5.5 Prevention

Goal: Reduce the risk of reintroduction and spread of invasive species into the Natural Heritage System.

Purpose: Minimize the rehabilitation costs associated with delayed treatment of established and new invasive species colonies.

Risk analysis and technical measures will be utilized to minimize the risk of unintentional invasive plant species introductions. Prevention strategies will include increasing risk assessment capacity, accessing and conducting scientific research and staying up-to-date on the more current BMPs for identified priority invasive plant species, and the development of public education and engagement programs to promote awareness of invasive plant species management to engage local homeowners and volunteers on municipal properties.

Continued promotion of the Clean Equipment Protocol (available on the OIPC website) is essential to preventing additional spreading of invasive plant species from various sites near the Natural Heritage System. This will also require City projects such as Storm Water Management Facilities and road projects to implement the protocol and will need budgets for controlling invasive species during construction and post construction.

Private landowner education is imperative to the reduction of invasive species presence and dispersal, especially to those homeowners with property within or adjacent to the Natural Heritage System.