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Knotweed thrives on studies

There is more knotweed every year and the sooner it is dealt with, the less herbicide will be used.
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A corridor cleared for power poles is overgrown with invasive Japanese knotweed. (Invasive Species Council of B.C.)

Knotweed is present in many locations on these islands. There are a few species of it and it was originally brought to North America and Europe for ornamental use. It thrives anywhere that salmon berries and thimbleberries grow. Unfortunately it is destructive and invasive.

Knotweed can damage infrastructure such as pipelines and foundations. It is serious enough that in Britain a person who plants it could be criminally prosecuted and banks will not give out mortgages on properties where knotweed is growing.

The biggest concern on Haida Gwaii is that knotweed can be destructive to fish streams. It will take over the stream banks from native plants, but knotweed roots do not provide soil stability. This causes soil erosion, which puts silt into the water and clogs spawning beds.

If knotweed did not spread, a small and isolated patch would not be a problem. However the roots can run several metres and the most serious problem is that small pieces of knotweed can start new plants.

A piece of a plant caught in a boat trailer or construction equipment can drop off and take root elsewhere. The knotweed growing in Queen Charlotte or Masset today could be growing beside your favourite river tomorrow. Once it is growing near water the plants can wash downstream and start new colonies.

Unfortunately, the only affordable way to kill knotweed is with herbicide, and usually that is the only method that works. Many people have legitimate concerns about herbicide and the misuse of it.

When the topic of killing knotweed is raised, these people voice their concerns. Then the topic gets tabled for further study and the knotweed continues to expand for a few more years. Knotweed thrives on being studied.

For those of us who are opposed to herbicide, please consider that mostly, it will only be needed for a few years and that it breaks down over time.

There is more knotweed every year and the sooner it is dealt with, the less herbicide will be used.

There is a lot of information on the internet and we can see what other communities are already doing.

We need to think very seriously about what the Yakoun or Copper Rivers might look like if knotweed gets into their watersheds. If this has not happened yet, that does not mean it won’t. Time is not on our side.

Our community leaders are busy people and dealing with knotweed is a thankless task. If you are concerned about knotweed, please let our community leaders know this and give them your support if they decide to take action.

Dave Crossley

Queen Charlotte