Give invasive species the brush off!

Leaves changing colour, crisp air, the harvest moon; these are signs that autumn has arrived. This time of year is an ideal time to go enjoy the great outdoors and go for a hike. Go outside and play, however be sure you are not bringing any unwanted invasive species with you that could be hitching a ride on your boots, backpack, clothing, vehicle or pet.

The Kootenays is blessed with an epic selection of hiking trails and it’s now easier then ever for YOU to protect them. CKISS and B.C. Parks worked together to encourage park users to ‘Play Clean Go’ in order to protect the native ecosystems against invasive species introduction and spread. You will see NEW ‘Play Clean Go’ signs and boot brushes at 18 different trail heads and recreation sites within B.C parks located in the West Kootenays.

What are the Impacts of Invasive Species?

Native Western Painted turtle fatalities due to invasive knapweed roots. Photo: FWCP

Degrade wildlife habitat
Reduce biodiversity and cause the extinction of endangered species
Reduce crop quality and yield
Reduce forage availability for grazing animals
Increase wildfire hazard
Interfere with regeneration of forests
Increase soil erosion
Impact recreational activities

YOU have the power to minimize these impacts by cleaning your’re stuff and staying on the trail!

Where can you find these new signs?

Pilot Bay Park
Kokanee Glacier Park – Woodbury trailhead and Gibson Lake trailhead.
Valhalla Park – Slocan-Evans trailhead, Drinnon Pass trailhead, Gimli trailhead ,Nemo Creek , Evans Beach
Syringa Park – Yellow pine trailheads (3).
Champion Lakes Park
Nancy Greene park
Goat Range Park – Wilson Falls trailhead.