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Group wants to bust broom

The Broombusters are looking for the Municipality of North Cowichan and local to take on the ongoing challenge of dealing with Scotch broom
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Members of the Broombusters organization want the Municipality of North Cowichan and other concerned citizens to help deal with the problem of Scotch broom.

ROBERT BARRON CITIZEN

The Broombusters organization is looking for the Municipality of North Cowichan and local citizens to take on the ongoing challenge of dealing with Scotch broom in the region.

Joanne Sales, a director of Broombusters, spoke at the municipality’s council meeting last Wednesday and said it’s important to preserve the “incredible beauty” of B.C. and Vancouver Island.

In order to help accomplish that, she said, momentum must be created and maintained to eradicate the invasive species.

“It’s important that people realize how serious Scotch broom is on our environment,” Sales said during a PowerPoint presentation on the issue.

“It’s an alien plant that doesn’t belong here. It crowds out native plants, aggravates people’s allergies and it’s very difficult to get rid of.

“But we can do something, and we at Broombusters have been doing something for some time.”

Broombusters began in Qualicum Beach in 2006, with the support of the Ministry of Transportation.

The non-profit society supports the efforts of local residents in eradication programs of the pervasive yellow-flowered plant by providing tools, signs, guidance and information.

Local residents began broombusting in Chemainus and Maple Bay in 2014 after a delegation from the organization appeared before council.

Sales said the majority of mature broom plants die when cut in bloom at ground level during the spring and early summer when the plants’ energy is above ground in the flowers, followed by the summer’s dry heat.

“But willing volunteers need support,” she said.

“They need permission to cut broom in public places, and financial support for publicity and the removal of the broom after it is cut.”

James asked North Cowichan to participate in eradication programs and support their residents in helping with broombusting this year.

Mayor Jon Lefebure said council was impressed with Sales’ presentation, but no commitments were made by the municipality at the meeting.