Regional District targeting invasive tree species in Penticton

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is going after three invasive tree species in the region.

A trio of invasive tree species are being targeted for removal and treatment in order to protect the natural vegetation and ecosystems in Penticton.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) recently launched a pilot program to focus on removing invasive tree species from several locations in the greater west bench area.

“We’ve known that invasive tree species in our parks and along our trails and other assets have been an issue. What we haven’t had is kind of dedicated time and resources to try and manage the invasive species,” said RDOS parks and facilities manager Justin Shuttleworth.

“This year in the West Bench after meeting with our director, there was a desire to try and have a little focused effort on removing these invasive trees.”

The pilot project is a collaboration between the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society (OASISS)

Three species are being targeted for removal: the Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), the Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), and the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima).

All three tree species are reportedly the highest-priority invasive trees in the region.

“As invasive species, they’ve been brought here from another country. All three of them originate in China and Russian Olive is also from Europe. They were brought here for various qualities,” said OASISS Executive Director Lisa Scott.