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Invasive Species

Invasive species are non-native species that were introduced on purpose or accidentally and have spread into natural ecosystems. Invasive species displace native species and may damage natural areas, gardens, rangelands, water quality, and human health. The proliferation of invasive species is second only to habitat loss as a cause of declines in biodiversity. 

Nuisance species are those that are native but their numbers are too high because their predators have been lost.  An example on Salt Spring is the black-tailed deer, a species that is having a negative impact on native plant communities due to over-browsing.

• Identify and manage invasive and nuisance animals
• Identify and manage invasive plants

Policy on Managing Invasive Species

A major goal of the Salt Spring Island Conservancy is to preserve natural habitats on Salt Spring Island. Introduced invasive species and nuisance species (native species whose numbers are out of balance because of the lack of predators) are major threats to native plant and animal communities on Salt Spring.

It is the policy of the Salt Spring Island Conservancy:

• To determine the status of a plant or animal as “invasive or nuisance” using the best scientific information available;
• Upon the advice of the Stewardship Committee, to decide whether action on the part of the Salt Spring Island Conservancy is desirable, feasible, and likely to be productive;
• To educate the public on identification of invasive/nuisance species, their effects on biodiversity, ways to prevent their establishment and population growth, and methods to reduce their negative impacts;
• To develop management options based on the best scientific information available;
• To include the option of culling animals, humanely and legally, as a last resort when other tactics are inadequate or cost-prohibitive.

SSI Conservancy policy on invasive and nuisance species