For BroomBusters in the qathet region, this will be the last week of cutting and what a year it has been, according to fire chief Terry Peters, who has been coordinating the effort.
“Literally billions of seeds have been prevented from spreading with the effort done by everyone,” said Peters. “Once the bloom stops, so do we.
“Until then, please try to lop the random single plants we are seeing to prevent future growth. Then, if you are able to help in a few key areas, we are still trying to get to the lot at 4575 Joyce Avenue and behind Cranberry Lake.”
Peters said there are a few plants on the bank at the south boat harbour on the drive down to the parking lot. Then, of course, if time permits, any plant on Padgett Road in Paradise Valley is also another big deal but that looks like next year at this point, he added.
Peters said if people have a pickup truck and pitchfork for small loads, the airport, Charlotte Avenue, lower Field Street, 3509 to 3517 McKenzie at the cul-de-sac, 4928 Fernwood, and Westview Avenue heading up the hill are spots where plants need to be collected. All or any plant(s) can be dropped off at the Manson Avenue site by the Seventh Day Adventist Church parking lot at the metal hydro tower, said Peters. City crews will be picking them up, but a sizable pile is required as they use a backhoe and dump truck.
Peter’s said this Saturday’s cut, June 5, is at the location of one of the best views in town and BroomBusters have exclusive rights to be there.
“A bit of proactive maintenance is our goal and being our last broom-handle-apart cut, there is no better place to cut broom with a view,” said Peters. “Wildwood bluffs will be our focus this weekend.”
For those who show up, Peters said he will tell them about the Scotch broom situation there, as it is an example to learn from.
Peters said plans are to start at 10 am.
BroomBusters can look for the broom sign on the left just past Wildwood Public House and before the Italian Hall. He said participants can drive in on the dirt road for about a half kilometre to the open field, following the signs, and he will be at the four-way junction, admiring the view in his white pickup truck.
“We are targeting single plants to prevent next year’s spread and the owners are committed to keeping up on it as well so it never looks like Savary Island,” said Peters. “I can’t say enough for the effort done this year and most definitely a few of you have earned our rock star status.”
