To get British Columbians active in preventing and stopping the spread of harmful invasive species, the BC government has officially declared the entire month of May as Invasive Species Action Month for the fourth year running. The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) will be coordinating a variety of local events, training workshops and community weed pulls in order to spread the word and not the weeds!
Invasive species threaten BC’s environment, economy and society, including human health, but stopping invasive species is possible if we take action now to prevent, detect and manage invasive species
What actions you can take to prevent the spread!
- Clean, Drain, Dry your watercraft! We have numerous pristine lakes and rivers to enjoy which have given us endless recreation possibilities for people of all ages. Aquatic invasive species can act as hitchhikers and can latch themselves onto boats and gear.
- Play Clean Go! Arrive at trail heads with clean boots/shoes, clothing & mountain bikes. While enjoying our trails invasive species can act as “hitchhikers” and latch onto you and your stuff!
- Be a responsible pet owner and NEVER release unwanted aquarium pets or plants into the wild. Don’t Let it Loose!
- Be PlantWise! Choose native or non invasive plants for you garden. Gardens are a beautiful refuge however if invasive species are planted they can quickly spread from your property to your neighbors’ and natural areas.
- Properly dispose of invasive plants. They are FREE at landfills in our region. Simply separate out the invasives and place them into a clear bag. More info click here!
- Don’t move firewood. Small bugs, eggs and tree killing diseases can be in your fire wood and you may not know it. Avoid putting our beautiful forests at risk by only using fire wood that has been cut locally.
“Human behavior is the number one way that invasive species are introduced. People spread them through the horticulture industry, the pet trade, moving firewood and by ‘hitchhiking’ on watercraft, clothing, vehicles and even your pet!” says Laurie Frankcom, CKISS Education Program Coordinator.
“Prevention is the most effective tool when it comes to invasive species management. CKISS will be travelling throughout the West and Central Kootenay region this spring educating the public on simple actions they can take to prevent the spread. Outreach activities include setting up our booth at community events, working with school and volunteer groups on weed pulls and conducting professional development workshops for municipalities and industry” states Frankcom.
What actions you can take to prevent the spread!
- Clean, Drain Dry your watercraft between bodies of water
- Play Clean Go! Arrive at trail heads with clean boots/shoes, clothing & mountain bikes
- Be a responsible pet owner and NEVER release unwanted aquarium pet or plant into the wild. Don’t let it loose!
- Be PlantWise! Choose native or non invasive plants for you garden.
- Properly dispose of invasive plants. They are FREE at landfills in our region. Simply separate out the invasives and place them into a clear bag. More info click here!
- Don’t move firewood.
All across BC, Invasive Species Action Month is being celebrated and promoted. Youth groups are challenged to enter the “What’s In My Backyard?” photo contest using the hashtag #BCinvasivescontest for the chance to win cash prizes. Visit the Invasive Species Action Month website at bcinvasivesmonth.com. to read about the contest and information about how to prevent and stop the spread of invasive species in gardens, parks and forests, through sporting and camping activities, in lakes, rivers and oceans, and in cities, towns and across the province. There are links to events and activities being held by CKISS and other organizations across BC.
For more information, contact Laurie Frankcom, Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society, at 844.352.1160 ext. 208 or lfrankcom@ckiss.ca
CKISS is a non-profit society that delivers education and awareness programs, and promotes coordinated management of invasive species in the Regional District of Central Kootenay and Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Area A and B. CKISS gratefully acknowledges the support of its funders, including the Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Power, BC Parks and the Ministry of Forest, Lands, Natural Resources Operations and Rural Development.