The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) is excited to announce that its successful BroomBasher Program has expanded to include the innovative Crowdsorsa mobile app, giving residents and visitors three new ways to take action against invasive Scotch broom while earning money. CKISS is encouraging people to download Crowdsorsa for an opportunity to get paid to either report, remove or protect your land from Scotch broom.
Mission #1: Broom Bash Mission
Starting this season, anyone can download the Crowdsorsa app, head to Johnstone Road, and get paid for removing invasive Scotch broom. Participants simply follow the app’s missions, cut broom plants at ground level, and upload photo proof of their work. Payments are then sent directly through the app, making it simple, rewarding, and fun to contribute to community environmental health.
How to Get Started
- Download the free Crowdsorsa app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Select the BroomBash Mission along Johnstone Road.
- Follow the instructions to cut broom, upload your photos, and earn cash.
Mission 2: Scotch Broom Reporting
A crucial step in invasive species management is knowing where infestations exist. Through the Crowdsorsa app, community members can now get paid to report Scotch broom across RDCK Areas F, H, A, D, and E.
How it works:
- Download the Crowdsorsa app and select the Scotch Broom Reporting Mission from the App Store or Google Play.
- Locate Scotch broom sites in RDCK Areas F, H, A, D, and E.
- Take a short video of the plant and submit it through the app.
- Get rewarded once your sighting is verified.
Every report helps CKISS locate and manage infestations before they spread further into the region.
Mission 3 : Broom Bash Mission for Private Land Owners
For the first time ever, private landowners can receive direct financial assistance to remove Scotch broom from their property.
Here’s how it works:
- Remove it yourself: Register your property in the Crowdsorsa app by emailing CKISS and get paid for removing Scotch broom OR
- Recruit help: Share your mission with a friend, family member, or neighbour. They can do the removal on your property and receive the payment.
Have Scotch broom on your property? Send an email to info@ckiss.ca with your contact details and property address to set up your Private Land Mission today.
This program is currently open to landowners in RDCK areas F, H, A, D, and E. By joining, you’ll not only help protect your land but also prevent Scotch broom from spreading into surrounding natural areas.
Why Target Scotch Broom?
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) is an aggressive invasive shrub that spreads quickly and displaces native vegetation. It forms dense thickets that reduce wildlife habitat, increase wildfire risk, and hinder forest regeneration. By removing broom before it flowers and spreads seeds, community members can help protect biodiversity and reduce the long-term costs of managing this invasive plant.
“By adding Crowdsorsa to the BroomBusters Program, we’re making it easier and more rewarding for residents to join the fight against invasive species,” says Laurie Frankcom, CKISS Engagement Coordinator. “It’s a win-win—people can earn money while protecting our local ecosystems.”
What is Crowdsorsa?
Crowdsorsa is a free mobile app that creates “missions” for citizens to help tackle invasive species and other environmental challenges. Once a mission is completed and verified through photo uploads, participants are rewarded financially. The app transforms invasive species management into a collaborative, community-driven game that motivates people to take part in real solutions.
These missions are open now, and reward money will be available until October 31, 2026, or until funds run out. act soon!
- Download the Crowdsorsa app from the App Store or Google Play
- Choose a mission: remove broom, report infestations, or clear your property
- Upload your work and earn cash while helping to stop Scotch broom
CKISS invites everyone in the community to take part in this exciting new program. Together, we can stop the spread of Scotch broom and keep our landscapes healthy and resilient.
The Kootenay Broom Bash Program is made possible with funding by the Regional District of Central Kootenay through the Local Conservation Fund, and support from Columbia Basin Trust and the Province of B.C.