Lacking natural controls, non-native plants can spread rapidly, degrading wildlife habitat. As many as 119 non-native plant species are found within Banff, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks. These weeds are invasive, aggressive and spread at a rapid rate. Weed Control in Banff, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks Parks Canada has adopted a non-native plant control program called integrated pest management . The goal of this program is to prevent the introduction of non-native plants and to eliminate or control them, where practical, to maintain native plant and animal diversity.
Hand pulling is labour intensive and is best used for small infested areas.
It should be conducted in the spring when the root systems of plants are weak. Mowing and string trimming are better used for larger areas. Both of these methods must be used before the non-native plants form seed heads. Biological Biological control has been used in areas in Canada and the United States. Domestic goats and sheep have also been used to control non-native plants.