Invasive Species Council of Manitoba

What can I do about invasive species?

Prevention, early detection and rapid response are critical for saving habitats from invasive species. You can do your part by reporting any sighting of "Unwanted Invaders" to the Invasive Species Council of Manitoba by using our Report Form, by phone (204) 232-6021 or by email info@invasivespeciesmanitoba.com.

A common myth is that if only a few invasive species are spotted, there is no reason for concern. However, every sighting of an invasive species represents the potential for a population explosion that may be expensive, difficult or impossible to reverse. Another misconception is that if an invasive species is well established in one area, that it must be a problem to all regions. This is often not the case, and we need to document established invasive species populations to protect areas that have not be infested.

Familiarize yourself with "Unwanted Invaders" or invasive species of concern. Be aware of their origin and scientific names when acquiring new seeds or plants for your garden.

A great source of accurate information about growing species native to Manitoba can be found in the book "Naturescape Manitoba".

Preventing the Spread of Invasive Plants

If you enjoy gardening, hunting or angling, or even keep aquariums in your home, you may be unknowingly assisting in the spread of invasive plants.

Many invasive plants spread by both seed and plant clippings. You can help prevent the spread of invasive plants in Manitoba. Make sure discarded plant materials are dead when disposing of them. Where permitted, dry the plant material for 7 to ten days and then burn.

Follow these simple guidelines when enjoying your particular hobby or hobbies:

Gardeners

Familiarize yourself with invasive species of concern. When acquiring new additions - seeds or plants - for your garden, be aware when:

• Buying plants or seed over the internet - what is native in one area can be invasive in another.
  
• Buying plants advertised as "Exotic".
  
• Shopping at local nurseries, green houses, or garden centers. If they can't supply you the scientific name or origin of a plant, don't buy it.
• Sowing wildflower mixtures - many contain invasive plant seeds. If no list of species is included, don't buy or plant the wildflower mix.
• Use the invasive plant list on this site as a guideline. If you notice local nurseries selling known invasive plants such as purple loosestrife let them know your concerns, and feel free to bring this web site to their attention.
  

The Nursery industry has been quick to respond to the Purple Loosestrife challenge.

Landscapers and gardeners can now select from a wide variety of alternative perennial plants which pose no threat to the environment. Native plants such as Meadow Blazingstar (Liatris ligulistylis), Giant Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia) and Blue Flag (Iris versicolor) provide excellent alternatives. A great source of information about growing native species can be found in the book "Naturescape Manitoba". Some non-native plants such as Spiked Speedwell (Veronica spicata) and Garden Sage (Salvia) also provide safe alternatives to purple loosestrife.

Boaters - anglers, hunters, & recreationalists

Unfortunately most aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels and curly leaf pond weed are transported to un-infested lakes by traveling on watercraft and equipment. Even very small invasive species such as spiny waterflea and larval stages of zebra mussels can be unknowingly transported by boaters in bait buckets, livewell, and bilge.

Taking a few precautions can help protect Manitoba's waters. Clean your watercraft, trailer, all equipment and gear. Remove all visible plants, animals and mud. Rinse everything with hot tap water (>40° C) and/or spray with high pressure water (250 psi). Drain all water from your boat including motor, livewell, bilge and bait buckets when leaving a waterbody. Dispose of bait bucket water and live bait on land and never release live bait. Live bait purchased in one region can become a new invasive species in another. Dry your boat for at least 5 days in the sun before moving to another waterbody.

ATVs can transport seed from one area into another - make sure ATVs are cleaned when leaving recreational areas.

Aquarium Hobbyists

Don't dump or discard any aquatic plants into local waterbodies, as they may be invasive - for example, Eurasian Watermilfoil is a popular aquarium plant. To prevent the introduction of new fish species, don't dump live aquarium fish into local waterbodies.

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