Broombusters are getting ready again to combat the spread of invasive species, working diligently to eradicate the sea of yellow plants that have spread throughout the qathet region.
“We’ve been at it for nine years now, cutting here,” said Broombusters organizer and former City of Powell River fire chief Terry Peters. “Community involvement has really grown. On my contact list I have 113 active people, volunteers who are cutting broom in this community. I started with myself and Dennis Scherger and then it kind of ballooned from there.
“I’ve always said I just love the Broombusters because these are people who want to have a positive influence in the community, making a difference, getting out and cutting broom in bloom.”
Peters said Scotch broom was planted in Sooke on Vancouver Island in the 1800s and it has infested the island, growing from a few small plants. It has literally covered Vancouver Island and has gone all the way to Oregon, according to Peters. Oregon’s department of agriculture is claiming that every year it spends $47 million in forest management.
“We don’t want to be in that ballpark,” said Peters. “It’s come here, obviously, but Powell River is fortunate because in the nine years we’ve been at cutting it here, the community is a lot less yellow.”
Peters said Broombusters got its start in Qualicum Beach by a woman named Joanne Sales, who has just been named to the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia, along with Peters. He said ridding the region of Scotch broom is a passion of his and he’s pleased to put in the time with the dedicated group of volunteers here.
According to Peters, the best time to cut broom is when it is in bloom, which typically happens around May. The local Broombusters typically cut into June.
Cutting broom in bloom is the best time, according to Peters, so when he starts to see the plants turning yellow, it’s time for the loppers to come out.
“We have group cuts, and some people just do it on their own,” said Peters. “Broombusters are all eager, smart-minded, community people who are trying to make a difference. They have an all-hands-on-deck attitude.”
Peters said the local Broombusters chapter is well equipped for cutting broom and even has a collection of loppers for people to use if they don’t have their own. They cut in a variety of locations, such as along Highway 101, through the powerline, the Penticton trails, the Westview harbour area, and several other sites.
Peters said BC Hydro and Brookfield Renewable, along with the provincial ministry of highways and infrastructure, have been helpful. He added that Scotch broom is BC’s most wanted when it comes to invasive species.
“It’s documented as a threat that actually affects 36 native species at risk,” said Peters. “Broom will take over more than any other plant, so it’s enemy number one. Plus, of course, there are the fire risks that go along with it. It’s like a ladder of fuel.
“We need prevention so that it doesn’t become a big problem. Should it ever catch fire, such as around our power lines, it will likely get into the forest and away it goes.”
People wanting to find out more about Broombusters can go to broombusters.org. The website even shows how to properly cut broom.
“There’s a whole tutorial that shows how to cut it, or, come to one of our groups and I’ll show you how,” said Peters.
He said that a mature Scotch broom plant can have 18,000 seeds, so it spreads easily. He added that eliminating just one plant is a big deal.
To get hold of Peters directly, to join the Broombusters efforts and learn more about Scotch Broom, email [email protected].
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