Foreign plant species are the target of a $295,000 provincial grant to a locally based organization.
The Northwest Invasive Plant Council is one of 29 groups across the province to share a $1.6 million pot to help control the spread of invasive plants.
"The spread of invasive plants is a major problem in our region and is a threat to farmers and ranchers," said Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris, in a press release.
Invasive plants are species that have been introduced into B.C. from other areas, displacing natural vegetation and causing economic and environmental damage. Invasive plants may disrupt natural ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, increase soil erosion, alter soil chemistry and adversely affect commercial crops.
The money will go towards public awareness activities, surveying invasive plant populations and actively treating high-priority sites to control their spread.
The Northwest Invasive Plant Council is currently targeting 78 plants, including Baby's Breath, Giant Hogweed, Oxeye Daisy and English ivy.
