Everyone Can Help

Each of us can help keep invasive species from becoming established.

Here's how:

• Careful gardening - many of the invasive plants are attractive and were originally used to beautify homes and offices. You should carefully select which plants to grow and know how to handle yard waste that includes invasive species.

• Keeping it clean - invasive species can be transported on vehicles, heavy equipment, footwear and clothing. Inspect and/or clean all of these before entering or moving around the territory. Vehicle wheel-wells and CAT tracks are prone to hiding invasive species and should be cleaned thoroughly.

• Requesting and using only weed-free soil, hay, straw, mulch and certified seed.

• Becoming aware - learn about invasive species that may be found in your area. Report new findings to your local Environment Yukon office. Learn about new ways to reclaim disturbed land. Seeding may not always be necessary.

• Picking and carefully disposing of small infestations you encounter, and reporting larger ones.

• Telling your friends - Vigilance and cooperation is the best way to prevent the spread of invasive species in Yukon. By acting now we can avoid the costs and damage an invasive species can cause once it becomes widespread.