July 04, 2004
Policeman's Helmet Overruns Byrne Creek
On our daily walk today we went downstream on Byrne Creek below Byrne Bridge, and were shocked to see thick stands of invasive Policeman's Helmet, AKA Himalayan Balsam, lining both sides of the creek as far as the eye could see.
This highly prosperous plant is not native to Canada, and loves water, choking out native species and clogging waterways.
Streamkeepers have been plugging away at removing it, however the task seems overwhelming.
I'll go back again when I'm wearing heavier clothing, as I could only get as far as the confluence with John Matthews Creek. Thick Himalayan Blackberries (another highly succesful invasive plant) and stinging nettles blocked my path today, and I wasn't going to fight through those painful species in a T-shirt!
The tall plants with the purplish-pink flowers along both sides of the creek are Policeman's Helmet. Some are well over 2m tall! You can't even see the creek, which runs on a line from the top center of the photo to the bottom right.
The BC government recently announced it will spend more on fighting invasive species. You can read the press release here.
Posted by Paul at July 4, 2004 06:44 PM