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LETTERS: Better ways to control flora

Letter writers address cities’ efforts over invasive plants.
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Editor:

Had a lovely walk down Duprez Ravine last week. Unfortunately, my tranquility was spoiled when I saw many Japanese Knotweed plants flourishing as I got nearer to the lower entrance of the ravine.

This is a very dangerous and difficult to eradicate plant which can multiply very fast. There are also huge amounts of Tradescantia pallid – more commonly known as ‘wandering Jew’ – and blackberry.

Please, City of White Rock, take some action. The Anderson Ravine also has invasive plants flourishing, too.

Surrey has done a marvelous job eliminating invasive species in the Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest and is concentrating on Kwomais Park now.

Patricia Kealy, White Rock

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An open letter to City of Surrey’s parks maintenance.

I am writing in regard to signs posted in Crescent Park regarding “the use of pesticide on May 11/18, along roadside, to control invasive plants.”

I strongly object to the use of pesticides and, in particular, I object to the use of glyphosate-trade name “Roundup” by Monsanto. It is unfortunate that it is still being used.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the US Environmental Protection Agency, glyphosate is now considered to be a likely carcinogen and endocrine distributor just like other toxic chemicals and pesticides.

As a professional gardener, I am aware that so-called invasive plants can be controlled by means other than pesticides. Medical methods may require extra time and labour but are more effective and do not pose the huge risk of using pesticides that are toxic to people – children in particular – other plants and wildlife and the environment.

Pesticide applicators, your employees, are at risk. Chemical residue or any slight breeze can carry the chemical beyond the plants targeted. I used to eat blackberries in the park.

Pesticides are not harmless. There is a great risk involved.

I would like to see all communities use alternative methods that are environmentally friendly and people friendly.

Cal Pawson, White Rock