WHEREAS noxious weeds pose a grave threat to the health of the range lands in BC and consequently to their capacity to maintain the native flora and wildlife as well as their capacity to offer grazing to domestic animals; AND WHEREAS neither the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources, nor the regional districts have the funding or the personnel necessary to adequately control these weeds; however, ranchers are familiar with their ranges and monitor them continuously: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request the Government of BC to do everything possible to assist the ranching community in controlling noxious weeds, including but not limited to simplifying provincial requirements, assisting with the cost of obtaining the pesticide applicators certificate, and tailoring the course material and timing to ranchers.
Ministry of Forests, Lands Natural Resource Operations The Province recognizes that invasive plants, including noxious weeds, can cause environmental and economic damage and adversely affect the health and productivity of rangelands. The Province provided 1.7 million in grants in 2013 to local governments, regional invasive species committees and the Invasive Species Council of BC to help combat the spread of invasive plants. This funding is in addition to the 534,000 already allotted for invasive plant control and management in 201314. The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has worked closely with the ranching sector to control noxious weeds on Crown land through regional committees, stakeholder engagement and contracts with range tenure holders with valid Pesticide Applicator Certificates and licenses. Appropriate training and successful completion of a written exam is required to obtain a Pesticide Applicator Certificate from the Ministry of Environment. A confirmed Pest Management Plan or license must be in place before invasive plants on Crown land can be treated. These requirements protect the environment and safeguard public health. Reducing certification requirements would result in increased risks, which would not be in the best interests of British Columbians. The Province is always willing to consider ways to improve the pesticide applicator certification program and make it easier for ranchers and tenure holders to participate.