WHEREAS in order to effectively control invasive plants in the Province of BC a concerted, coordinated and ongoing effort amongst all levels of government is required, including sufficient funding for operational invasive plant management; AND WHEREAS while local government delivers on-the-ground invasive plant management programs on private land, the Ministry of Transportation holds tenure over transportation corridors which are primary sources of invasive plants and vectors for their spread: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, in view of the fact that the BC Weed Control Act places duty on all land occupiers to control listed noxious weeds, the Union of BC Municipalities petition the Ministry of Transportation to recognize its accountability by providing sufficient and ongoing funding to effectively control invasive plants over its land tenure and designate appropriate staff resources to collaborate with local government in invasive plant control initiatives.
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION The Ministry of Transportation Ministry is continuing to work very closely with the local regional district and other affected stakeholders to identify and coordinate priority areas for noxious weed control treatments. Increased future involvement with the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Invasive Plant Committee is also anticipated to occur. Treatments on priority noxious weed infestation sites are undertaken in accordance with the Ministrys integrated pest management plan and treatment areas are monitored and evaluated on a regular basis to assess the effectiveness of past treatments. The Ministry is currently working with the provincial Invasive Plant Council to develop improved best management practices for highway Right of Way. The Ministry is looking at alternative ways to make invasive plant control a part of regular maintenance responsibilities, and as such, a committee has been formed to explore a more fully integrated vegetation management program in this regard. The Ministry has provided increases in funding to reduce the spread of invasive plants and weeds over the past 3 years, with a return this year to our historical funding levels for invasive plant control. The invasive plant problem extends beyond land under the Ministrys jurisdiction. Land controlled by other stakeholders including federal agencies, regional districts, municipalities, first nations, railways and utilities are also affected. Under the Provincial Weed Control Act, these other stakeholders continue to have a responsibility to do their part to prevent the spread of invasive plants and noxious weeds.