presence of Scotch broom has many detrimental economic, safety,
and health consequences whenever it spreads. Scotch Broom is a
highly invasive woody weed. It grows rapidly, crowding out
native plants and preventing regrowth, retarding or preventing
the growth of many understorey species, preventing the regrowth
of forests, leading to a dramatic loss of diversity. It forms
dense thickets, shelters feral animals, reduces food for native
wildlife, blocks paths and creeklines. Scotch broom also changes
soil chemistry, making it unsuitable for local native plants.
From three seeds brought to the Island in 1850, it has colonized
the southern Island and is moving north at an alarming rate.
Forest Regrowth: Broom spreads quickly in clear cut forest
areas, and makes forest regrowth difficult and sometimes nearly
impossible. A developer from the Malahat called Broombusters in
June 2007, referring to the 3000 acres that were cleared on the
Malahat. “No tree will ever grow there again,” he said. “Broom
has covered 500 ac