Whereas climate change brings us longer periods of drought and hotter temperatures in which Scotch Broom Cytisus Scoparious, a highly flammable invasive species with high oil content and dry branches, will thrive and act as a volatile flash fuel, increasing the risk of wildfires and specifically Urban Interface Fires; And whereas Scotch Broom spreads densely and rapidly, inhibiting forests regrowth, and negatively impacting agricultural production and native species, with a 2021 study for the Invasive Species Council of BC ISCBC designating Scotch broom as the Top Worse Offender - the invasive species doing the greatest harm to species at risk in BC: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM work with the Province to establish and implement actionable steps to control the aggressive spread of Scotch Broom all across BC, including implementing Broom-free fire breaks along long stretches of broom; And be it further resolved that local governments are encouraged to use bylaws and policies to control and manage Scotch Broom near and within urban boundaries.
Year
2023
Number
NR51
Sponsor(s)
Qualicum Beach
Convention Decision
Endorsed