The Regional District of Nanaimo has broadened the scope of its original invasive species management plan.
The new Parks Biodiversity Plan is a more comprehensive initiative that will provide an integrated approach to managing invasive species and preserving, improving and restoring biodiversity in RDN parks.
The new approach will also make it easier to evaluate which parks are most at risk of biodiversity damage and prioritize those parks within work plans.
“Invasive species can take a heavy toll on our natural areas and push out native species essential for a healthy, balanced ecosystem,” said Vanessa Craig, RDN chair. “Through the new Parks Biodiversity Plan, the RDN can help restore and protect ecologically important areas while still providing residents with outdoor recreational opportunities in our region’s parks.”
The plan has four objectives: protect biodiversity, conserve and restore ecosystems, minimize the impacts of invasive species and foster relationships within the region to leverage resources and a shared interest in land protection. Within the scope of these objectives, the Parks Biodiversity Plan is designed to:
- Enhance the understanding of biodiversity by providing insights into the key factors that sustain and enhance biodiversity in RDN parks.
- Address invasive species threats by highlighting how invasive species affect biodiversity and prioritizing actions to protect and restore vulnerable ecosystems.
- Identify vulnerable parks by categorizing RDN parks that are most at risk from invasive species, enabling targeted protection and restoration efforts.
- Guide conservation and management efforts through actionable strategies to support biodiversity preservation and invasive species management.
- Encourage community engagement by inviting public participation and fostering a sense of stewardship within the community.
- Support other RDN initiatives, such as the Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Program, climate change and sustainability goals, and volunteer programs like the Youth Ambassador Program.
To view the new Parks Biodiversity Plan, visit rdn.bc.ca/parks-and-trails-strategies. Residents can also learn about invasive species management in the RDN, including how to get involved as a community volunteer at getinvolved.rdn.ca/invasivespecies.
