The inaugural Broom Busters event is scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. CKISS is partnering with the Creston Rod and Gun Club to tackle a Scotch broom infestation on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake, between Destiny Bay and Sanca, near the ‘Glass House’.
Details
Date: Saturday May 25, 2024
Time: 10:30 – 12:30
Location: Meet at bottom of Hall Rd. located South of Destiny Bay and North of Sanca. A few KM North of the Glass House. From this location we will carpool to the Scotch Broom site. Please note a 4 x 4 vehicle is required to travel to the Broom Bash site.
Carpool Location: Wynndel – meeting spot if TBC – please be here at 9:30 am if you wish to carpool.
*Note: Participants will receive more detailed instructions about the event once they have registered.
What you will be doing: Using hand tools you will help us CUT Scotchbroom.
What to Bring:
– Water bottle & snacks
– Sturdy shoes for walking
– Gloves – (we can provide if needed) – Some tools will be provided, but if you have a good pair of large clipper and/or a hand saw please bring them along.
– Dress for weather conditions – event will happen rain or shine
What is the Kootenay Broom Buster Program?
The Broom Busters Program is a community-driven initiative facilitated by CKISS, aimed at engaging Kootenay residents in hands-on action to mitigate the impacts of invasive Scotch broom on local ecosystems and wildfire risks. During a Broom Bash, volunteers come together to mechanically remove invasive Scotch broom infestations from their community, fostering a collaborative effort to address environmental challenges. Participants receive valuable hands-on learning experiences about the detrimental effects of invasive plants on ecosystems and economies, gaining insights into proper removal techniques and the importance of timing in cutting broom.
Why should you be a Broom Buster?
- Protect Native Habitats: Removing invasive Scotch broom helps preserve native plant species and restore biodiversity in the community.
- Enhance Wildlife Habitats: Eradicating Scotch broom creates healthier ecosystems for wildlife, supporting populations of native species and promoting balance.
- Reduce Fire Risk: Scotch broom is highly flammable, and its removal reduces the risk of wildfires, safeguarding both human and wildlife habitats.
- Improve Outdoor Recreation: By eliminating Scotch broom, volunteers can enhance the quality of outdoor experiences for hunters, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts by improving visibility, access to hunting grounds, and overall habitat quality.
- Promote Environmental Stewardship: Volunteering provides an opportunity to actively engage in environmental conservation efforts and contribute to the long-term health of the community’s natural spaces.
- Educational Opportunity: Participating in Scotch broom removal activities offers valuable hands-on learning experiences about invasive species management, ecological restoration, and habitat conservation.
- Community Involvement: Joining the effort to remove Scotch broom fosters a sense of community pride and collaboration, as residents work together to protect the environment for present and future generations.
- Make a Tangible Impact: Volunteers can see the immediate results of their efforts as they witness the positive changes in the landscape and ecosystem health following Scotch broom removal initiatives.
Funded by the Regional District of Central Kootenay through the Local Conservation Fund, with additional support from the Columbia Basin Trust and the Province of British Columbia, the Kootenay Broom Busters Program represents a collaborative effort to address the pressing issue of invasive species in the region.