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NEWS: Esquimalt mayor will seek re-election /A3 DRIVEWAY: Car show a wheelie big fundraiser /A12 HOMEFINDER: Show your home but be realistic /A29
VICTORIANEWS Friday, August 15, 2014
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Knot in our backyard Invasive species taking root on South Vancouver Island Drew McLachlan News staff
The Capital Regional District is facing an invasion of knotweed, a bamboo-like plant described by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as “one of the world’s worst invasive species.” The Coastal Invasive Species Committee (CISC) has been working with local municipalities in an attempt to prevent the introduction of knotweed to the CRD. CISC treated 120 sites of infestation last year, as well as 67 in 2012. Executive director Rachelle McElroy cited an increased awareness of the plant as the reason for treatment almost doubling. “Knotweed is quite widespread in the region, but not to the point where we can’t get ahead of it,” McElroy said. “More people are reporting it as they become more aware of what it looks like and the kind of damage it can do, and more people are learning that we offer free treatment.” PlEASE SEE: Knotwood can grow through concrete, Page A6
Kevin Laird/News staff
Thomas Munson, an environmental technician with the City of Victoria, examines knotweed at Beacon Hill Park. The park has three varieties of knotweed: large, Japanese and Bohemian. Next week the city begins an eradication program in a battle against the weed.
AUGUST 15 • 16 • 17 – 2014 • VICTORIA INNER HARBOUR