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Invasive Species on HRM's Radar
An invasive species is a non-native species (including seeds, eggs, spores, or other propagules) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic harm, environmental harm, or harm to human health. The term "invasive"; is used for the most aggressive species. These species grow and reproduce rapidly, causing major disturbance to the areas in which they are  present.
Many invasive species are often introduced to an area by accident although many species have been deliberatly introduced. The Norway Maple was first purposely imported to North America in the mid-1700s and is not considered a risk.
Invasive Species Identification
Giant Hogweed is just one of several invasive species that the municipality is watching. The danger with Giant Hogweed comes from touching the sap, so as you would do with poision ivy or poison oak, the key is to avoid direct contact. Other invasive species found in HRM include Japanese Knotweed - on the list of top 100 invasive species in the world, and the European Fire Ant, currently causing problems around the province and municipality.
Nova Scotia has many types of  ticks. However, the Blacklegged Tick carries Lyme disease which can be contracted by humans. The Blacklegged Tick has been positively identified in Admiral's Cove Park in Bedford. Due to the nature of how it spreads it is likely in or will soon be found in other areas of HRM. Blacklegged Ticks (aka Deer Ticks) are smaller than Dog or Wood Ticks and have no white markings on the large part of their bodies.
See the Landscaping Measures for Tick Management Brochure for suggestions on how to mitigate the risk of coming in contact with a tick around your home.
An invasive aquatic plant, Yellow Floating Heart,  has been found in Little Albro Lake, Dartmouth. This plant resembles native water lilies, but is an invasive Asian species used as a pond ornamental, which can rapidly take over lakes which it invades.
Three invasive species currently under  management in Point Pleasant Park, and assumed to be located elsewhere around the municipality are the Japanese Knotweed, the Common Burdock, and the Himalayan Balsam. All three species of plants will aggressively push out Acadian forest plants and limit the biological diversity of the park unless controlled. A combination approach - including removal, cutting back, and pilot programs to restrict growth are currently underway in the park.
What is HRM Doing?
The municipality has recently received approval from Regional Council to proceed with an action plan to identify and map out the location of invasive species around the municipality. Part of that plan will be a preliminary determination of the roles HRM’s federal and provincial counterparts will play in the development of any future policy.
The action plan, which HRM’s Sustainable Environment Management office is currently working on, is slated to be presented to Regional Council in the fall. If approved, policy development - in conjunction with federal and provincial partners, non-governmental organizations, and the community - will begin immediately, with a possible implementation start date of spring 2011.
*Giant Hogweed Disposal - Information on how the municipality will be tackling the problem of Giant Hogweed found on HRM property.
Media Coverage
July 19, 2010 - Chronicle Herald Giant hogweed ‘tip of the iceberg’
July 19, 2010 - Metro - Hogweed in HRM’s sights
July 16, 2010 - Chronicle Herald - The aliens among us
July 15, 2010 - Metro - Wanted out: Giant Hogweed
Links
Invasive Species Alliance of Nova Scotia
Invasive Species FAQ's from British Columbia
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