Restoration of Natural Systems Program, University of Victoria

ISMS Purpose 1.Establish a program to minimize the impacts of invasive species in Saanich 2.Optimize municipal resources by setting priorities The ISMS addresses invasive species management on public and private land, staff roles and responsibilities, priorities, actions, community stewardship, partnerships, and resources. Japanese Knotweed

ISMS Development Process Meetings with PTR, SCAN, EAC - May Document Review – May-July Staff Engagement Workshop - May 31 Public Engagement Workshop - June 16 Online Survey Complete - September 9 Public Open House – October 6 Submit final report - November Submit to Council - December Poison Hemlock

Key Findings Proactive, long-term strategy, integrated regional approach Early detection and rapid response Identify priority sites Prevent the introduction of new invasives Native plants in flats for restoration project

Key Findings Update noxious weeds bylaw, not include established species Saanich play a lead role in EDRR Saanich Pulling Together Volunteer Program take a lead role with established populations Giant Hogweed

Key Findings Saanich partner with the CIPC, CRISP, NGOs and educational institutions Use CIPC Restoration Matrix Use information signs in parks and restoration areas and webpage for education and outreach Saanich deal with disposal of plant debris and provide recognition of volunteers Garlic Mustard

Vision A sustainable future for Saanich includes healthy ecosystems, healthy people and animals, and a healthy economy protected from new invasive species and where established invasive populations are controlled by a comprehensive community approach to environmental stewardship led and supported by District staff working in partnership with others.

Goal To prevent, reduce, control, or mitigate the effects of invasive species on natural areas, native species, and human and animal health within Saanich.

Strategies 1.Develop a comprehensive approach 2.Prevent the introduction of and eradicate new invasive species 3.Contain and control the spread of established invasive species to non infested sites 4.Ensure Program Sustainability

1. Develop a Comprehensive Approach Define roles and responsibilities for internal and external stakeholders Determine and communicate levels of service based on resources currently available Take regional approach Clearly define invasive species categories and management classifications Expand and develop BMPs for the removal and control of invasive species Continue to develop a program to inventory invasive species GOERT has developed BMPs and a Decision Support Tool useful to Saanich

Develop a Comprehensive Approach Expand educational outreach and training program for staff and public Report out annually to Council Committees and public Continue to enhance and expand Pulling Together program. Review and update Noxious Weed Bylaw and response protocols Determine appropriate responses for various nuisance and invasive animals Disposal of hybrid cattails Removed from wetland

2. Prevent the introduction of and eradicate new invasive species Utilize EDRR and watch list and prioritize by human and animal health, sensitive ecosystem and species at risk criteria Engage the public and staff to be aware and report on populations Blessed Milk Thistle

Population Growth Curve

3. Contain and Control the Spread of Established Invasive Species to Non-infested Sites Determine sensitive areas or the special interest areas Prioritize the removal of invasive species based on established site and species criteria Determine resource required to meet current program as well as expand list of parks with stewardship groups Utilize adaptive management principles for control methods Yellow Flag

4. Ensure Program Sustainability Educate the community and Council regarding the extent of the challenges and resource requirements Meet with stakeholders on a yearly basis Expand Pulling Together Program volunteer base with multiple roles to avoid burnout Develop cost effective disposal alternatives for biomass Celebrate successes

4. Ensure Program Sustainability Leverage other partners, grants, corporate sponsorship to get more bang for the buck Determine and communicate roles and responsibilities and levels of service to the public and council Research and seek new sources of funding and approaches to combat invasive species. Look at utilizing Green Infrastructure fund and community matching grants

CRISP Proposed Management Classification - CIPC Categories P revent P Species not known to occur in the region, but likely to establish if introduced. Eradicate if found. kn E radicate E Species own to occur in limited distribution and low density. Eradicate if found. C onta CN Established infestations found in portions of the region. Contain existing infestations and prevent spread to un-infested areas. C ontro CL Established infestations common and widespread throughout the CIPC region. Focus control in high value conservation areas. Use biological control, if available, on a landscape scale. CRISP Invasive Species List

Benefits of a Healthy Ecosystem Contribute to the environmental integrity and climate change resiliency Reduce carbon footprint Contribute to social well-being Contribute to the economic vibrancy