlife Values 6.5 Species Requiring Protection 6.6 Food and Medicinal Plants 6.7 General Biodiversity Considerations

38 38 38 39 39 39 40 40

7 SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS 7.1 Personnel Qualifications for plan Development and Implementation 7.2 Worker Training and Protection

40 40 41

5

7.3 Equipment Maintenance and Calibration 7.4 Safe Herbicide Handling Practices 7.4.1 Transport 7.4.2 Storage 7.4.3 Mixing and Loading 7.4.4 Treatment and Layout Procedures 7.4.5 Weather Monitoring 7.4.6 Container and Residual Pesticide Disposal 7.4.7 Spill Response Plan 7.4.8 On-site Treatment Notification 7.4.9 Written Records 7.5 Follow-up Reports

41 41 41 42 42 42 43 43 43 43 44 44

DEFINITIONS 45 CITATIONS 47

Tables and Figures Page Table 1. Herbicides to be Used Table 2: Invasive Plants by Category Table 3: Invasive Plant Site Priority Table 4: Threshold Matrix Table 5: Summary of Biocontrol Agents Table 6: Summary of Herbicides, Rates, Timing Table 7: Herbicide Selection for Invasive plants and Sites Table 8: Requirement for Additional First Nations Consultations Table 9: Example of Determining Pest Management Option Table 10: Evaluation, ECW, - Western Canada Rating System Table 11: Timing Rate Trials Table 12: Community Watersheds in the PMP area

11 17 19 20 23 27 28 31 32 37 37 39

Figure 1: Field scabious infesting a meadow near Fort Fraser Figure 2: Timing rate trials for herbicides on a field scabious infested meadow near Fort Fraser Figure 3: Map of the North Central Range Area Figure 4: Flow Chart for Determining Pest Management Options

6 6 8

30

6

1. INTRODUCTION The Integrated Pest Management Act, which replaced the Pesticide Control Act, was passed in the Legislature October 2003. Section 7 (1) of the Act states: “A person must not use or authorize the use of a prescribed pesticide or class of pesticides, or use a pesticide for a prescribed use, unless (a) a pest management plan has been prepared that complies with the regulations and is applicable to the pesticide use at the place specified in the pesticide use notice,” One of the major objectives of this process is to help ensure herbicides are used only in the context of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses a combination of approaches to control invasive plants including prevention. This plan outlines the strategies used by the Ministry of Forests and Range to manage invasive plants using IPM, the standards under which it will operate, and describe measures to protect human health and the environment. Invasive Plant management involves the detection, monitoring, prevention and control of invasive plants. The options used to control invasive plants include: • cutting or mowing • hand pulling • release of biological control agents • prescribed grazing • seeding of competitive species • herbicide applications Use of these techniques alone or in combination allows the Ministry of Forests and Range to meet its obligations under the Ministry of Forests Act, Range Act, Forest and Range Practices Act, and Weed Act. 1.1 Purpose Pest management activities are conducted to prevent or minimize the degradation and loss of habitat that invasive plants cause. Plants not native to North America, mostly from Europe, such as the knapweeds, hawkweeds, leafy spurge, field scabious, Canada thistle and oxeye daisy, are invading north central and north west BC, and displacing native plants in certain habitats. These invasive plants (IPs) can become dominant excluding native plants and dramatically alter habitats. This has serious consequences for the survival of native plants, biodiversity, wildlife and resource uses that depend on these habitats.

7

Figure 1. Field scabious infesting a meadow near Fort Fraser.

Figure 2. Timing rate trials for herbicides on a field scabious infested meadow near Fort Fraser. The plot in the centre was treated with the herbicide Escort at 18g/ha. The photo is taken 1 year after the treatment.

8

1.1.1 Short Term Objective The process of alien plant invasion is part of historical ecology although it is now accelerated by human activity. The short term objectives within the context of managing this invasion are: • Identify alien invasive plants that are newly arrived or may arrive in the near future. • Assess the risk or threat that these plants present to habitats in North Central BC. • Run a surveillance system that quickly locates sites where these plants have

established. • Undertake control of these sites to prevent reproduction and spread. 1.1.2 Long Term Objectives Invasive plants are expanding to the limits their biology permits. As they expand into new habitats some of the invasive plants will be relatively innocuous while others will be destructive to those habitats. In the long term it is required that either the expansion of destructive invasive plants be prevented or the competitive advantage and impacts of invasive plants be reduced when the expansion occurs. The long term objectives involve: • For some invasive plants the short term objective of preventing establishment will

continue indefinitely. • For other invasive plants the long term objective is to establish effective biological

control agents to reduce the aggressiveness of the plants and consequently impacts on habitats. This involves the reduction of populations and impacts of invasive plants to a tolerable level by introducing insects and diseases that weaken the invasive plant. The population level or threshold is unique for each species. The processes are:

• Maintaining habitats in a healthy state so they are resistant to domination and degradation by invasive plants.

• Study the invasive plants in their places of origin to find, screen, and rear insects and diseases of the plants. If these biological control agents attack only the invasive plants in question, are effective in reducing the competitive abilities of the invasive plants and are not a threat to North American habitats then petition to bring them to North America under quarantine for further study, screening, rearing and eventual release are undertaken.

• Once released further study, propagation and distribution of the biological control agent occurs.

1.2 Scope of the Plan

The PMP is for Crown Land in the the Fort St. James, MacKenzie, Prince George, Vanderhoof, Nadina, Skeena Stikine and Kalum Forest Districts, (see figure 3)

9

Figure 3: Map of the area covered by the PMP.

1.3 Term of the Plan The proposed term of this PMP is 5 years starting May 1, 2005 and finishing December 31, 2009. 1.4 Operating Principles Invasive plant management activities are organised through and adhere to the principles outlined by the North West Invasive Plant Council, NWIPC. NWIPC area of interest is the entire northwest and extends beyond the boundaries of this PMP but does include the area covered by the PMP. NWIPC co-ordinates invasive plant programs from west of the Rockies and the Alberta border to the Pacific Ocean and from north of Quesnel to the Yukon border. NWIPC has a broad-based membership including Environmental Groups, First Nations, Government Agencies, Livestock Associations, Utility Companies, and concerned citizens. The NWIPC updates an ‘Invasive Plant Plan and Profile’ for

10

Northwest BC each year. The NWIPC Invasive plant Plan and Profile is an integral part of this PMP and is often referred to. This PMP employs the same philosophy and operating principles agreed to by NWIPC:

• Encourage the public to report invasive plant sightings. (This requires adequate and prompt feedback to persons who report invasive plants).

• Inform the public about invasive plant programs so they can provide relevant comment.

• Develop and maintain a shared invasive plant inventory.

• Assess problems and threats that various invasive plants present to the environment and economy of the area. Categorize invasive plants and prioritize sites for control.

• Prevent the establishment of invasive plants not currently in the region. Prevent or minimize the spread of the invasive plants present in the region.

• Conduct invasive plant programs in the North West using Integrated Pest Management principles as described in the ‘Invasive Plant Strategy for BC’.

• Coordinate the activities and responsibilities of the various agencies and private landowners to ensure NWIPC goals are met.

2. OVERVIEW AND HISTORY OF THE PLAN AREA Southern BC and the Northwest US offer examples of the environmental and economic damage that invasive plants can cause. In north central and north west BC the situation and the amount of damage has not yet reached such proportions. Invasive plants accompany development and settlement as contaminants of crop seed and animal feeds, as garden or horticulture plants and as unwanted passengers on transportation and construction equipment. Some of the invasive plants, such as common toadflax, appear to have been in the northern BC for quite some time while others, such as the knapweeds, are just arriving. The first knapweed sites in northern BC were reported in the early 1970s. Still other invasive plants like hound’s tongue have not arrived in northern BC but they are expected to arrive at any time. • Transportation & utility corridors, rail lines, highways, pipe lines and power lines are

routes of entry and routes of spread for invasive plants. • Logging & mining roads carry the invasive plants further a field and threaten even

more habitat. 2.1 Habitats Susceptible to Invasive Plants Most invasive plants of concern are not shade tolerant. They infest grasslands, shrub steppes and open forests. They can also infest forests that have open canopies through disturbances such as logging, fire, insect attack, settlement and agriculture. The range or amplitude of habitats invasive plants can grow is large and all of the grasslands, open

11

canopy forests and disturbed forests are susceptible to invasion and some degree of degradation by one or more invasive plant species. The more aggressive invasive plants infest and in time dominate grassland and open forest habitats. Within the PMP Area there are Engelmann Spruce Subalpine Fir (ESSF), Interior Cedar Hemlock (ICH), Boreal White and Black Spruce (BWBS), Sub-Boreal Spruce (SBS) and Sub-Boreal Pine Spruce (SBPS) zones. Natural openings and grasslands in these zones as well as disturbed forests are susceptible to invasion. 2.2 Competitive Species Meadows, grasslands and open forests are usually a diverse mixture of native grasses and forbs. The specific species present is site dependent but often these natural openings have plant communities composed of wild rye, brome and fescue grasses, peavine, fireweed and asters. There can be up to 60 different species of grasses and forbs on a site. The other susceptible habitats, disturbed sites or openings in the forest canopy for utilities, agriculture, forest harvesting, etc. can have similar native plant communities or seeded plant communities such as fescues, timothy, bromes, orchard grass, clovers and other legumes. Seeding of disturbances is an important tool to prevent the establishment of invasive plants as well minimising soil erosion. Healthy vigorous plant communities are more resistant to invasive plants than sites that are degraded because of disturbance or poor management practices. If a disturbance such as construction occurs the site should be seeded as soon as possible after the disturbance. 2.3 Public Use The main land uses in the area are forestry, agriculture, mining, recreation, hunting, trapping and medicinal and food plant gathering. There are substantial harvests of timber and other forest resources supporting several sawmills. Agriculture activity consists mostly of cattle ranching and forage and grain production. There are over 300 cattle ranches and guide outfitters that have grazing tenures with the Ministry of Forests and Range to graze livestock in the area covered by the PMP. Within the area there are also harvests of medicinal and food plants and fur bearing animals by First Nations and others. Recreation is another important activity. Hunting, fishing and non-consumptive activities like hiking, nature photography, and canoeing are popular. The degradation of natural habitats that occurs when invasive plants are allowed to establish affects all the land and resource uses. The loss of natural habitats to invasive plants diminishes recreation values, reduces the availability of native plants for food and medicinal gathering and foraging by wild and domestic ungulates. The degradation of natural habitats may also affect fur bearing animals and the ability of ecosystems to respond to the changing climate. The impacts of invasion affect most aspects of the ecosystem as well as land and resource use. 2.4 History of Invasive Plant Management The approach of using prevention and early detection followed by containment with manual, mechanical and herbicide control, and long term control using biological agents

12

dates back to the late 1940s. The first biological control agents were released in BC in the late 1940s. The primary targets of the invasive plant program in the 1940s and 50s were common toadflax and St. John’s wort. These invasive plants are still in the program but have moved from category 1 to category 4 invasive plants as biological control has become effective. Recent history in northern BC includes ongoing efforts that have kept category 1 invasive plants and critical invasive plant sites under control. These efforts have been very necessary since the arrival of the knapinvasive plants in the 1970s. In the early 1990s the NWIPC was formed which helped recruit public support in finding invasive plant sites and running the program. In 1992 standardised invasive plant inventory procedures were adopted by NWIPC. In recent years Ministry of Forests and Range staff, co-op students and contractors have monitored and controlled invasive plant sites. Some of the control work has been done by hand pulling and rogueing. Biocontrol agent releases have been made. The common toadflax agents released in the 1950s have dispersed across the region and more recently a seed head gall fly has successfully established in most bull thistle infestations. Two agents, a seed head weevil and a stem gall fly, that attack Canada thistle have been released. Both of these agents have over wintered but do not appear to have established. A weevil, Mecinus janthinus, was also released on dalmation toadflax in Vanderhoof in 2003. The management of invasive plants in north central and north west BC has involved other Pest Management Plans and Pesticide Use Permits, PUPs. The PMPs and PUPs that this PMP will replace are 402-481-99/01 and 402-584-01/03 which covered Prince George and Vanderhoof Forest Districts, 402-587-10/05 and 402-612-02/06 which covered Nadiana Forest District, 402-586-02/07 which covered Skeena-Stikine Forest District and 402-611-02/04 which covered a portion of Kalum Forest District. 2.5 Herbicides Used For Management of Invasive Plants Table 1: Herbicides to Be Used

Pesticide Trade Name

Common Name PCP NO. Maximum Application Rate,

(kg ai/ha)

Maximum Annual Treatment Area (ha)

Tordon 22K Picloram 9005 2.16 200 Roundup Glyphosate 13644 1.246 60 Transline clopyralid 24085 .2988 60 Grazon Picloram & 2,4D 26649 2.275 & 8.4 200 Escort Metsulfuron-methyl 23005.00 .018 20

Various manufactures – e.g. Amsol 2,4-

D 600

2,4-D amine 14726 (or equivalent)

3.1 40

AMENDMENT TO CONFIRMATION NOTICE FOR 2007 Milestone aminopyralid 28137 .12 200 Restore Aminopyralid & 2,4D 28137 &

28271 .12 & 1.44 60

13

3 RELEVANT LEGISLATION

3.1 Federal Legislation, Authorities and Policy 3.1.1 Pest Control Products Act All pesticides sold in Canada must be registered under the Pest Control Products Act. In order to be registered, detailed data on effectiveness, toxicity, and potential environmental effects must be submitted to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of Health Canada. The PMRA reviews the data, and if satisfied that the product will be effective and safe, registration is allowed. The PMRA reviews all new data from any studies done on the product conducted after registration, and conducts periodic registration reviews. Data required for submission includes:

• physical and chemical properties of the active ingredient(s); • short and long term toxicology studies, including those on

teratogenicity, mutegenicity, carcinogenicity, and potential reproductive effects;

• acute oral, dermal, inhalation, skin, and eye irritation affects; • potential environmental impact, including effects on mammals, birds,

aquatic organisms, micro-organisms, and insects; • efficacy data.

Results of these reviews are used to help craft label directions and it is a legal requirement that these be followed by pesticide applicators. The PMRA keeps current with new data obtained from any studies conducted after product registration to ensure that conditions for its use remain appropriate. Formal registration reviews are also conducted. 3.1.2 Fisheries Act Two sections of this act are relevant to pest management programs. It is an offence to: • harm or destroy fish habitat; • Deposit or permit the deposition of a deleterious substance into waters containing fish. 3.1.3 Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act The TDG Act regulates the transportation of hazardous quantities of toxic materials and may require the use of shipping documents, warning placards, and appropriate safety procedures. This act is not normally relevant for the shipping of most herbicides because of their relatively low toxicity. 3.2 Provincial Legislation, Authorities and Policy 3.2.1 Integrated Pest Management Act The Integrated Pest Management Act, which replaced the Pesticide Control Act, was passed in the Legislature in October 2003. Section 7 (1) of the Act states:

14

“A person must not use or authorize the use of a prescribed pesticide or class of pesticides, or use a pesticide for a prescribed use, unless (a) a pest management plan has been prepared that complies with the regulations and is applicable to the pesticide use at the place specified in the pesticide use notice,”. 3.2.2 Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) There are numerous references to invasive plants in FRPA and its accompanying regulations. Section 47 of FRPA, Invasive Plants, states: “A person carrying out a forest practice or a range practice must carry out measures that are (a) specified in the applicable operational plan, or (b) authorized by the minister to prevent the introduction or spread of prescribed species of invasive plants.” There is also an Invasive Plant Regulation that accompanies FRPA that lists species of concern. FRPA also requires Forest Stewardship Plans, Range Use Plans and Range Stewardship Plans. These plans have to specify how operations will occur in light of requirements to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants. 3.2.3 Weed Control Act Section 2 of the Weed Control Act imparts a responsibility to control weeds (invasive plants). “2. In accordance with the regulations, an occupier must control noxious weeds growing or located on land and premises, and on any other property located on land and premises, occupied by that person.” 3.2.4 Workers Compensation Act and Industrial Health and Safety Regulations This Act and Regulations are designed to ensure workers have a safe workplace and are protected from hazards associated with their jobs. The regulations covering applications of pesticides require that workers have adequate protective clothing/equipment, wash facilities, equipment maintained in good working order, and the information needed to use the products safely. 3.2.5 Waste Management Act and supporting regulations The Waste Management Act governs the introduction of wastes to the environment and through the Special Waste Regulation, establishes conditions under which waste pesticide containers and other products can be disposed of. The Spill Reporting Regulation requires that the Provincial Emergency Program be contacted for pesticide spills which exceed five kilograms or litres. 4.0 CONSULTATION PROCESS

4.1 First Nations Staff from the Ministry of Forests use the document “Forestry Pest Management Plans Consultation Procedures and Completion of Consultation Report” to guide their consultation activities with First Nations in the area covered by the PMP. These consultations are carried out to help ensure vegetation management activities under the PMP do not impact traditional activities of the First Nations. Notification letters were sent to the following First Nations by the Ministry of Water Land and Air Protection on December 16, 2003 indicating that an application to develop

15

this PMP was received. Subsequently a draft of the PMP and additional letter(s) were was sent and phone conversations and meetings were held. First Nations: Carrier Chilcotin Tribal Council, Williams Lake Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Burns Lake Gitxsan Treaty Office, Hazelton Kelly Lake First Nation Society, Tomslake Kluskus Indian Band, Quesnel Lake Babine Nation, Burns Lake Lheidi T’enneh Band, Prince George McLeod Lake Indian Band, McLeod Lake Nadleh Whut’en Band, Ft Fraser Nak’azdli Band, Ft. St. James Nazkon Band Government, Quesnel Red Bluff Indian Band, Quesnel Saik’uz First Nation, Vanderhoof Stella’ten First Nation, Fraser Lake Tahltan Tribal Council, Telegraph Creek Takla Lake First Nations Band, Prince George Tl’azt’en Nation, Ft. St. James Tsay Keh Dene, Prince George Ulkatcho Indian Band, Anahim Lake West Moberly First Nations Natural Resources, Moberly Lake Yekooche First Nation, Ft. St. James In November, 2005, the PMP was amended to include Nadina, Skeena-Stikine and Kalum Forest Districts. The First Nations listed above were sent letters of notice to amend the PMP. The following First Nations were sent letters letters of notice to consult on the amendment. Burns Lake Band Dease River Gitanyow Haisla Kitselas KItsumkalum Kluskus Lax Kwalaams Lower Post Metlakatla Nee Tahi Buhn Wet’suwet’en Skin Tyee 4.2 Stakeholders and Public Consultations

16

At the December 4, 2003, March 4, 2004 and April 4, 2005 meetings of the NWIPC the intention and content of this PMP were discussed. At the November 22, 2005 meeting of NWIPC the amendment of the PMP to include Nadina, Skeena-Stikine and Kalum Forest Districts was discussed. The application for this PMP was advertised in the Fort Saint James Caledonia Courier, Vanderhoof Omenica Express, Prince George Citizen and MacKenzie Times. Advertisements were placed in each paper twice between March 9 and March 17, 2004. The proposed amendment to the PMP was advertised in the Kitimat Northern Sentinel, Terrace Standard, Lakes District News and Smithers Interior News on __________. A notice of the proposed amendment was also posted on public notice boards in Atlin, Lower Post, Telegraph Creek, Good Hope Lake, Iskut and Dease Lake between November and December 2005. All comments and recommended changes to the initial draft of the PMP were discussed with those making the recommendations. The suggestions were then incorporated into the PMP. Review and scrutiny of the PMP will continue over its term by the NWIPC. Most agencies and individuals concerned about invasive plants are represented on NWIPC and meetings are open to the public. 5.0 THE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach to pest management that incorporates concepts such as managing ecosystems to make them resistant to pests, monitoring of pest populations, establishment of treatment thresholds and formal evaluations of treatments. IPM uses all available and practical techniques to deal with pest problems, including biological, physical and cultural controls as well as chemical treatments. The Ministry of Forests and Range is committed to the principles and practice of IPM, and will use the following techniques in an integrated program to manage invasive plants that infest or threaten rangelands. 5.1 Prevention There is an emphasis on prevention in the management of invasive plants and this is done by: • Encouraging proper management that promotes healthy ecosystems that are more

resistant to invasive plants. • For those areas under grazing tenures the Forest and Range Practices Act requires a

Range Use Plan (RUP) or Range Stewardship Plan (RSP). The plans may indicate how the spread of invasive plants will be prevented or limited.

• Early detection of invasive plants so they can be controlled before they invade large areas. Early detection relies on having people who travel or work in the area aware of invasive plants, invasive plant programs and procedures for reporting invasive plants. Therefore, extension activities are necessary to achieve early detection. There is a wide array of extension materials available on invasive plants and extension activities are planned, implemented and evaluated by the NWIPC. NWIPC also runs a 1-800 hot line for reporting invasive plants.

• On disturbed sites the competing vegetation, usually plant communities of mixed forbs, grasses and shrubs, may be missing or in poor health. To encourage the

17

competing vegetation several techniques are used. Proper grazing management and seeding of disturbed sites are important tools. Selectively controlling invasive plants by hand pulling or using herbicides are also used. Selectively controlling invasive plants allows competing vegetation to flourish and reduces or slows re-infestation and invasion.

5.2 Pest Identification The key to success is early detection of newly arrived species so they can be controlled or eliminated before they establish. In order to do this a large number of people need to be able to identify invasive plants or know what procedures to take if they find suspicious plants they cannot identify. The invasive plants that people need be able to identify, 65 or more species in total, are in the NWIPC Plan and Profile. The Plan & Profile has been updated annually since 1992 and additional plants are added as needed. The Plan and Profile is given wide circulation to provide review and comment by scientists and specialists working on invasive plants. As well botanists are occasionally contracted to review and update the profile. There are numerous field guides, detailed manuals and keys available to identify invasive plants. There are also persons with expertise in the taxonomy and ecology of invasive plants that can be called upon to assist. Over 1000 copies, of the Field Guide to Noxious and Other Selected Weeds of British Columbia, have been distributed to concerned people in the area. Ministry of Forests and Range crews and contractors carry a supply of this field guide, and have access to taxonomy manuals and specialists to verify identification of invasive plants. When plants are found that cannot be identified samples are collected for keying the plant out at a Forest District or Regional office. There are additional persons, such as range staff and ecologists, who can be involved at these offices. If it is still not possible to identify the plants they are forwarded to the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Weed Specialist. The Invasive plant specialist can call upon other resources such as the Provincial Museum to assist in identifying the plant. Once the plant is identified a literature review can begin and the plant can be forwarded to NWIPC for consideration for inclusion in the Plan and Profile. With such a large number of invasive plants to consider it is necessary to categorised them. This is done by assessing their aggressiveness. NWIPC, with its advisors, sets the categories for invasive plants subject to ongoing review. The invasive plants are listed by category in Table 2.

18

TABLE 2: Invasive Plants by Category CATEGORY 1

EXTREMELY INVASISVE Category 1 invasive plants invade undisturbed habitats and dominate them. Domination implies the

invasive plant becomes the most abundant species across the entire site or area of the plant community being invaded. The invasion can progress slowly or rapidly.

Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Broom Cytisus scoparius Knotweeds Polygonum spp Gorse Ulex europaeus Scabious, field or

bluebuttons Knautia arvensis

Iris, yellow flag Iris pseudacorus Spurge, leafy Euphorbia esula Knapweeds, black & brown

Centaurea nigra & C.jacea

Tansy, common Tanacetum vulgare

Knapweed, greater Centaurea greater Thistle, marsh plume Cirsium palustre Knapspotted, spotted Centaurea maculosa Toadflax, dalmation Linaria dalmatica

CATEGORY 2 VERY INVASIVE

Category 2 invasive plants invade undisturbed habitats. They become very prevalent and may form dense patches but usually do not dominate the entire site or area of the plant community. If category 2 invasive

plants invade the entire site or plant community they tend not to dominate the site.

Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Blueweed Echium vulgare Knapweed, diffuse Centaurea diffusa Burdock, common Arctium minus Loosestrife Lythrum spp. Chamomile, scentless Matricaria maritima Ragwort, tansy Senecio jacobeae Daisy, oxeye Chrysanthemum

leucanthemum Thistle, Canada Cirsium arvense

Hawkweeds Hieracium spp. Thistle, plumeless Carduus acanthoides Hounds tongue Cynoglossum officinale

CATEGORY 3 INVASIVE

Category 3 invasive plants can invade undisturbed habitats but they usually require some disturbance to gain entry. Once in a habitat they usually do not dominate the site unless management problems are

occurring.

Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Catchfly, night-flowering

Silene noctiflora Thistle, sow Sonchus spp.

Goat’s-beard Tragopogon dubious Toadflax, common Linaria vulgaris Thistle, bull Cirsium vulgare Wormwood or

absinthium Artemisia absinthium

19

TABLE CONTINUED. CATEGORY 4

AGGRESSIVE OR UNDER BIOCONTROL Category 4 invasive plants can invade undisturbed habitats but they do so at a slow pace and rarely

dominate the site. Category 4 invasive plants may go through large population fluctuations. This may be the result of the fluctuation in biocontrol agent populations or cyclic patterns the plant displays. Native

plants that behave in an invasive planty manner are listed in this category.

Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Agrimony Agrimonia striata Lamb’s-quarter Chenopodium spp. Barley, foxtail Hordeum jubatum Lettuce, tall blue Lactuca spp. Bergamont, wild Monarda fistulosa Medic, black Medicago lupulina Blue buttons Centaurea cyanus Mullien Verbascum thapsus Bluet, mountain Centaurea montana Mustard, dog Eruscastrum gallicum Bluebur, western Lappula echinata Mustard hedge Sisymbrium officinale Buckwheat, wild Polygonum

convolvulus Mustard, tumble Sisymbrium spp.

Bugloss, small Lycopsis arvensis Mustard, wild Sinapis arvensis Campion, bladder Silene cucubalus Pineapple invasive

plant Matricaria matricarioides

Chicory Cichorium intybus Pennycress Thlaspi arvense Cockle, white Lychnis alba Primrose, evening Oenothera biennis Dock, curled Rumex crispus Safflower Carthamus tinctorius Dragonhead, American Dracocephalum

parviflorum St. John’s-wort Hypericum perforatum

Fleabane, Canadian Conyza canadensis Stinkinvasive plant Thlaspi arvense Groundsel, common Senecio vulgaris Tarinvasive plant Madia glomerata Hawksbeard, narrowleaf

Crepis tectorum Thistle, nodding Carduus nutans

Hemp-nettle Galeopsis tetrahit Vetch, tufted Viccia cracca Hop-clover Trifolium agrarium Water hemlock,

western Cicuta douglasii

5.3 Monitoring Populations of invasive plants are monitored or inventoried using overview profiling to direct intensive reconnaissance. All NWIPC members participate in the process and a major effort is made to recruit people living and working in the area to also participate. This is done by increasing awareness of invasive plants through extension activities co-ordinated by NWIPC and providing a system to report sightings of invasive plants. There are a great number of people who look for and report invasive plants including Ministry of Forests and Range staff, crews and contractors. All this information is fed into a common profile and invasive plant inventory. The profile and detailed inventory provide a picture of what IPs are showing up, when they show up, how and where they are spreading and how aggressive they are. The overview profile is housed in the NWIPC Plan & Profile which is updated annually. The detailed inventory is used by all NWIPC members and is housed in the Invasive Alien Program Application @ http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/invasive/IAP_01.htm . Data or inventory information for IP sites includes not only a category rating for the IP but also a priority rating for the site. Site priority is determined by the susceptibility of the area adjacent to the site, the site size and the expectations for control. The priority

20

ranking system is used by most agencies and regional invasive plant committees including NWIPC. Below is the invasive site priority table from the NWIPC Plan & Profile. TABLE 3. Invasive Plant Site Priority

PRIORITY PURPOSE OR INTENT 1

Extremely High Risk

To stop the spread of invasive plants threatening currently uninfested, highly susceptible areas. These sites are less than or equal to 0.25 ha. and there is a good expectation of control. This priority also includes sites that are threatening a large neighbouring economic base, for example, seed and other high value crops.

2 High Risk

To stop the enlargement of sites in highly susceptible areas. These sites are less than or equal to 0.5 ha and must have a reasonably good expectation of control.

3 Moderate Risk

To stop the enlargement of sites greater than or equal to 0.5 ha in highly susceptible areas, or less than or equal to 0.5 ha in moderately susceptible areas.

4 To contain sites greater than 0.5 ha in moderately susceptible areas. The information collected on the invasive plant inventory form includes: • Date • Site number • Jurisdiction • Forest District • Surveyor name • Primary, Secondary and Tertiary IP species • Area • Rank or priority of site • Distribution code • Site characteristics, slope, aspect and elevation • Soil texture • UTM grid • Biogeoclimatic classification • Recommended treatment • Comments 5.4 Treatment Thresholds Treatment thresholds are discussed and determined by NWIPC based on a wide review of biological information. The thresholds are determined by the category of IP along with the site priority. For this PMP, and in accordance with NWIPC, the treatment threshold matrix is outlined in the following table.

21

Table 4: Threshold Matrix IPCATEGORY SITE

PRIORITY PROGRAM LEVEL

1 1 1 2

1 2 3 1

Critical program level - control is required. The immediate requirement is to prevent newly arriving and invasive plants that have low population in northwest BC from establishing and or spreading. The goal is to eliminate the local population of the IP.

2 2 3 1

2 3 1 4

Containment program level – doesn’t deal with all invasive plant problems but keeps things from getting worse. The need for control is reviewed in the context of the support and demands of other agencies, area residents and goals for the area. The requirement is to identify the areas infested with invasive plants and those habitats that are not infested and use this information to prevent further expansion of invasive plant populations.

2 3 3 3

4 2 3 4

Comprehensive program level – all new invasive plant infestations controlled, established infestations contained and work begins on rehabilitation of infested areas. Rehabilitation will be attempted when biological control agents are available and effective. Rehabilitation using methods other than biological control will not be undertaken unless specific requests are made and action or treatments can be justified by an analysis of risk, cost and benefit.

5.5 Pest Management Options The following control methods are used in the invasive plant program: • Prevention – manage the resource to prevent invasive plant establishment; minimise

and seed disturbances; cleaning invasive plantinvasive plants off of equipment and using invasive plant free feeds and seed; and early detection of IPs.

• Physical – tillage, cultivating and seeding; hand pulling & rogueing or digging the IPs out with a shovel, hoe or similar tool; and mowing or cutting invasive plants.

• Biological – releasing biocontrol agents; and site specific prescriptions to use cattle and sheep to graze invasive plant patches.

• Herbicides – the use of Escort, Grazon, Roundup, Tordon 22K, Transline, and 2,4-D on site-specific prescriptive basis. They will be applied with hand held sprayers, backpack sprayers, wick applicators, booms and hand held power nozzles.

5.5.1 Physical Control – Hand Pulling a) Efficacy of treatment. Manual control or hand pulling is effective on tap rooted

invasive plants when the size of the infestation is small and the soils are amenable to hand pulling. As there is usually a seed bank, hand pulling needs to be done for

22

numerous years to eliminate invasive plants on a site. Hand pulling is not efficient once an infestation involves thousands of plants and is not effective for rhizomatous plants like Canada thistle as pulling breaks up the rhizomes stimulating growth. Hand pulling is not possible on hard packed soils in dry conditions as the upper portion of the plant breaks off leaving the crown intact and able to regrow. For small sites where the upper portion of the plant breaks off hand rogueing can be used to dig out the crowns.

b) Equipment required. If invasive plants are hand pulled before bloom the stems can be crimped and the invasive plants can be left on site. If invasive plants are hand pulled in full bloom or later then they need to be placed in heavy gauge plastic bags and disposed of in a manner that will prevent seeding, such as incineration. When there are a lot of seedlings and/or hard ground where crowns are breaking a hoe is needed for rogueing.

c) Worker and public safety. A lot of the invasive plant infestations are along roads and there is a need to reduce worker risk by providing for public and worker awareness. Leafy spurge exudes toxic latex leaving workers and the public at risk of skin irritation and blindness if they come into contact with the latex.

d) Effects on fish and wildlife. If invasive plants are growing along a watercourse manual control is often the method chosen. Uprooting plants causes disturbances along the watercourses and can lead to siltation. On steep slopes with fine textured soils hand pulling can destabilise the slope and provide an improved seed bed for re-infestation.

e) Measures for reducing hazards. When it is necessary to do extensive amounts of hand pulling along busy roads workers will place notices on either side of the work area. On sensitive sites, adjacent to water courses and steep slopes with fine textured soils, alternatives will be evaluated. If hand pulling is to proceed then extra care will be taken to try and minimise the disturbance and if necessary the site will be seeded.

f) Cost of treatment. The costs of manual treatments are quite variable from site to site but are generally very high. Seeds germinate throughout the growing season and seedlings bolt at variable times so the sites have to be visited several times during the year. Because of seed banking, eliminating invasive plants by manual treatments takes numerous years. Manual treatments are done on sites that are small or after the size of the sites have been reduced by using other control methods such as herbicides.

5.5.2 Physical control – Mowing and Cutting a) Efficacy of treatment. Mowing invasive plants or creating a seedbed and seeding

desirable competitive species is sometimes an effective approach to reduce invasive plants or reduce the movement of invasive plants off sites. The most effective time for mowing or cutting invasive plants is generally in late bud to early bloom when plants have used up most of the carbohydrate reserves in their roots. Mowing, even repeated mowing over numerous years, usually does not kill invasive plants. For some invasive plants, mowing encourages rather than weakens them. For example, a mowing trial on common tansy from 1992 to 1995 tested several mowing regimes and found that the structure of the invasive plant population changed with mowing but the population actually increased.

23

b) Creating a seedbed and seeding to try and replace invasive plants with desirable vegetation can have variable results from good control to worse situations. Sometimes the creation of a seedbed encourages the invasive plants and they dominate the site before the seeded species can establish. An important factor in getting good control is using tillage systems in creation of the seedbed that kill the invasive plants present.

c) Mechanical control is rarely used when elimination of invasive plants is the goal.

These control methods can be used to weaken the stand and or to reduce the spread of invasive plants to new sites.

d) Equipment required. Most often hand held ‘weed wackers’ are used to mow or cut invasive plants. On larger sites motorised manually operated brush cutters are used. On very large sites tractors with mowers can be used. For seeding, plows, discs and seeders are required. Zero tillage seeding can be employed but then there is a requirement for herbicide treatment as well.Worker and public safety. A large amount of invasive plant infestations are along roads creating a need to reduce worker and public risk by increasing traffic and worker awareness. The use of mowing equipment presents risks of being cut by mower blades and suffering back injury from repetitive use of slung mowers.Effects on fish and wildlife. Cutting invasive plants has little impact on fish and wildlife.Measures for reducing hazards. When it becomes necessary to do extensive amounts of mowing along busy roads workers will place notices on either side of the work area. Training on the safe operation of mowers will be provided.

e) Costs of treatment. The cost of mowing is quite variable but generally lower than hand pulling and higher than other control options. It often takes many years of mowing to see even a marginal decrease in invasive plant populations. Costs are higher with hand held ‘invasive plant wackers’ then with motorised mowers or tractor mounted mowers. Creating a seedbed and seeding to replace invasive plants is very expensive and usually requires harvest of a crop off the seeded area to justify the costs.

5.5.3 Biological Control a) Efficacy of treatment. Biological control involves the introduction of pests and

parasites specific to the invasive plant species. Most invasive plants arrived in North America as seeds and the biological agents, insects and diseases that accompany the plants and regulate populations do not accompany the plants. Biological control involves bringing host specific pests of the plants from their places of origin to North America. The biological agents then stress the plants making them less competitive and, when the stress is significant enough, reduce the populations of the particular invasive plant. Biological control does not result in elimination of the plant from sites. Biological control is used as the primary tool when it is effective enough to reduce the populations of the invasive plants below a level where significant environmental or economic damage occurs. There are numerous biological control agents for invasive plants in North America but only some are available and suitable for northern BC. Biological control is the primary option or tool for St. John’s Wort and common toadflax in the PMP area. There is also an effective agent on bull

24

thistle. In the area two agents have been released on Canada thistle and even though both agents have over wintered they have not established.

Sheep and cattle can be used to graze invasive plants. For grazing to be used the invasive plants need to be palatable or susceptible to trampling. Leafy spurge is poisonous to cattle but sheep can be used to graze large leafy spurge patches to weaken the stand, slow spread or to make the patches more susceptible to herbicides. In northern BC leafy spurge patches are all small and controllable using other methods. Some control of Canada thistle patches occurs by placing salt blocks in the middle of the patch. Cattle trample the Canada thistle patch when they access the salt block weakening the patch and slowing spread.

b) Equipment required. There is some specialised equipment required for transporting, releasing, distributing and monitoring biocontrol agents. This includes, screened containers, ice packs, signs, sweep nets, shovels, etc. For livestock grazing of invasive plants electric fences and herding are used.

c) Worker and public safety. There are very few worker and public safety issues with biological control. There have been reports of throat irritation when aspirating biocontrol agents for collection and monitoring.

d) Effects on fish and wildlife. The other invasive plant control techniques involve a one time, and one location impact. Biological control involves a release at one point that spreads across space over time. There is some risk as the control will have lasting and spreading effects. Rigorous screening is required to get approval, (approval must come from both Canadian and US governments), before an agent can be released. The introduction of biological control agents could have positive, negative or no impact on fish and wildlife.

e) Measures for reducing hazards. As mentioned there are rigorous screening processes for biological control agents. There is a high degree of confidence that the biocontrol agents will attack the invasive plant species they are targeted for and no other plants. Release sites are monitored to determine if the agents establish, if they disperse from the release point and if they have an impact on the host invasive plant species population. During the monitoring indications of attack on other plant species will be noted and if found forwarded to Agriculture Canada.

f) Costs of treatment. The costs to study and collect agents in Europe then to study, rear and screen agents for release in Canada, are very high. It can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to get an agent approved for release and there are some agents that do not make it through the process. Once the agent has been reared and is available to field release the majority of the costs have occurred. Field releasing biocontrol agents is relatively inexpensive and scheduling with other duties keeps release and monitoring costs low.

Table 5: Summary of Biocontrol Agents Invasive plant Agent(s) Description Status in North

Central BC Biocontrol Worked Proposed

Impact of Agent

Nodding thistle

Rhinocyllus conicus

Seed head weevil Invasive plant present but only as isolated small patches. There is no opportunity to release agents at

Monitor invasive plant population & release agents when infestations or a large enough size are found.

Combined with other agents offers successful biocontrol, (reduces invasive plant populations to an acceptable threshold)

25

this time. Trichosirocalus

horridus Weevil – larvae mines and feeds on vegetative buds

As above As above As above

Plumeless thistle

Rhinocyllus conicus

Seed head weevil Neither invasive plant nor agent is present but both are expected to arrive

Detect the arrival of plumeless thistle and try to control sites before they can establish. If the thistle establishes then identify sites for release of biocontrol agents.

Unlike nodding thistle, the biocontrol agents are not always decreasing plumeless thistle populations in other parts of the province.

Trichosirocalus horridus

Weevil – larvae mines and feeds on vegetative buds

As above As above As above

Marsh thistle Rhinocyllus conicus, Ttrichosirocalu horridus, Larinus planus

Weevils Marsh thistle is present, spreading and causing degradation. The agents have been released but are not ready for general distribution.

Most marsh thistle sites will be controlled by pulling, rogueing and herbicides as they show up. If large sites develop then biocontrol will be considered.

This is a relatively new invasive plant to BC. There are no indications from eastern north America, where marsh thistle is more prevalent, that biocontrol agents have managed to impact the invasive plant populations.

Spotted knapweed

Agapeta zoegana Root mining moth Unknown, not released

None – spotted knapweed sites will be controlled by hand pulling and herbicide applications.

The impact of the complex of agents available for spotted knapweed is being evaluated.

Chaetorellia acrolophi

Weevil As above As above As above

Larinus minutus Weevil As above As above As above Larinus obtusus Weevil As above As above As above Metzneria

paucipunctella Seed head moth As above As above As above

Pellochrista medullana

Root mining moth Unknown, not released

As above As above

Puccinia jaceae Stem and leaf rust As above As above As above Sphenoptera

jugoslavica Root mining beetle

As above As above As above

Terellia virens Fly As above As above As above Urophora affinis

& U. quadrifasciata

Seed head gall forming flies

Released in the district status unknown

As above As above

Canada thistle Ceutorhynchus litura

Weevil Unknown, not released

This agent will be released if it becomes available

The complex of agents currently available for Canada thistle has not impacted the invasive plants population in any locations in the province.

Larinus planus Seed head weevil Released at a few sites. Status unknown

Additional releases of this agent will be made as the agent becomes available. The agent will be monitored to determine if it establishes and disperses.

As above

Urophora cardui Stem gall fly Released at a few sites but does not appear to have established.

As above As above

Rhinocyllus conicus. Cleonis pigra, Cassida

Weevil, root crown weevil, defoliating beetle,

Unknown, not released

These agents will be released if they become available

As above

26

rubiginosus, Terellia ruficauda Puccinia punctiformis, Dasineura gibsoni

seed head fly, systemic rust fungus and small midge

Bull thistle Urophora stylata Seed head gall fly Released & established.

Monitoring will occur to ensure the agent is dispersing on its own and indicate if additional releases are required.

Proper management, minimising and seeding disturbances and having proper grazing practices combined with this agent shorten the time that bull thistle is a problem.

Diffuse knapweed

Agapeta zoegana, Chaetorellia acrolophi, Larinus minutus, Larinus obtusus, Pelochrista medullana, Pterolonche inspersa, Puccinia jaceae, Sphenoptera jugoslavica, Urophora affinis, U. quadrifasciata

Moth, fly, weevil, weevil, moth, moth, stem and leaf rust, beetle, fly & fly

Unknown, not released

None – diffuse knapweed sites will be controlled by hand pulling and herbicide applications.

The complex of agents currently available for diffuse knapweed appears to have impacted the invasive plant population on dry southern interior sites but not else where in the province.

Leafy spurge Aphthona cyparissiae, A. czwalinae, A. flava, A. lacertosa, A. nigriscutis, Hyles euphorbiae and Lobesia euphorbiana

Flea beetles and the last 2 are moths

A. cyparissiae was released on leafy spurge site in the nearby Houston area. The agent established but later the leafy spurge site, mostly on private land, was controlled with herbicides

Monitor for the appearance of leafy spurge sites and control with herbicides and/or rogueing.

The combination of agents available has reduced leafy spurge populations on some sites.

St. John’s Wort

Agrilis hyperici, Aplocera plagiata, Aphis chloris, Chrysolina hyperici, C. quadrigemina

Beetle, moth, aphid, beetle and beetle

St. John’s Wort is making its way into the area from the East and West mostly along highway 16.

When St. John’s Wort sites large enough to release agents on are inventoried requests for a supply of agents will be made.

The agent is successful in keeping St. John’s Wort populations at acceptable levels on some sites in the province. There are some locations, e.g., in Boundary Forest District, where St. John’s Wort is still dominating substantial areas of habitat in spite of high biocontrol agent populations.

Dalmation toadflax

Mecinus janthinus

Stem mining weevil

To date there are small Dalmatian toadflax sites. A release of this agent was made on one such site on the north end of the bridge over the Nechako River in Vanderhoof. The agent has also been released in the Burns Lake and Prince George areas.

Continue to monitor and control Dalmatian toadflax. If larger sites are found release this agent.

The complex of agents currently available for Dalmatian toadflax has had some impact on invasive plant populations in some locations in the province. Mecinus janthinus appears to be reducing toadflax populations in southern BC.

Brachypterolus pulcarius,

Beetle & weevil These agents are present on

Monitor to see if the agents appear on

As above.

27

Gymnaetron antirrhinis

common toadflax and may spread onto Dalmatian toadflax.

Dalmatian toadflax.

Calophasia lunula, Eteobalea intermediella

Moths Not released – not known

These agents will be released and monitored if they become available

As above

Common toadflax

Brachypterolus pulicarius, Gymnaetron antirrhini

Beetle, weevil Present on all common toadflax sites monitored.

Occasional monitoring.

The combinations of biocontrol agents appear to be keeping common toadflax populations at acceptable levels. The population of common toadflax does cycle up to high levels sometimes.

Calophasia lunula, eteobalea serratella, mecinus janthinus

Moth, moth, weevil

These agents have not been released and it is suspected they are not present.

These agents also attack Dalmatian toadflax. If they become available they will be released on Dalmatian toadflax and common toadflax sites will be monitored to see if they establish on common toadflax as well.

As above

5.5.4 Herbicide Control a) Efficacy of treatment. Data from extensive studies are used to register herbicides.

Included in the studies are timing rate trials and herbicides must provide effective control to be registered. The proper use of herbicides results in excellent control of invasive plants.

b) Equipment required. Herbicides are applied using hand held and backpack sprayers and motorised sprayers mounted on trucks or ATVs. Wick applicators are also used.

c) Worker and public safety. Exposure to herbicides presents a risk to both workers and the public.

d) Effects on fish and wildlife. The degradation of habitat caused by invasive plant infestations and the correction of the degradation by the use of herbicides usually result in benefits to fish and wildlife. Though the herbicides have low acute toxicity, i.e., they will not kill people or animals at the dosages used, exposure of fish and wildlife to herbicides does present a risk. To apply to Agriculture Canada for registration of a new pesticide a company must submit environmental data on persistence and degradation as well as effects on birds, mammals, aquatic organisms, predators, parasites and honeybees. Environment Canada assesses potential effects of herbicides on terrestrial plants and animals. Fisheries and Oceans Canada assesses herbicide fate and persistence in water and sediments and toxicity to aquatic organisms.

The main risk to fish is that the residual nature of picloram, the active ingredient in Tordon 22k, will result in runoff carrying Tordon into streams. Picloram has a low degree of toxicity to fish and other aquatic organisms and the US Environmental Protection Agency does not require the statement “This product is toxic to fish” on its US labels. This label is required for pesticides that kill fish at 1 ppm3. The Canadian

28

Label indicates: “This product, (Tordon 22K), is moderately toxic to fish. Do not apply directly to any water bodies or in areas where the runoff from treated areas will reach fish-bearing waters.” Given this, the residue nature of picloram and the risk that rain will cause runoff and carrying of picloram into aquatic systems over time, a risk does exist. D.F Woodward authored a paper titled Assessing the Hazard of picloram to Cut-throat Trout that investigated this risk.4 A recommendation from this study is: “…managers should consider the persistence and mobility of picloram in soil and water and the resulting hazard to aquatic habitats. Picloram should be applied on rangelands in a manner such that residues in adjacent streams and lakes do not exceed 290 ug/l following the first major rainfall after application. However, if persistent rainfall were to occur, this maximum allowable concentration would probably be much lower. Since rainfall is not predictable, an adequate buffer zone should be maintained between natural waters and the application area, and picloram should not be applied on stream and lake slopes.”

e) Measures for reducing hazards. Herbicide applicators are trained and certified in the application of pesticides. The training involves types of protective gear, techniques and procedures to minimise exposure to herbicides. All sprayed sites are signed to let the public know that herbicide applications have occurred. Selective application techniques and / or selective herbicides are used to minimise impacts on non-target species. To minimise risk to aquatic habitat 10-meter zones are maintained adjacent to water for all herbicides except Roundup, whose active ingredient is glyphosate. For exceptional situations Roundup applications within 1 meter of water may occur with wick applicators. To ensure the zones are free from pesticides an adequate buffer beyond the 10-meter zone where no spraying occurs is also maintained.

f) Costs of treatments. Herbicides are an efficient and effective method of invasive plant control and, with the exception of biocontrol, the costs of treating invasive plant sites with herbicides are significantly lower than other treatment methods.

Table 6: Summary of Herbicides, Rates, Timing

Herbicide Rates Timing Application Methods Escort The rates for control of broad-leaved invasive plants in

rough turf and non-crop areas on the Escort label are 20, 25 and 30 grams / ha. This equates to .012, .015 and .018 kg ai / ha. Timing rate trials for Escort were done in Vanderhoof Forest District by BCMAF and Escort was tested at .012 and .018 kg / ha on field scabious. Both rates gave excellent control. For the PMP a maximum rate of .018 kg ai/ha has been applied for. The main use for Escort will be for control of field scabious and common tansy. Application rates will usually be at the lower rate of .012.

Escort is effective when applied to young, less than 10-cm tall, invasive plants. The trials in Vanderhoof Forest District had an Escort application date of May 26 and excellent control was obtained on field scabious. The label indicates Escort be applied between mid June and mid August. The invasive plants should be actively growing at the time of application. When possible Escort will be used early in the season, before July.

Backpack sprayers, hand held sprayers and a motorised sprayer that can attach to an ATV or truck are used for applications. Application is either through the wand of the backpack or hand held sprayer, the handgun of the mounted sprayer or a boom on the mounted sprayer.

Grazon The rates for control of broadleaved invasive plants such as Canada thistle is 3.7 liters / ha. More difficult invasive plants to control, such as burdock, require 7 liters / ha.

Grazon is effective thoughout the growing season.

Backpack sprayers, hand held sprayers and a motorised sprayer that can attach to an ATV or truck are used for applications.

29

Application is either through the wand of the backpack or hand held sprayer, the handgun of the ATV mounted sprayer or a boom on the ATV or truck mounted sprayer.

Roundup The rate of Roundup application to control invasive plants is dependent on the stage of development of the invasive plant. For example, the following rate for Canada thistle in non crop land areas are on the Roundup label: 4.75 - 7 l/ha = 1.69 – 2.492 kg ai / ha. For hand held high volume equipment the label indicates to use a 2 % solution or 33% solution for wiper or wick applications.

The invasive plants have to have at least 3 to 4 green leaves or a few inches of growth before Roundup applications are made. Once past bloom, sites can be mowed to prevent seed movement off site and Roundup can be applied to control the invasive plants.

Backpack sprayers, hand held sprayers, a motorised sprayer that can attach to an ATV or truck and wick applicators are used to apply Roundup.

Tordon 22K There are 4 rates on the Tordon label. Invasive plants such as scentless chamomile can be controlled at 1.1 litres per hectare, (.264 kg ai / ha), invasive plants such as the knapinvasive plants can be controlled at 2.25 l / ha, (.54 kg ai / ha), invasive plants such as Canada thistle can be controlled at 4.5 litres / ha, (1.08 kg ai / ha) invasive plants such as leafy spurge and toadflax can be controlled at 9 l / ha, (2.16 kg ai / ha).

Tordon is effective throughout the growing season and the label indicates “Apply anytime when fully developed green leaves are present”. Dormant season applications are effective in controlling seedlings the following spring.

Backpack sprayers, hand held sprayers and a motorised sprayer that can attach to an ATV or truck are used for applications. Application is either through the wand of the backpack or hand held sprayer, the handgun of the ATV mounted sprayer or a boom on the ATV or truck mounted sprayer.

Transline The application rate for Transline to obtain season long control of Canada thistle and reduction of population the following season is .83 l / ha or .2988 kg ai / ha. Timing rate trails conducted in the Bulkley-Cassiar District by BCMAFF tested Transline at this rate, .3 kg ai / ha, on oxeye daisy and hawkinvasive plant. In Vanderhoof district Transline was tested on scabious at .15 & .3 kg ai / ha. The .3 kg ai / ha rate gave adequate control in the trials but the lower rate, .15 kg ai / ha, did not give adequate control of scabious.

Timing of applications should be keyed to plant growth and soil moisture. Canada thistle should be between the rosette and pre-bud stage at the time of spraying. For most invasive plants Transline should be applied prior to 15-cm height stage when they are actively growing with adequate soil moisture.

Backpack sprayers, hand held sprayers and a motorised sprayer that can attach to an ATV or truck are used for applications. Application is either through the wand of the backpack or hand held sprayer, the handgun of the mounted sprayer or a boom on the mounted sprayer.

2,4-D The rate for 2,4-D for rangeland applications is 3.1 kg ai / ha.

2,4-D should be applied to invasive plants when they are in the seedling stage.

Backpack sprayers, hand held sprayers and a motorised sprayer that can attach to an ATV or truck are used for applications.

Table 7: Herbicide Selection for Invasive Plants and Sites

Invasive plant Treatment in

Grassland and Openings

Treatment Under Forest canopy

Treatment on Coarse Textured

Soils

Treatment within a Riparian Zone, (> 10 m

from water unless special site specific

exemption) Knapweeds Tordon 22K or Grazon Transline or Roundup Roundup, 2,4-D Roundup (wick applied) Field scabious Escort or Grazon Escort Roundup, 2,4-D Roundup (wick applied) Orange hawkweed Tordon 22K or Grazon Transline or Roundup Roundup, 2,4-D Roundup (wick applied) Dalmatian toadflax Tordon 22K or Grazon Transline or Roundup Roundup, 2,4-D Roundup (wick applied) Leafy Spurge Tordon 22K or Grazon Transline or Roundup Roundup, 2,4-D Roundup (wick applied)

Common Tansy Escort or Grazon Transline or Roundup Roundup, 2,4-D Roundup (wick applied)

Common Burdock Tordon 22K or Grazon Transline or Roundup Roundup, 2,4-D Roundup (wick applied)

30

Invasive plant Treatment in

Grassland and Openings

Treatment Under Forest canopy

Treatment on Coarse Textured

Soils

Treatment within a Riparian Zone, (> 10 m

from water unless special site specific

exemption) Canada Thistle

Tordon 22K, Roundup or Grazon Transline or Roundup Roundup, 2,4-D Roundup (wick applied)

5.6 Treatment Selection 5.6.1 Determining Pest Management Options To determine which combination of pest management options to use consideration is given to characteristics of the invasive plants, efficacy of treatments, characteristics of the site, size of the infestation and goals. • The characteristics or growth habit of an invasive plant influences which pest

management options will be effective. For example, hand pulling rhizomatous invasive plants like Canada thistle and leafy spurge is not an effective control measure whereas hand pulling tap rooted plants like the knapweeds and common tansy works well. Herbicide labels list the invasive plants that they control and the NWIPC Plan & Profile as well as the Field Guide to the Biological Control of Weeds in BC indicates biocontrol agents availability.

• The site characteristics and the limitations those characteristics place on control options have to be determined. For example, hand pulling on a steep slope with fine textured soils can destabilise the slope and the Tordon 22K label restricts its use on coarse textured soils which have an underlying shallow aquifers. Proximity to water or drinking water sources also precludes herbicide use.

• The size of the infestation and the reality of applying the various control options also have to be considered. For example, a small infestation of a hundred or less plants can be hand pulled quickly with little disturbance to the site. An infestation of thousands of plants on .5 ha or less will take an excessive amount of time to hand pull and if the infestation is dense may seriously disturb the site. Herbicide applications on such a site can be done quickly with little disturbance. For large sites, sites greater than 5 ha, the resources of the program would be severally taxed if herbicide applications were made. If available, biocontrol agents can be released on large sites for little costs. If biocontrol agents are not available and it is determined a large site needs to be controlled machine operated mowers are an option.

• The immediate and long-term goals for a site also influence the choice of pest management options. If the invasive plant is in category 1 on a priority 1 site the immediate goal is to prevent any spread or increase in population of the invasive plant from either seed or roots. The long-term goal is to eliminate invasive plants from the site. For a category 2 invasive plant on a priority 3 site the immediate and long-term goals are to prevent or minimise the spread of the invasive plant off the site. For the first situation the control options should not only prevent spread but also kill the existing invasive plant stand. Control methods such as herbicides, hand pulling and rogueing could be used but mowing is not a good option as it will not kill the invasive plants. For the second situation where the goal is to prevent spread off the site mowing could be considered.

31

Figure 4: Flow Chart for Determining Pest Management Options

Identify Invasive plant(s) & Determine Invasive plant Category(s) (Refer to Table 2)

Determine Site Priority

(Refer to Table 3)

Apply Threshold Matrix (Refer to Table 4)

Control measures required Control not necessary at this time

Are additional FN consultations needed? See table 8

Site characteristics

Invasive plant characteristics

Size of infestation

Efficacy of treatments

Prevention measures – review & requirements

Immediate and long term goals

Determine control options

Select combination of control options & develop a prescription for the site

Implement the prescription – begin control work on the invasive plant site

Monitor the site and review the prescription

Adjust the prescription as things like the size of the infestation changes

32

Table 8: Requirement for Additional First Nations Consultations Some First Nations made specific requests or requirements for the implementation of the PMP, these are noted below. First Nations have representation on the Board of Directors for the Northwest Invasive Plant Council, NWIPC, and First Nations will be contacted to continue consultations and adjustments through the duration of the PMP. Prior to commencement of work crews and contractors will be instructed as to specifics to meet these requirements.

FIRST NATION

LOCATION CONTACT INFO SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT

Carrier Chilcotin Tribal Council

Williams Lake

Cheslatta Carrier Nation

Burns Lake

Gitxsan Treaty Office

Hazelton Louise Wilson 250-842-5248 northernredfoxx@yahoo.ca

Co-ordinate work with ‘Weeding out the Invaders Project’ and include Gitxsan’s in contract tendering.

Kelly Lake First Nation Society

Tomslake

Kluskus Indian Band

Quesnel

Lake Babine Nation

Burns Lake

Lheidi T’enneh Band

Prince George

McLeod Lake Indian Band

McLeod Lake

Nadleh Whut’en Band

Ft Fraser

Nak’azdli Band Ft. St. James Arrange through Carl Pollard, Ft. St. James Forest District or Karen Tabe Vanderhoof Forest District

Additional Consultation required before herbicide applications occur.

Nazko Band Government

Quesnel Bill Ostenstad or other at Nazko Band Government (250) 992-9085

Adhere to and meet those aspects of the consultation and implementation requirements of the Nazko Pest Management Protocol relevant to invasive plant management.

Red Bluff Indian Band

Quesnel

33

Saik’uz First Nation

Vanderhoof Arrange through Karen Tabe, Vanderhoof Forest District

Co-ordinate with Saik’uz invasive plant program.

Stella’ten First Nation

Fraser Lake

Tahltan Tribal Council

Telegraph Creek

Takla Lake First Nations Band

Prince George

Tl’azt’en Nation

Ft. St. James Arrange through Carl Pollard, Ft. St. James Forest District or Karen Tabe Vanderhoof Forest District.

Additional Consultation required before herbicide applications occur.

Tsay Keh Dene Prince George Ulkatcho Indian Band

Anahim Lake

West Moberly First Nations Natural Resources

Moberly Lake

Yekooche First Nation

Ft. St. James

5.6.2 Examples of Determining Pest Management Options A crew finds two sites, a .02 ha spotted knapweed site and 2 ha Canada thistle site. Table 9: Example of Determining Pest Management Options.

Preliminary Work .2 ha spotted knapweed site 2 ha Canada thistle site

• Examine the invasive plant inventory maps and spreadsheets.

• Identify grazing tenure holders and other area residents to contact.

• Do a survey of the area to update the inventory, determine the location of water bodies, wells and the proximity and amount of invasive plant infestation and uninfested susceptible habitat. Update inventory maps including water bodies, wells and water intakes on the maps.

• Examine the invasive plant inventory maps and spreadsheets.

• Identify grazing tenure holders and other area residents to contact.

• Do a survey of the area to update the inventory, determine the location of water bodies, wells and the proximity and amount of invasive plant infestation and uninfested susceptible habitat. Update inventory maps including water bodies, wells and water intakes on the maps.

34

Step 1 • Identify invasive plant(s)

• Using tools such as the invasive plant pocket book make sure of the identity. If there is a question of identity a sample of the plant including some root material should be delivered to the regional IP specialist in a zip lock bag.

• Determine the invasive plant’s category • Using the NWIPC Plan & Profile look up the

category. The NWIPC document is used instead of this PMP because it is reviewed and a current or new Plan is produced each spring.

• Spotted knapinvasive plant is a category 1 invasive plant.

• Determine the priority of the site • Use Table 3, (the same table is in the NWIPC Plan &

Profile): • Size - the site is .02 ha. • Susceptibility – the site is in an aspen parkland type

habitat in the dry cool sub boreal spruce zone, SBSdk, that forms a broken pattern across the hillside covering approximately 1000 ha. This type of habitat is very susceptible and spotted knapweed will be able to invade, dominate and degrade the entire 1000 ha.

• Expectations for control – using an integrated approach it is expected that spotted knapweed can be eliminated from the site.

• The site priority is 1. • Apply threshold matrix, table 4.

• This site is a category 1 priority 1. • The matrix indicates: Control is required. • The immediate requirements are to prevent spread by

seed or rhizome. The goal is to eliminate the local population of the invasive plant.

• Identify invasive plant(s) • Using tools such as the invasive plant pocket book

make sure of the identity. If there is a question of identity a sample of the plant including some root material should be delivered to the regional IP specialist in a zip lock bag.

• Determine the invasive plant’s category • Using the NWIPC Plan & Profile look up the

category. The NWIPC document is used instead of this PMP because it is reviewed and a current or new Plan is produced each spring.

• Canada thistle is a category 2 invasive plant. • Determine the priority of the site

• Use Table 3, (the same table is in the NWIPC Plan & Profile):

• Size - the site is 2 ha. • Susceptibility – the site is on a 5 ha natural opening

along a logging road in the SBSdk zone. There is a healthy stand of wildrye, peavine and cow parsnip accompanying the thistle. There are other similar natural openings nearby that are not infested and add up to about 100 ha of natural openings in the immediate area. Up the road there are uninfested cut blocks that are grazed by cattle under tenure from the Ministry of Forests. The openings and blocks are used by wildlife with the natural openings being of particular importance to fall bear grazing and spring deer grazing. One km down the road is a farm with pastures that are moderately infested with Canada thistle.

• The natural openings are susceptible to invasion and degradation by Canada thistle. The pastures on the farm below are considered infested. Though the cut blocks are susceptible to invasion, they are planted and tree growth will limit the time which Canada thistle would degrade the habitat.

• Expectations for control – the local thistle population cannot be eliminated with the resources available.

• The site priority is 3. • Apply the threshold matrix, table 4.

• This site is a category 2 priority 3. • The matrix indicates – the need for control is

reviewed in the context of the support and demands of other agencies, area residents and goals for the area in general.

35

Step 2

• Site characteristics – • Soils are fine textured. • There is a good complex of competing vegetation

including several grass species. • There are no water bodies or wells near by. • The site has a gentle slope with a southwest aspect. • Site characteristics allow all control methods.

• Invasive plant characteristics. Characteristics can be found in the invasive plant pocket book, the NWIPC Plan & Profile and other literature available from the district range officer or regional IP specialist. • Spotted knapweed is a tap rooted perennial plant that

is a very prolific seed producer. The seeds can be banked in the soil for 20+ years though most seeds germinate during the first good conditions.

• The ability of spotted knapweed to dominate a site is due primarily its prolific seed production and very competitive nature. The deep taproot is very efficient competitor for moisture and nutrients.

• Spread off a site is most often human related with equipment and vehicles being the main culprits. Seed heads are picked up in undercarriages of equipment and vehicles and moved to new areas.

• Once spotted knapweed arrives on a site it will expand to dominate most open canopied habitats.

• Disturbance and heavy grazing assist spotted knapweed in establishing and expanding on sites.

• Size of infestation • The infestation covers .02 ha and consists of many

thousands of plants. • Efficacy of treatments

• Biocontrol agents are available but they will not effect the population of spotted knapweed and will not meet the requirements of preventing seed production and spread or elimination of knapweed on the site.

• Hand pulling of spotted knapweed is feasible and effective. There is a proliferation of seedlings and rosettes and some seed banked in the soil that will not be controlled by hand pulling.

• Mowing is not very effective for spotted knapweed as the plant can produce flowers below the height of the mower blade and mowing, even repeated mowing, has a limited impact on the survival of the plant.

• Rogueing or tilling may stimulate banked seed to germinate and would damage competing vegetation. I.e., spotted knapweed populations need to be reduced before rogueing or tilling is used as a control. Once the population of spotted knapweed is reduced rogueing will be an effective tool in removing scattered seedlings and rosettes.

• Site characteristics – • Soils are fine textured. • There is a good complex of competing vegetation

including several grass species. • There is a creek within 50 meters of the infestation

and a dwelling 1-km down the road has a water intake in the creek.

• The site is flat. • Site characteristics allow all control methods but

some considerations are required for herbicides because of the proximity and uses of water.

• Invasive plant characteristics. Characteristics can be found in the invasive plant pocket book, the NWIPC Plan & Profile and other literature available from the District Range Officer or Regional IP specialist. • Canada thistle is a rhizomatous perennial plant that

forms dense patches that are sometimes clones of either female or male plants. Seed production can be high and drifting pappus or feather like fluff seen floating from Canada thistle stands gives the impression that seed can be carried long distances by the wind. This isn’t the case. At a distance of 10 meters from female plants only 9.9 % of the floating plumes bore achenes, (the fruit that contains seed), and at a distance of 1 km only .2% of floating plumes had an attached seed. New Canada thistle infestations are started from seed that is carried on equipment, animals or wind and root fragments carried by equipment are probably as important a factor in starting new infestations. Once established the rhizomes of Canada thistle accounts for most of the spread. Each rhizome is capable of extending or spreading up to 6 meters each year.2

• The ability of Canada thistle to dominate a site is due primarily to its extensive root system.

• Once Canada thistle arrives on a site dense patches form and expand to occupy significant areas on most open canopied habitats.

• Disturbance and heavy grazing assist Canada thistle in establishing and expanding on sites.

• Size of infestation • The infestation covers 2 ha and consists of several

dense clumps of thistles. • Efficacy of treatments

• Biocontrol agents are available but they will not effect the population of Canada thistle.

• Hand pulling of Canada thistle is not effective. The rhizomatous roots break and the root fragments generate new plants.

• Mowing is slightly effective for Canada thistle. It needs to be timed to late bud or early bloom when the root carbohydrate reserves are at there lowest. Repeated mowing over numerous years eventually begins to reduce Canada thistle populations.

• Rogueing or tilling initially breaks and stimulates roots increasing Canada thistle populations. Repeated tilling that brings roots to the surface to dry depletes carbohydrate reserves and will eventually effect Canada thistle populations.

36

• Herbicides. Spotted knapweed is controlled by the

herbicides listed in the PMP, Tordon 22K, Roundup, Transline, Grazon, 2,4-D and Escort. All the herbicides would give good to excellent control of spotted knapweed including seedlings and rosettes. The selective herbicides will encourage competing vegetation by selectively removing the knapweed. The residue nature of Tordon will provide control of the banked seed that germinates over the next year. Tordon will provide excellent control, encourage competing vegetation to assist in preventing re-infestation and give control of banked seed that germinates later.

• Prevention measures, review and requirements. • Try and determine where the spotted knapweed seed

that infested this site came from and how it was transported to the site.

• Determine if factors such as development work or grazing may assist spotted knapweed to spread on the site.

• If the seed and transport source can be tracked down inform jurisdictions responsible for the site of origin and transportation of the seed.

• Check for invasive plant awareness of local residents and if necessary indicate the need for extension work.

• Request assistance from the secretary or chairperson of NWIPC if assistance with extension or to control seed source sites is needed.

• Immediate and long term goals • The immediate goal is to prevent seed production and

movement of spotted knapweed off of the site to new sites.

• The mid and long term goals are to eliminate spotted knapweed from the site.

• Determine control options • Control options that do not allow for goal

accomplishment are mowing and biocontrol. • Control options that allow for goal accomplishment

are herbicides, hand pulling and, after spotted knapweed populations have been reduced, rogueing. Of the herbicides, Tordon 22K provides the most efficient method of goal attainment as it is likely only one application will be required.

• Invasive plant control prescription for the site: • The site will be treated with Tordon 22K before

spotted knapweed comes into bloom. Two to Four weeks later, while picking up the herbicide notification signs, the site will be surveyed and any missed plants will be hand pulled or rogued if they can’t be pulled. Plants that are in bloom or seed will be bagged and destroyed in an appropriate manner such as incineration.

• In subsequent years the site will be checked before the plants are in bloom and any plants found will be pulled and crimped. Later in the summer or early fall the site will be rechecked and any plants found will be pulled. Plants that are in bloom or seed will be bagged and destroyed. After 3 or 4 consecutive years when spotted knapweed cannot be found the site will be moved into the transition category. The site will be checked every second year after that. If spotted knapweed does not show up after 4 to 6 years the site will be moved to the clean category.

• Herbicides. Canada thistle is controlled by the herbicides listed in the PMP, Tordon 22K, Roundup, Transline, Grazon, 2,4-D and Escort. All the herbicides would give good to excellent control of Canada thistle including seedlings and rosettes. The selective herbicides will encourage competing vegetation by selectively removing the thistle. The residue nature of Tordon will provide control of the banked seed that germinates over the next year as well as new plants that develop from roots that are so deep that they are not killed initially by the herbicides.

• Prevention measures, review and requirements. • Try and determine where the Canada thistle seed or

plant fragment that infested this site came from and how it was transported to the site.

• Determine if factors such as development work or grazing may assist Canada thistle to spread on the site.

• If the seed or plant and transport source can be tracked down inform jurisdictions responsible for the origin site and or actions related to transport.

• Check for invasive plant awareness of local residents and if necessary indicate the need for extension work.

• Request assistance from the secretary or chairperson of NWIPC if assistance with extension or to control seed source sites is needed.

• Immediate and long term goals • The immediate goals are to determine the support and

objectives of other agencies and area residents concerning Canada thistle control in the area and to minimise further spread of Canada thistle by assuring and or implementing necessary prevention techniques.

• The long-term goal is to reduce Canada thistle populations to a point where environmental degradation is at an acceptable threshold through the integrated use of prevention and biological control. If local resident and other agency demand actions and indicate that a more immediate reduction in Canada thistle population is what is desired then the goals will be adjusted and other control methods, such as herbicides, may be used.

• Determine control options • Control option that does not allow for goal

accomplishment is hand pulling. • Control options that allow for goal accomplishment are

herbicides, mowing, rogueing and releasing biocontrol agents.

• Invasive plant control prescription for the site: • Release tertiary biological control agents on the site as they become available. Tertiary agent releases do not preclude prescription changes in the future. • The Regional District will be requested and assisted in developing a invasive plant plan and prescription for the farm and discussions will begin with Ministry of Highways concerning invasive plant control in the area.

37

Step 3

• Implement the prescription and begin control work on the invasive plant site. • Complete the invasive plant inventory form. • The contractor, co-op student or staff member

responsible for the site reviews the process and determines if the prescription is appropriate and work can proceed or if further review of the prescription with the District Range Officer and or the Regional Agrologist is necessary.

• Signs are placed at the site and it is treated with Tordon 22K.

• Operations records are completed. • 2 to 4 weeks later the signs are picked up, any

uncontrolled knapinvasive plant is either hand pulled, bagged and destroyed or if seedlings or rosettes are found, rogued.

• A second treatment record is completed or a note is made on the first record if no additional control is required.

• Monitor the site and review the prescription. • The District Range Officer and or the Regional

Agrologist will add the site to the list of sites for possible field inspection for contract or program administration.

• The prescription, responsibility and other aspects of the site will be discussed at the fall and spring NWIPC meetings. The critical site list will be reviewed by a wide audience of NWIPC members and advisors prior to drafting and acceptance of the following years plan.

• The site will be visited annually. The inventory will be updated and any spotted knapinvasive plant plants found will be hand pulled or rogued and a treatment record will be completed.

• Adjust the prescription • If there are still a lot of plants after the first Tordon

treatment the site and prescription will reviewed and the need for a second herbicide application will assessed.

• If the site has not shifted to transition on the critical site list within 6 to 8 years the site and prescription will be reviewed.

• Implement the prescription and begin co-ordination and extension work. • Complete the invasive plant inventory form. • The contractor, co-op student or staff member

responsible for the site reviews the process and determines if the prescription is appropriate and work can proceed or if further review of the prescription with the District Range Officer and or the Regional IP specialist is necessary.

• Monitor the site and review the prescription. • Attempts will be made to visit the site the next year

and at a minimum the site will be re-inventoried within the next 5 years.

• Co-ordination and extension work that effect the prescription will be discussed at NWIPC meetings.

• Adjust the prescription • If Canada thistle begins spreading up the road and

infesting additional areas the prescription may be ammended. A possible approach would be to spray a strip along the road so that plant fragements are not dragged up the road.

• If area landowners and / or other agencies request control activities on the site the prescription will be reviewed.

5.6 Post-Treatment Evaluation Invasive plant sites that meet control criteria are visited regularly. If the sites are treated with herbicides they are visited at least twice per year, once to treat the site and once to pick up the signs required when herbicide treatments are done. While picking up the signs and doing additional treatments like hand pulling the sites may be evaluated for efficacy and damage to non crop species. The system used was developed by the Expert Committee on Weeds. If the initial evaluation indicates issues or the site is selected either randomly or because of special features, more detailed monitoring may occur. As well, sites are usually visited in subsequent years to determine the effectiveness of the treatment and to continue control until the site can be declared free of invasive plants or beyond treatment threshold.

38

TABLE 10: Evaluation, ECW, (EXPERT COMMITTEE ON WEEDS) - Western Canada Rating System:

Invasive plant Control Crop Tolerance (Non target damage) 9 complete control 9 complete tolerance, (no

non target damage) 8 excellent control -----commercially

acceptable----- 8 possible effect, (may be some slight non target damage)

7 good control 7 slight effect 6 fair control 6 definite effect 5 poor control 5 severe effect 4 moderate control 4 severe effect 3 definite effect 3 severe effect 2 slight effect 2 severe effect 1 possible effect 1 severe effect 0 no effect 0 complete kill The Ministry of Forests and Range also co-operates on timing rate trials to determine at which times and at what rates herbicides are most effective while minimising non target species damage. The evaluation system used is again the ECW system. Information from these trials is used to fine tune treatment prescriptions and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of herbicide control of invasive plants. Following are some of the timing rate trails that the Ministry of Forests has co-operated with. Table 11: Timing Rate Trials Location Date initiated Invasive plant

Species Treatments

Peebles Ranch, Francois Lake

June 29, 1977 Oxeye daisy 1. Tordon 22K @ 1 lb ai / acre 2. Tordon 22K @ 2 lb ai /acre 3. Tordon 22K @ 1 lb ai / acre + 60 lb nitrogen 4. Tordon 22K @ 2 lb ai / acre + 60 lb nitrogen 5. 2,4-D L.V. ester @ 16 oz a.i / acres 6. 2,4-D L.V. ester @ 24 oz a.i. /acre 7. 2,4-D L.V. ester @ 16 oz ac / acre + 60 lb. Nitrogen 8. 2,4-D L.V. ester @ 24 oz ac / acre + 60 lb nitrogen 9. 2,4-D & 2,4,5-T L.V.E. @ 16 oz ai / acre 10. 2,4-D & 2,4,5-T L.V.E. @ 24 oz ai / acre 11. 2,4-D & 2,4,5-T L.V.E. @ 16 oz ai / acre + 60 lb nitrogen 12. 2,4-D & 2,4,5-T L.V.E. @ 24 oz ai / acre + 60 lb. Nitrogen 13. 60 lb. Nitrogen 14. check

Peebles Ranch, Francois Lake

July 4, 1979 Oxeye daisy 1. picloram @ 1 lb ai / acre + 30 lb sulphur 2. picloram @ ¾ lb ai / acre + 60 lb nitrogen + 30 lb sulphur 3. 60 lb nitrogen + 30 lb sulphur 4. picloram @ ¾ lb ai / acre + 30 lb sulphur 5. picloram @ 1 lb ai / acre + 60 lb nitrogen + 30 lb sulphur

Merz Farm, Fort Fraser

October 4, 1995 Field scabious 1. picloram @ .56 kg ai / ha 2. clopyralid @ .15 kg ai / ha 3. clopyralid @ .3 kg ai / ha 4. clop + 2,4-D @ .15 + 1.12 kg ai / ha 5. picloram @ 1.12 kg ai / ha 6. 2,4-D @ 2.24 kg ai / ha 7. dicamba @ 1.12 kg ai / ha

39

8. dicamba @ 2.24 kg ai / ha 9. dic + 2,4-D @ .56 + 1.12 kg ai / ha 10. check

Merz Farm, Fort Fraser

May 26, 1999 Field scabious 1. metsulfuron-methyl @ .012 gr ai / ha + .2 v/v Agral 90 surfactant

2. metsulfuron-methyl @ .018 gr ai / ha + .2 v/v Agral 90 3. check

Owen Creek Cattle Company, Evelyn

June 12, 1996 Tarweed 1. picloram @ .28 kg ai / ha 2. clopyralid @ .15 kg ai / ha 3. clopyralid @ .3 kg ai / ha 4. 2,4-D amine @ 1.12 kg ai / ha 5. 2,4-D amine @ 2.24 kg ai / ha 6. 2,4-D ester @ 1.12 kg ai / ha 7. 2,4-D ester @ 2.24 kg ai / ha 8. dicamba @ 1.12 kg ai / ha

Owen Creek Cattle Company, Evelyn

June 9, 1997 Oxeye daisy 1. 2,4-D ester @ 1.1 kg ai / ha 2. 2,4-D ester @ 2.2 kg ai / ha 3. 2,4-D amine @ 1.1 kg ai / ha 4. 2,4-D amine @ 2.2 kg ai / ha 5. clopyralid @ .3 kg ai / ha 6. picloram @ .28 kg ai / ha 7. dicamba @ 1.12 kg ai / ha 8. dicamba @ 2.2 kg ai / ha

Kerr Cattle Company, Quick

June 9, 1997 Hawkweed 2,4-D ester @ 1.1 kg ai / ha 2,4-D ester @ 2.2 kg ai / ha 2,4-D amine @ 1.1 kg ai / ha 2,4-D amine @ 2.2 kg ai / ha clopyralid @ .3 kg ai / ha picloram @ .28 kg ai / ha dicamba @ 1.12 kg ai / ha dicamba @ 2.2 kg ai / ha

Skeena Bridge, Kispiox Road

June 8, 1992 Common tansy 1. mow early, approx. June 8 2. mow early and re-mow late 3. mow late, approximately August 4. check. These treatments were done and evaluated from 1992 to 1995

Monitoring techniques for biological control agents are outlined in Land Management Handbook Number 27, Field Guide to the Biological Control of Weeds in British Columbia. There are different levels of monitoring for biocontrol including measuring the presence or absence of an agent, measuring the population and dispersal of an agent and measuring impacts agents have on IP populations. The biocontrol agent release sites are monitored the first couple of years after release to determine presence or absence. If an agent establishes monitoring is scheduled to determine dispersal. Monitoring of hand pulled and mowed sites can range from detailed studies, e.g., the common tansy mowing trial to updating of the invasive plant inventory with notes on efficacy. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 6.1 Community Watersheds Table 9 lists the Community Watersheds in the PMP area. Before control work on invasive plants starts a survey is done and water bodies, wells and water intakes are noted. To make sure herbicides are not applied close to water bodies, a ten-meter pesticide free zones with a buffer are maintained. When domestic water intakes or wells are located a 30-meter pesticide free zone and buffer are maintained.

40

Table 12 Community Watersheds in PMP area FOREST DISTRIC COMMUNITY WATERSHEDS KALUM Deep Creek, Drake Creek,

Eneeksagilaguaw Creek, Gitzyon Creek, Ksa Miintl Am Hawak Creek, Spring Creek, Virginia Brook, Wathl Creek

SKEENA-STIKINE Canyon Creek, Corya Creek, John Brown Creek, Telegraph Creek, Chicago Creek, Dale Creek, Juniper Creek, Kits Creek, Quinmas Creek, Sikedakh Creek, Station Creek, Ten Link Creek, Two Mile Creek

PRINCE GEORGE Pritchard Creek NADINA, VANDERHOOF, MCKENZIE AND FT. ST. JAMES

None

6.2 Domestic Water Intakes Prior to making herbicide applications the general area of treatment is surveyed and all water intakes and wells within the proximity of the treatment are noted on the inventory map(s) and in the possession of the applicator. A 30 meter Pesticide Free Zone is maintained from these intakes. 6.3 Fisheries Resources and Riparian Areas If invasive plants have invaded or are threatening riparian areas, adjacent uplands or critical wildlife habitat there is a serious threat of degradation of these areas by the invasive plants. The aim of the PMP is to prevent or correct this degradation with as little disturbance or contamination by herbicides as possible. Herbicides are only used in these situations when the infestations are small. Herbicide applications are directed at the target species and several techniques are used to minimise impacts on non-target species. Herbicide applications in such areas are done using backpack sprayers and only when wind speeds are under 8 km/hr or with wick applicators. This minimises or eliminates drift problems and allows spot treatment of individual invasive plant plants. Buffer zones where hand pulling is done can also be used along upland riparian interface. If a riparian area or critical wildlife habitat has become infested and is seriously degraded then the option of obtaining and releasing biocontrol agents maybe used. Hand pulling is done carefully in riparian areas and only when small areas and scattered invasive plants are involved. Before extensive hand pulling in riparian areas for invasive plants such as purple loosestrife and marsh thistle the disturbance created by the hand pulling, the ability of the disturbance to quickly in fill with other riparian vegetation and further degradation if the invasive plants are left uncontrolled are evaluated. 6.4 Wildlife Values Again, the environmental degradation and impacts on wildlife from invasive plants can be severe. The intention of invasive plant management is to protect wildlife values and in particular wildlife habitat. While herbicides are unlikely to be directly toxic to wildlife, if

41

applied inappropriately they can impact wildlife habitat, particularly forage values. Invasive plant management involves the spot treatment of invasive plants. It does not involve broadcast application of herbicides over large areas. This approach means there should be little impact on wildlife forage species though in some dense infestations some non target forage species could be affected. This does not happen often or to a significant number of non target plants. Given this, and the consequences of not taking action, the impacts on wildlife values from the PMP are expected to positive with few negative aspects. 6.5 Species Requiring Protection The habitat degradation that results from invasive plants places vulnerable plant and animal species in jeopardy. Herbicide, hand pulling and biocontrol agent releases are spot or species specific treatments. This minimises the risks of harming vulnerable plant or animal species. Mowing is not species specific but can be timed to have more impact on the invasive plant species and thus reduce competition to vulnerable plants and animal species. At this time there are no species requiring protection but there are plant communities that are rare and candidates for red listing. These communities could be lost to invasive plants. Examples of such communities are the Saskatoon / Slender Wheatgrass plant community and the Bluegrass - Slender Wheatgrass plant community. These plant communities are particularly susceptible to invasion by the likes of knapweeds and Dalmation toadflax. In order to protect these plant communities while insuring the methods used don’t jeopardise the communities only those methods that are selective in controlling invasive plants will be used in these communities. If other plants or plant communities are identified as rare and requiring protection, management methods that are selective such as hand pulling or selective herbicides will be used. 6.6 Food and Medicinal Plants Areas identified by First Nations and others that are frequently used for food and medicinal plant collection will be noted on inventory maps. When invasive plant control is required in these areas attempts will be to do the control with non herbicide treatments. If herbicide treatments are required they will be targeted to the invasive plants only, no broadcast applications, will be timed significantly before or after gathering occurs and all herbicide treatments will be signed. 6.7 General Biodiversity Considerations Invasive plant management occurs to protect biodiversity. To minimise negative impacts on biodiversity selective control methods or tools like hand pulling, selective herbicides or wipe on applications are used. 7. SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS The following specifications and standards reflect the Ministry of Forests commitment to conducting its invasive plant management programs in a safe and effective manner. Some of the standards discussed in this section have been derived from recognized government and industry sources; rather than repeating them verbatim in this plan, reference is made to their source documents. These documents are available for viewing from the Ministry of Forests upon written request.

42

7.1 Personnel Qualifications for plan Development and Implementation Minimum qualifications of personnel a) PMP Development. At least one of the persons involved in developing the PMP is a

Professional Agrologist, P.Ag. that is certified as a pesticide applicator. b) Prescriptions for sites are prepared by Ministry of Forests staff, co-op students

working under the supervision of Ministry of Forest Staff or contractors. The minimum requirement is that at least one person involved in the preparing the prescription is certified as a pesticide applicators in the industrial / noxious weed category. The prescriptions are often reviewed by a P.Ag. that is certified as a pesticide applicators. If there are any questions about a prescription, prescribers are required to seek review and advice. For some prescriptions the District Range Officer or Regional IP Specialist will seek further advice from the Provincial Weed Specialist, biocontrol specialists or other advisors to NWIPC.

c) Pesticide handling and application. The minimum requirement for those handling and applying herbicides is supervision by someone certified as pesticide applicators in the noxious weed / industrial category.

7.2 Worker Training and Protection All pesticide treatments will be done by or directly supervised by applicators certified by MINISTRY OF WATER, LAND AND AIR PROTECTION in the industrial / noxious weed applicator category. Invasive plant management contractors applying herbicides for the Ministry of Forests under this plan will be contractually obligated to provide their workers with the following: • Copies of Material Safety Data Sheets for any herbicides used. • Protective clothing and equipment in accordance with Chapter 6 of BC Environment

Handbook for Pesticide Applicators and Dispensers. • A first aid kit and wash (including eyewash) facilities at or near treatment areas 7.3 Equipment Maintenance and Calibration Application equipment will be calibrated as described in Chapter 19 of BC Environment Handbook for Pesticide Applicators and Dispensers, (Adams, 1995). • The types of equipment used for spraying are backpack sprayers, hand held sprayers,

wick applicators and motorised sprayers with booms and handguns. • Before operations begin in the spring, the equipment will be checked, maintained and

calibrated. The equipment will be serviced before it is placed in storage in the fall. • Calibration of the equipment will be checked on a regular basis and at least once per

month if the equipment has been used. • If defects occur use of the equipment will cease until it can be repaired and re

calibrated. • A log will be kept of equipment maintenance and calibration. 7.4 Safe Herbicide Handling Practices Pesticides will be handled as outlined in Chapter 5 of the BC Environment Handbook for Pesticide Applicators and Dispensers, (Adams, 1995).

43

7.4.1 Transport All herbicide products will be transported in accordance with and adhering to the

precautions listed in Chapter 5 of the BC Environment Handbook for Pesticide Applicators and Dispensers (Adams, 1995). Measures taken to ensure the integrity and safety of herbicides in transit will include:

• Containers will be inspected prior to departure • Containers will be re-inspected upon arrival • Herbicides will be carried separately from food, safety gear, and people. • Herbicide containers will be secured during transit and placed in locked

compartments when vehicles are left unattended. • Transporting pesticides on wooden truck beds will be avoided or heavy plastic will be

placed on top of the wooden bed. Truck beds of non absorbent material or heavy plastic bed liners will be used when possible.

• Follow the specific requirements of the Transport of Dangerous Goods Act in reference to shipping documents needed, safety marks, vehicle placards, emergency response plans and safety training.

• Copies of labels and MSDS sheets for all herbicides being transported will be in the trucks.

• Only one container of each herbicide or the amount required for one or two days work will be transported by field crews.

• There will be a spill clean-up kit in trucks transporting herbicides that includes unlined rubber gloves, rubber boots, absorbent material like kitty litter, shovels and heavy gauge plastic bags.

7.4.2 Storage The Northern Interior Forest Region has a pesticide storage facility located at 3980 22nd, Avenue Prince George, BC. The facility meets requirements for pesticide storage. The facility is locked, ventilated and has a sign notifying that it is used for pesticide storage. The facility is in a compound separate from office space and distant from all water bodies. There are also pesticide storage facilities at Forest District Offices that meet requirements for pesticide storage. 7.4.3 Mixing and Loading • Herbicides will be added to tanks when the applicator arrives on site and is ready to

begin work. • The applicator will choose sites to add herbicides that are some distance, at least 30

meters, from water bodies and safe from traffic and other disruptions. • Herbicides will be added after the tank is full and tank filling will be done in a

manner that does not permit back-siphonage or backpressure backflow. • Unlined rubber gloves will be worn during mixing. • The spill kit mentioned under 5.2.1 Pesticide Transport will be available during

mixing. • Adequate mixing or agitation will occur before applications begin. 7.4.4 Treatment and Layout Procedures

44

The procedure for determining the sites to be sprayed in an area and the boundaries of the spraying are as follows: • Review the invasive plant inventory and determine an area, such as a map sheet,

range unit, or other defined area that work will be done in. • Determine which if any grazing tenure holders live or run livestock in the area.

Query Forest Service staff and others about who might be interested in invasive plants in the area. Contact tenure holders and others interested persons and arrange to meet with them.

• With copies of the inventory maps and spreadsheets proceed to the area and meet with the concerned people. • Review the inventory and note new sites or errors. Outline the procedures to

report invasive plant sightings. • Ask them to identify on the map water intakes and wells they know of.

• Do a survey of the area driving the roads and walking to the extent of invasive plant infestations and to areas where it appears there are wells or water intakes.

• Using flagging tape mark the 10-meter pesticide free zones adjacent to the high water mark of water bodies and the 30-meter pesticide free zones around water intakes and wells before herbicide applications are done. Also mark areas of concern such as trails where there is pedestrian traffic.

• Mark the boundaries and other important information mentioned above including information such as location of water and water intakes and boundaries of areas to be sprayed on the invasive plant inventory maps.

7.4.5 Weather Monitoring • Prior to spraying at each site or grouping of sites if numerous sites are in close

proximity, the wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and precipitation status will be measured. If extended work is required at a site the weather will be monitored at ½ hour intervals.

• Pesticide applications will cease if the wind speed exceeds 8 km/hr, temperature exceeds 35 deg C. or rain is immanent. Before an application starts any bystanders will be asked to move away and applications will not be made upwind of bystanders if they are close by.

7.4.6 Container and Residual Pesticide Disposal • All used containers will be triple rinsed into the spray tank, slashed, then disposed of

in the landfill or transfer station. • Only the amount of herbicides needed for a site or a days work will be mixed. Any

unused or residual mixed herbicides will be used on the next site or next days work. • Herbicides left over at the end of the season will be stored over the winter and used

the following year. 7.4.7 Spill Response Plan

1. Have a copy of this section, Spill Response Plan, of the PMP handy at storage, transporting, mixing and application sites. If a spill occurs read the plan.

2. If the spill involves a public area such as a highway and there is a hazard to bystanders then notify the police.

45

3. Keep other people and animals away from the spill site. 4. If the spill is sufficiently small to handle without assistance begin clean-up

procedures immediately. 5. Spill treatment equipment should be ready at storage, mixing, and application sites.

The equipment includes: • Unlined rubber gloves and rubber boots • Absorbent material such as kitty litter • Shovel • Heavy gauge plastic bags. • Labels and MSDS for the herbicides listed in the PMP.

6. Spill response: • Put on the protective gear. • Provide or create a barrier, such as a soil dam or dam with kitty litter, to keep the

spill from spreading. • If the spill is in the pesticide storage area make sure the ventilation is on. • Absorb or soak up as much liquid herbicide as possible using the kitty litter. • Using the shovel place the soaked kitty litter in the heavy gauge plastic bags.

Later place the plastic bag in a waterproof container that has a lid. Label the container with the herbicide name & PCP number and place it in the pesticide storage. Disposal of the material will be arranged with the Ministry of Water Land and Air Protection.

7. Notify the Regional Invasive Plant Specialist as soon as possible after the spill. If the spill has released pesticides into the environment let him know so the Ministry of Water Land and Air Protection can be notified. Regional Range Tenure and Invasive Plant Specialist : Bob Drinkwater, P.Ag. 250 - 565 – 6139 Bob.Drinkwater@gems6.gov.bc.ca

8. Assistance in obtaining technical information on pesticide clean up and decontamination may be obtained from CANUTEC, a data bank in Ottawa operated by Transport Canada. The emergency phone number is 613-996-6666. They can be contacted day or night by calling collect.

7.4.8 On-site treatment Notification • Signs that meet standards as advised by a Deputy Administrator are used. These

signs are placed whenever herbicide treatments occur. • Signs will be posted at the start point of the spraying. When the spraying is

completed a sign should be posted at the finish point. When spot treatments are done on long stretches of roads signs will be placed where the spraying starts and finishes as well as at strategic points along the road that are visible and remind the public that spraying has occurred. For isolated small sites a single sign will be placed.

7.4.9 Written Records

46

The Ministry of Forests will retain copies of all relevant written, and where appropriate, electronic records in its Northern Interior Regional office for at least three years after they were created. These records will include: • Correspondence and forms related to PMP development consultation activities • Monitoring and treatment selection forms • Treatment area maps and herbicide use records • Treatment notifications • Site assessment forms • Environmental monitoring data • Weather records • Treatment efficacy data • Area treated with non-chemical techniques 7.5 Follow-up Reports The Ministry of Forests will submit annual summaries of its invasive plant management activities to MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT in a form prescribed by in Section 39 of the Integrated Pest Managment Act Regulations by January 31 in the next calendar year. DEFINITIONS Buffer zone: A strip of land between a pesticide-free zone or other areas that requires protection, and the treatment area. The purpose of the buffer zone is to prevent entry of residues of the applied material through drift, runoff, or leachate into the pesticide-free zone or other area that requires protection. The size of these zones will vary with application methods used, terrain, weather, herbicide, height/density of forest cover, and nature of target species. Community Watershed: A community watershed, as defined in Part 9 section 150 of the Forest and Range Practices Act. Ephemeral streams: Streams that do not flow all year round; they are typically dry in the summer and contain flowing water from fall through spring. Fisheries sensitive zones: Aquatic environments which are important for the life history of fish, including areas which may not be defined as streams. They may include side and flood channels, valley wall ponds, swamps, seasonally flooded depressions, lake littoral zones or spawning areas, estuaries, and recreationally fished areas. Range Use and Range Stewardship Plans: An operational plan guided by the principals of integrated resource management which details the logistics of range development and harvesting of forage by livestock or haycutting. Gully: An area containing a stream where

a) the overall stream gradient is at least 25%, and b) a reach of that stream, greater than 100 m long, has

(i) a side wall greater than 3 m,

47

(ii) a side slope greater than 50%, and (iii)a stream channel gradient greater than 20%

Lake: A naturally occurring static body of water greater than 2 m in depth and greater than 1 ha in size, or a licenced reservoir. Pest Control Products Act: A federal Act administered by Agriculture Canada. The Act provides that, in order to be registered for sale or use in Canada, a pesticide must be accompanied with evidence of effectiveness for the purposes claimed. The pesticide must be accurately labelled as to composition and hazards. The seller must also provide adequate directions for use. (Handbook for Pesticide Applicators and Dispensers). Pest Control Service: A person (company, firm, proprietorship, agency, etc.) who by himself or by the employees provides a service involving the use or application of pesticides. A certified pesticide applicator must be in attendance at each pesticide application (Handbook for Pesticide Applicators and Dispensers). Pesticide: Any substance or mixture of substances, other than a device, intended for killing, controlling or managing insects, rodents, fungi, invasive plants and other forms of plant or animal life that are considered to be pests (Handbook for Pesticide Applicators and Dispensers). Pesticide Free Zone: A strip of land, usually 10 meters in width, adjacent to a stream or waterbody and measured from the high-water mark. The applicator must prevent, as far as possible and to his utmost ability, the entry of pesticides, by direct application, drift, runoff, or as leachate, into the pesticide free zone. It is recognized that very low levels (parts per billion or trillion) are commonly found in all areas with new detection technologies. However, the pesticide free zone is to be maintained by the professional capabilities of the applicator who is qualified to make the necessary judgements regarding equipment, terrain and weather conditions. Riparian Area: The land adjacent to the normal high-water line in a stream, river or lake extending to the portion of land that is influenced by the presence of the adjacent ponded or channelled water. Riparian areas typically exemplify a rich and diverse vegetation mosaic reflecting the influence of available surface water. Stream: A watercourse having an alluvial sediment bed, formed when water flows on a perennial or intermittent basis between continuous definable banks. Stream Reach: A relatively homogenous section of a stream having a sequence of repeating structural characteristics (or process) and fish habitat types. The key physical factors used to determine reaches in the field are channel patter, channel confinement, gradient and streambed and bank materials (Riparian Management Area Guidebook). Tributary: A stream feeding, joining or flowing into a larger stream (Aquatic Habitat Inventory Glossary).

48

Wetlands: A swamp, marsh or other similar area that supports natural vegetation that is distinct from the adjacent upland areas. More specifically, a wetland is an area where a water table is at, near, or above the surface or where soils are water-saturated for a sufficient length of time that excess water and resulting low oxygen levels are principle determinants of vegetation and soil development (Riparian Management Area Guidebook). CITATATIONS 1. Adams, R.W. [ed.] 1990. Handbook for pesticide applicators and dispensers. Fifth

Edition. Pollution Prevention and Environmental Remediation Branch, Victoria, B.C. 253 p.

2. Goodwin, Mark. Cost Effectiveness of Alternatives to Picloram for Canada Thistle Control on Smithers Roadsides. Report for the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Highways.

3. Moore, R.J. The biology of Canadian Invasive plants. 13. Cirsium arvense. Canadian Journal of Plant Science. 55: 1033-1048. 1975.

4. Mullison, W.R. A Toxicological and Environmental Review of Picloram. 5. Woodward, DF. Assessing the Hazard of Picloram to Cutthroat Trout. Journal of

Range Management. Vol. 32(3). 230-232. 1979.