Invasive species have major economic, environmental, and social impacts on forests and the forest industry, including more than $20 billion in annual costs across Canada, according to the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia (ISCBC).
“Invasive species can reduce biodiversity, increase soil erosion, introduce diseases, and damage forests. They compete with natural forest vegetation and tree seedlings for resources, increase fire hazards, and impact Indigenous communities through the loss of culturally important foods and medicinal plants.”
This webinar from Forest Professionals British Columbia (FPBC) profiles key invasive plants, animals, and other species that affect forest health and forestry operations, explores how they are introduced and spread, and highlights actions to help prevent and control them.
Forestry and Invasive Species: Impacts and Actions also touches on the effects of climate change and outlines important legislation and policy implications for forest landscape planning.
Presenters:
Presenters: Torin Kelly, BIT, BSc, and Lara Phillips.
Kelly is senior lead of special projects for ISCBC and is registered as a Biologist in Training (BIT) with the College of Applied Biology. Kelly has more than five years of experience in the invasive species sector, with a focus on terrestrial invasive plants. Kelly’s field experience focused on invasive species management, cut block thinning and forest pest surveys across the South Coast and Cariboo regions. He has helped to develop best management practices and completed site level invasive species management plans.
Phillips the special projects lead for ISCBC. Phillips has worked in BC’s environmental sector for 10 years, including more than five in the forest industry, gaining experience in road and cut block development, timber cruising, and pest management. At ISCBC, she focuses on operations, outreach and training, collaborating with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders.
