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IDB 2009 Activities: British Columbia Organizing Group: The Land Conservancy Control of Himalayan Blackberry using San Clemente Island goats Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus most often known here as Rubus discolor) is a common invasive species in many areas of coastal British Columbia. The plant is actually a native to Armenia and is attributed to have been introduced to North America by Luther Burbank (of Burbank potato fame). The fruit is enjoyed by many species, and as a result, it disperses across the landscape. It’s abilities to take over habitat make it an invasive species. It is especially problematic for rural landowners who don’t have the time to cut off the new shoots multiple times per year. Herbicide application is difficult because of access is generally only available to the outside of the patch and herbicides have other associated problems. As a result areas of blackberries often get bulldozed resulting in soil disturbance, compaction and erosion. The exposed soil makes ideal habitat for new seeds to germinate, so even drastic measures such as this often do not The Land Conservancy would like to demonstrate control using San Clemente Island goats, a critically endangered breed of North American origin. They will fence off an area of Himalayan blackberry into two comparable plots, using electric netting. To the first they will introduce goats a few days before the demonstration day, so participants can observe the impact of the goats on the vegetation. The goats will be moved to the second plot on the day of the demonstration, so that visitors may watch the goats browsing the blackberries. Landscape management using traditional livestock breeds is increasingly common in Europe, but little known in North America, though there are some examples of goats being used for fuel load control in fire hazard areas of the US. This may be a non-toxic and relatively low labour method to control blackberries without the use of heavy machinery. It may also be cost effective as there is some grazing value for the goats. Goats can also be used to control a number of other invasive alien species, e.g. Giant Hogweed, English Ivy, Scotch Broom. The use of an endangered breed for such projects contributes to the conservation of farm animal genetic resources. More Information:
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accomplish the goal of blackberry removal.