Best Management Practices for Invasive Species Management

Follow these standard best management practices that apply to all roadwork projects.

• Encourage staff and the public to use EDDMapS, an early detection reporting system. Use information from EDDMapS in planning road work and invasive species management projects.
• Collaborate with other organizations to develop a proactive, regional system to detect invasive species early and respond rapidly.

For public works projects, follow all guidelines in the "Clean Equipment Protocol for Industry". In work tenders, incorporate a specific clause to follow the “Clean Equipment Protocol for Industry”.

Manage invasive species according to species-specific plant flowering and seed production calendars. This can vary regionally. Use local information when available.

Use an integrated vegetation management approach to invasive species removal. Incorporate appropriate timing and use of manual, cultural, mechanical and chemical methods.

• Only use herbicide when necessary and effective for the target invasive species. Follow herbicide label instructions, use the minimum concentration required, and use products approved for terrestrial and aquatic uses.
• Flag sensitive species that need protection and create an adequate buffer around the area. Do not use herbicides in these areas.
• Understand the life cycle of the invasive species. If herbicide is an effective way to control or remove it, apply the herbicide when it is most effective. Generally, this is prior to flowering.
• Phragmites stands are best treated with herbicides in early fall when young nesting animals have matured and can avoid the herbicide, and most native plants have gone dormant for the season.  Phragmites is one of the last species to go dormant and will still transport herbicide into the root system in the fall.
• Herbicide is best applied on knotweed in the fall.
• Reduce drift. If herbicides are necessary and effective for controlling or removing an invasive species, do not apply herbicides when wind speeds are above 16 kilometres per hour.

• Where invasive species work is occurring, or invasive species are present, establish signs or information stations to notify the public. Locations include in parking lots at rest stops, at trail heads, and in parks, where invasive species are likely to spread.
• Raise consumer awareness on the harmful effects of planting invasive species in local and household gardens. Where plants are sold (e.g., green houses, hardware stores, grocery stores) require warning labels on invasive plant species. A warning label should include “Invasive Species – Harmful to the Environment” with information suggesting native plant alternatives and best practices for reducing spread if the species is planted.