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Busters Battle Back as Scotch Broom Grows Vancouver Island's Wildfire Risk
COWICHAN VALLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, JUL 24 – Volunteer groups and Indigenous knowledge help reduce wildfire risk by controlling Scotch broom, a highly flammable invasive shrub that can persist in soil for 30 years, experts say.
- An invasive shrub now widespread on Vancouver Island, Scotch broom raises wildfire alarms due to its high flammability, prolonged lifespan and seed persistence.
- Amid policy changes, the colonial government banned Indigenous cultural burning under the 1874 Bush Fire Act, while Hunter Jarratt said this undermined traditional stewardship and fueled invasive spread.
- In hilly ecosystems, Scotch broom fuels fires by altering natural fire cycles, posing risk even when green due to high oil content and invading fuel-laden areas, Hunter Jarratt explained.
- In Comox Valley, Agur now coordinates the Comox Valley arm of Broombusters, which expanded across Vancouver Island including the region, where she has cut Scotch broom since 2010.
- With nearly two decades of Broombusters' work, traditional land management offers hope, while Hunter Jarratt said prescribed burns and invasive control are top strategies.
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The Hamilton Spectator+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Scotch broom increases wildfire risk. What can we do about it?
·Hamilton, Canada
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Total News Sources5
Leaning Left5Leaning Right0Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Left
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- 100% of the sources lean Left
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L 100%
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