T.I.P.S., or Targeted Invasive Plant Solutions, is a series created by the Invasive Plant Council of BC as a resource available to the public and to collaborators involved in invasive plant management across the province. Each T.I.P.S. publication focuses on the best management practices, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, for either an operational activity or a specific invasive plant species. T.I.P.S. publications are developed with input from a board range of technical and industry advisors to ensure that prevention and management options are comprehensive and current.

Species-Specific T.I.P.S.
16 T.I.P.S. for specific species are now available in PDF format for download:

Blueweed (pdf - 1.46 MB)
Canada Thistle (pdf - 339 kb)
Common Tansy (pdf - 301 kb)
Giant Hogweed (pdf - 327 kb)
Gorse (pdf - 285 kb)
Himalayan Blackberry (pdf - 320 kb)
Hoary Alyssum (pdf - 322 kb)
Invasive Knotweeds (pdf - 310 kb)
Marsh Plume Thistle (pdf - 887 kb)
Orange Hawkweed (pdf - 929 kb)
Oxeye Daisy (pdf - 283 kb)
Scentless Chamomile (pdf - 346 kb) 
Scotch Broom (pdf - 280 kb)
Spotted Knapweed (pdf - 311 kb)
Sulphur Cinquefoil (pdf - 273 kb)
Tansy Ragwort (pdf - 1.19 MB)

Activity-based T.I.P.S. summarize prevention and management options specific to operational activities, as well as provide information on pertinent legislation, impacts of invasive plants, and sources of additional information.

Forestry Operations (pdf - 1.42 MB)
T.I.P.S. A: Forestry Operations provides a general list of prevention and management options for all forestry operations, as well as options specific to harvesting and site preparation, road building and maintenance, and other common forestry operations. Licensees are encouraged to use these T.I.P.S. when developing Standard Operating Procedures under their Forest Stewardship Plans.

Highway Operations (pdf - 1.54 MB)
T.I.P.S. G: Highways Operations provides an overview of roadside maintenance best practices for invasive plants, that maintenance contractors, land managers, and others are encouraged to use when developing annual work plans for roadside operational activities.

Seed Mixtures (pdf - 1.34 MB)
T.I.P.S. F: Seed Mixtures identifies seed mixtures as a primary pathway for the introduction and spread of invasive plants, and summarizes best management practices and prevention strategies for bird, wildflower and ornamental, and re-vegetation seeds. Use this document to become better informed and ensure that the seed mixtures you select for your garden, restoration and soil stabilization projects, or birdseed will not escape and become tomorrow’s invasive plants.

Garden Smart (pdf - 1.5 MB)
T.I.P.S. H: Garden Smart discusses how gardening and landscaping enthusiasts can practice "smart" or responsible gardening techniques to reduce the impacts of invasive plants in BC. Learn how to identify invasive plants, to dispose of them appropriately, and to make informed choices when choosing new plants for your garden or landscape project. Use this document to find resources that can help you choose "the right plant for the right place."

Aquatics: Aquariums and Water Gardens (pdf - 432kb)
T.I.P.S. I: Aquariums and Water Gardens discusses how the intentional or accidental release of aquatic invasive plants from aquariums and water gardens into BC's natural waterbodies is a primary pathway of introduction. Aquarium hobbyists, pond owners, pet store owners and customers, and water landscapers can help prevent their establishment by making informed choices when selecting, trading, purchasing, or disposing of aquatic plants.

Aquatics: Water-based Recreation (pdf - 404kb)
T.I.P.S. J: Water-based Recreation provides a summary of best management practices designed to assist boaters, anglers, and hunters in preventing the spread of "unwanted" aquatic invasive species. Plants, animals, and microscopic creatures can cling to clothing, equipment, and boats. If not cleaned, these species can be introduced into new bodies of water, and can cause significant damage to existing ecosystems.

Species at Risk (pdf - 446kb)
T.I.P.S. K: Species at Risk addresses the need for special management considerations of South Okanagan at-risk plant species in relation to invasive plant treatment options. Four key at-risk species that are considered high priority under the Ministry of Environment's Conservation Framework are highlighted.