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Editorial: Invasive species a problem that didn’t need to be

You see, parrot’s feather didn’t just naturally sprout in the area.
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Invasive species infestations are often infuriating.

The Municipality of North Cowichan is currently trying to decide what to do about ever-creeping parrot’s feather that has invaded Somenos Creek and Somenos Lake. There is no easy answer to get rid of this noxious aquatic weed, whose stands are so thick that they kill other native species, and even block water flow. Don’t try to kayak or canoe through this stuff, either.

It’s a problem that didn’t have to be one. That’s what’s so frustrating.

You see, parrot’s feather didn’t just naturally sprout in the area. As with all invasive species, it was brought in. Someone intentionally planted parrot’s feather in or around their pond or garden water feature, most likely, and didn’t think about the fact that it might spread to areas where it is nothing but a pest and decidedly unwanted. If left unchecked, it could seriously harm Somenos Lake and Somenos Creek.

We now have a problem that will cost us, as a community, somewhere between thousands and millions of dollars because someone didn’t think.

Back in the day when settlers brought ox-eye daisy to Cowichan things were different. Nobody considered invasive species; they just wanted a piece of home.

But times have changed and there’s no excuse now for being so careless with the environment. Things like parrot’s feather and giant hogweed are relatively newly introduced species to our area, and people should know better. After all, we all see the seemingly unstoppable spread of yellow Scotch broom creep further and further every year, increasing the fire risk and crowding out native plants. The last thing we need are more such invaders, brought in and planted on a whim, without thought to the future.

We all need to take a minute, as we contemplate planting something exotic and new, what the consequences could be. If there’s a chance you might be planting an out-of-control weed, please consider going in another direction.