Invasive species are plants or animals that are not native to the province, or are outside of their natural distribution. Invasive species negatively impact British Columbia’s environment, people and/or economy.
Free from their natural enemies and other constraints that keep them in check in their native ranges, invasive species are recognized globally as the second greatest threat to biodiversity after direct habitat loss due to humans.
- Review the current Priority Invasive Species in B.C.
- Read the indicator reports on the status of invasive species in B.C.
- Learn about species and ecosystems at risk
By monitoring and taking action we can eliminate new invasive species introductions while populations are still localized and relatively small.
More information, online training and opportunity to report a sighting of an invasive species can be found on the Provincial Government website.
Scotch Broom
Scotch Broom can be found throughout the Highlands. Each Saturday in May the Broom Bash takes place at the Highlands Community Hall. Check out the dates and times on our Community Events calendar.
Scotch Broom (English broom) is an invasive garden plant from Europe that thrives in sunny, disturbed areas like rangelands, roadsides, and recently logged sites. It can intensify wildfires, block road sightlines, and displace native plants essential for wildlife. A mature plant can live up to 25 years and produce seeds that remain viable in the soil for 30 years. Scotch broom is classified as a Regional Containment/Control species by the BC Provincial Priority Invasive Species List.