Broombusting season has begun in the Alberni Valley.
More than a dozen volunteers came out on Saturday, April 13, loppers in hand, to tackle a large patch of Scotch broom near the Alberni-Clayoquot SPCA branch on Broughton Street.
Scotch broom is an invasive species on Vancouver Island. The weed grows rapidly, crowding out native plants, and also poses a fire risk due to its dry branches and high oil content. Just last year, the Union of B.C. Municipalities passed a resolution calling for governments to take better steps to halt Scotch broom’s spread.
Volunteers have been “broombusting” in the Alberni Valley since 2007. The trick to getting rid of the plant is to cut it at ground level when it is starting to bloom, which is when it is most vulnerable. The plant will then usually die in the summer’s dry heat.
Cuts will take place every Saturday morning from now until June in different areas around the Alberni Valley. A large cutting session is planned for Saturday, May 4, with Port Alberni city councillors getting involved. This will take place starting at 10 a.m. behind the Echo Centre on 10th Avenue.
To find out more about broombusting in Port Alberni, or to get involved, contact broombustersalberni@gmail.com, look for Broombusters in the Alberni Valley on Facebook or visit www.broombusters.org/alberni-valley.