Dear Editor:
The recent article South Burnaby garden centre infested with fire ants (Burnaby NOW, April 2) highlights why it's so important for gardeners and the horticultural industry to be aware of the dangers of invasive species to our province. Through provincewide cooperation and coordination, the Invasive Species Council of B.C. (ISCBC) is working to minimize the negative ecological, social, and economic impacts caused by the introduction, establishment, and spread of invasive species, including European fire ants.
At the request of provincial government, we are working with a team of government and researchers to develop an action plan to minimize the impacts of these invasive ants.
We commend GardenWorks for their strong leadership and early action to address European fire ants at their South Burnaby location, and for their willingness to advise the public of the issue. We also applaud GardenWorks for their proactive efforts to voluntarily remove species of invasive plants from their shelves several years ago. They were an early adopter of the Grow Me Instead program and a key partner in our B.C.-wide PlantWise program, which is launching this month for another season.
This situation shows that no one person or business can do this on their own. Business can make a difference by being informed and reaching out for
support and advice where needed, as GardenWorks has done.
The Invasive Species Council has a wealth of resources available for the public, industry, governments and educators through the PlantWise program and on its website at bcinvasives.ca.
Gail Wallin, executive director, Invasive Species Council of B.C.
