IEPMA

Landscape vs Industrial Veg Noxious Weed Certificates 

Integrated Pest Management Staff, BC Ministry of Environment, were recently asked to clarify some crossover issues of  landscape vs Industrial Vegetation Noxious Weed certificate. The legislation does not define what the certificate can actually be used for. A  landscape certificate is historically used for residential property with the focus on turf and tree pests. A Industrial Veg Noxious weed certificate has been historically used for range management and large commercial properties such as BC Hydro and Fortis.  

With the increasing spread of noxious weeds can a landscape certificate holder control noxious weeds on private property?  

Is a Landscape certificate valid for treating  industrial commercial property  to remove unwanted vegetation? 

These questions were put to MOE staff and they responded with the answer below.  

We realize that certificate holders may have some uncertainty in what activities they may perform for some vegetation management programs.  The IPM Program has recently discussed the issue and our current position is:

- A certificate holder may only work in the category for which the certificate is valid.

- The IPM Program recognizes there are some areas of overlap, and are interested in assisting pest managers in clarifying these situations.

- If a person holds a landscape certificate and they encounter some noxious weeds or invasive plants pests that are being controlled for a landscape purpose in a landscaped setting, the certificate holder may perform the treatment.

- If the noxious weeds or invasive plants are being controlled because they are noxious or invasive (i.e., part of an invasive plant campaign), a certificate holder would be required to hold an industrial vegetation and noxious weed certificate.

- If certificate holders are unsure about specific situations, they should contact the IPM Program for clarification.