Natural Areas
Invasive Species Management Strategy

The Invasive Species Management Strategy Draft is now available for review and comment.  Please provide any comments by March 16, 2012 to parks@saanich.ca.

Invasive Species Management Strategy Draft

Appendix A Staff Workshop Preliminary Report

Appendix B Public Engagement Preliminary Report

Appendix C Invasive Species Survey Report

Appendix D Document Review of the Invasive Species Management Strategy Report

Overview

The spread of invasive species (both plants and animals) has become a major concern for residents, ecologists, naturalists and land and water managers across BC. The spread of invasive species is second only to habitat loss, as the major cause of declining biodiversity. The District of Saanich is committed to preventing new invasive species from becoming established and controlling those of major concern for human health and the health of natural ecosystems. Some of these invasive species have been included in our noxious weed list, but several new invasive species that may warrant rapid response to contain their spread come to our attention each year. In addition to invasive plant species, there are increasing concerns about the effects of nuisance animals.

Process

In March of 2011 Saanich let a Request for Proposal (RFP) to qualified consultants seeking proposals for developing an Invasive Species Management Strategy for Saanich.

The RFP contained the following purpose and objectives for the ISMS.

Purpose: 

Saanich’s Strategic Plan (2011 – 2015) Initiative C4a identified the need for Saanich to develop an Invasive Species Management Strategy (ISMS). The purpose of the ISMS is to optimize municipal resources by setting priorities and establishing a program to minimize the impacts of invasive species in Saanich. The ISMS will address invasive species management on public and private land, staff roles and responsibilities, priorities, actions, community stewardship, partnerships, and resources.

Objectives:

• Create a vision for managing Invasive Species for a period up to and including 2025
• Develop methods and criteria for prioritizing resource allocation for the management of individual invasive species or sites;
• Determine resources required, including external funding sources;
• Develop an early detection/rapid response program;
• Make recommendations for mapping, inventory and monitoring of invasive species
• Develop integrated approach for public and private lands;
• Develop guidelines to use to determine when ecological restoration is warranted;
• Review and make recommendations for invasive species biomass disposal;
• Review current status of invasive animals and make recommendations on options for the municipality to consider;
• Review existing invasive species management program and make recommendations on how to better coordinate existing District resources;
• Make recommendation on coordination with federal, provincial, regional and other stakeholders;
• Review of current legislation and make any recommendation required (federal, provincial, municipal bylaws, regulations, etc.);
• Review the existing Saanich Pulling Together Volunteer Program;
• Identify an action plan of the Invasive Species Management Strategy priorities for 2012 – 2017
• Make recommendations on outreach and awareness initiatives required to compliment the action plan.

In May of 2011 the District of Saanich engaged the services of  Dr. Val Schaefer, Restoration of Natural Systems Program at the University of Victoria to help Saanich develop the ISMS.

The consulting team and Saanich staff have researched and reviewed relevant background information and documents. We have also met with various stakeholder groups such as Saanich staff, Council Committees, ENGO’s, Saanich Community Associations, Special interest and stewardship groups to listen to their concerns. Below are the Preliminary Reports and Public Engagement Review containing a summary of the document review and public stakeholder consultation sessions.

Staff Workshop Preliminary Report

Public Engagement Preliminary Report

Public Engagement Review

Other Input Opportunities

The Public Survey is now closed.  A summaryof the results will be available shortly.

A Public Open House was held October 6, 2011 at Cedar Hill Golf Course Banquet Room. 

The Open House consisted of a brief Powerpoint presentation by consultants regarding the status of ISMS. 

Information panels containing the process, draft vision, themes, strategies and action items are available here for review and comment. 

1. Introduction

2. Vision and Goals

3. Consultation Key Findings

4. Online Survey

5. Public Workshops

6. Staff Workshops

7.  Document Review

8. Strategy #1

9. Strategy #2

10. Strategy #3

11. Strategy #4

12. CRISP Invasive Species

13. CRISP Purpose

14. Ongoing Actions

15. Novel Ecosystems

16. Definition of Terms

17. Pulling Together