Invasive plants have been controlled for several years now, and we are beginning to see positive results. We therefore wanted to share the strategy that is taking shape in Jakobstad.

We have plenty of lupins, Himalayan balsam and other invasive plants. Since it is impossible to tackle all infestations at once, the town is focusing its intensive control efforts on the following areas:

1. Hällan. This area includes protected coastal meadow habitat, and invasive plants are scarce enough that we hope to eradicate them within the next few years.
2. Old Harbour. A valuable urban nature area that we do not want to see overrun by invasive plants. In the future, Hällan and the Old Harbour could form one large, continuous area free from invasive plants.
3. Permo-Lövblomsfladan. A connected water system stretching from Permofladan all the way to the sea at Pirilöfjärden.
4. Fäboda-Pörkenäs. Extensive natural areas covering several square kilometres, with only scattered occurrences of invasive plants.

In these areas, control work will continue until invasive plants have been eradicated. After that, efforts will focus on preventing new infestations from becoming established.

Elsewhere, we often have to make difficult priorities. However, the combined efforts of municipal staff, volunteers and residents clearing invasive plants on their own properties help keep the situation reasonably under control. As the priority areas are cleared, intensive control efforts can gradually be expanded to new areas.

This work requires patience, but the overall trend is encouraging. Even if it is not always obvious, invasive plants have declined in many areas, and in some places they have been eradicated altogether.

A big thank you to everyone who has taken part in this work. Let’s keep it up together! You can find the guidelines to controlling invasive plants here.

Watch the information video below about Jakobstad’s strategy for controlling invasive plants.