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Powell River residents encouraged to cut broom

Invasive species starting to bloom again in region
Powell River auxiliary firefighters Lorne Judd [left] and Kurtis Dennison
MAKING THE CUT: Powell River auxiliary firefighters Lorne Judd [left] and Kurtis Dennison are among the many Powell River residents who have gone out and cut down broom, which is a pervasive invasive species throughout the region. Broom busting can still be done with social distancing in place. Contributed photo

No matter what happens in the world, broom is going to bloom. As in years past, efforts are underway to knock back this invasive plant throughout the region.

City of Powell River fire chief Terry Peters said the vibrant yellow flower is just starting to show on Scotch broom and conditions over the last year have been perfect for the invasive plant.

“Then, of course, the world COVID-19 pandemic came knocking on our doors and group efforts are now virtually impossible,” said Peters. “We are not going to put anyone at risk with a social gathering but individual efforts are absolutely possible to your own comfort level.”

Peters said this year is a stay at home kind of year and people can do their own neighbourhoods like before, and if they want to be adventurous, can retrace their tracks from previous years to ensure infestations from disturbed soils have not produced more plants.

“We’ve certainly eradicated a fair amount of broom in the community since we started,” said Peters. “I think we are coming into our fourth year.”

Peters said there are a number of invasive plants in Powell River, but the fire department took on broom because it has flammable content. He said for urban interface firefighting, it is a problem. A number of wildfires in California and Oregon have been exacerbated by broom, according to Peters.

If efforts aren’t made to get rid of broom, what people see now is nothing compared to what it could be, said Peters.

“What you could see is astronomical in years to come,” he added. “It’s basically a mitigation. We’ve been very fortunate because BC Hydro and Brookfield Renewable Energy Group have been involved as well. In years past, you could see lots of broom on the power lines.

“If it catches fire, it burns with volatility, throws its embers and catches the forest on fire.”

Peters said cleanup of broom is a monumental task, but Qualicum Beach, a community that has been tackling the invasive plant for more than 10 years, is calling itself broom free. He added that driving down Sechelt Peninsula, it is obvious which communities are doing something and which are doing nothing.

“In Powell River it’s a community pride project,” said Peters. “We’re going out and doing our part.”

Peters said the best way to deal with broom is to take a pair of loppers and cut the plant at ground level. He said the reason why it’s cut while in bloom is because nutrients of the plant are focusing on the flower and by cutting it, the plant is stressed, and in most cases, when the broom is cut low, it will kill the plant.

“The average large plant has 18,000 seeds; that’s why this stuff grows so much,” said Peters. “Now is the time, so if you want to get out and do your neighbourhood, bring your set of loppers and cut low.”

As for drop off and disposal of broom, a free invasive species round-up event is happening from May 4to 29. On weekdays, from 8:30 am to noon and 1 to 4 pm, residents can take invasive species such as broom to the qathet Regional District maintenance facility at 2815 McCausland Road by Myrtle Point Golf Club for disposal. If people cannot take invasive species to the qathet site, they can let Peters know and efforts will be made to arrange a pickup.

“This is for invasive plants only and must be pre-arranged first,” said Peters.

If people cut broom in the backwoods, it can be left. Peters said leaving the dead plant is better than having it live and thrive.

Peters also asked residents to keep an eye out for illegal dumping.

“Unfortunately, with the burning ban in effect and the desire to clean your yard, some people have elected to not use our local dump and have decided to discard their trash and garden refuse on our power lines and access roads in the community even more so,” said Peters. “This is not legal and unfortunately spreads invasive species as well so we need to get that word out to stop it and clean up the sites already there.

“It’s a big ask but a collaborative effort needs to be done from the community to solve this unfortunate, community-wide problem.” 

For more information on invasive species, go to bcinvasives.ca or broombusters.org.