Buckthorn control in Big Fence area

08/09/2024

The Kahnawake Environment Protection Office (KEPO) would like to notify the community that Buckthorn control efforts will be taking place in the Big Fence area throughout August and continuing into the Fall. KEPO staff will be working in the area during this period, and Buckthorn plants slated for removal have been flagged.

Common and Glossy Buckthorn are invasive shrub and tree species native to Europe and Asia. These plants are highly adaptable, thriving in both full sun and semi-shade.

In the Big Fence area, Buckthorn exploits gaps in the canopy, outcompeting and replacing native species. While their seeds lack significant nutritional value, they are consumed by birds, which subsequently spread them in their droppings. Buckthorn is also commonly found in disturbed areas, such as roadways and ATV trails.

KEPO will employ manual methods to control the Buckthorn population by cutting the plants down to the stump and covering them with heavy-duty plastic bags. These black plastic bags will be securely zip-tied over the cut stumps to prevent regrowth. The bags are expected to remain in place for approximately one year.

For more information, please contact KEPO at 450-635-0600 or email environmentprotection@mck.ca.