Summer in the Okanagan is synonymous with outdoor adventures including camping. This also means people are travelling between different areas, providing opportunities for invasive species to catch a ride and establish somewhere new. If you are planning an outdoor trip, keep these tips in mind to ensure you leave invasive species behind.
- CHECK your clothing, shoes, pets and vehicles for plant fragments and seeds. Many invasive plants have sticky or prickly parts that easily attach onto these items. Make sure you check your tires and undercarriage as well.
- CLEAN your boat, paddleboard, kayak and gear of any plant parts or mud. DRAIN your boat and gear onto land. DRY all your items fully before bringing them to a new water body.
- AVOID transporting firewood as it can carry invasive insects. Buy it where you plan to burn it.
- LEARN to identify invasive plants in your area and report any new outbreaks
Read more about best camping practices by clicking here.
For help identifying invasive plants, use the OISO search feature by clicking here.