News

According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, invasive species are the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss.  Invasive species are introduced plants, animals, and pathogens that reproduce at high rates and lack any natural predators or controls. As a result, invasive species can negatively impact ecosystems by out competing native …  Read more

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 …  Read more

It was a stunning day for volunteers from Selkirk College’s System Ecology class to come out to the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area on September the 9th to participate in a ‘Community Weed Pull’ of invasive Yellow Flag Iris. Prior to the weed pull students had the chance to meet Marc-Andre Beaucher, Head of Operations …  Read more

We are thrilled to share with you our new and improved annual summary report. It is filled with fantastic photos, interesting facts and messages from both our Chair and Executive Director. What will you find in the report? Our vision statement How CKISS made a difference in 2015 Operations updates and stats Overview of education …  Read more

Ten boats carrying live invasive mussels have been stopped at BC borders this summer. As of August 10th, stats are as follows: Watercraft inspected: 17,400 Boats with invasive mussels intercepted: 10! Decontamination orders issued: 75 Number of people reached with Clean, Drain, Dry message: 34,800 For more information, click here Golden is the hotspot! All 10 …  Read more

Did you know that invasive plants such as Scotch Broom and Cheatgrass can increase the risk of wildfires?   How does this happen? Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) creates dense thickets of dry woody material that is extremely flammable.  This escalates the intensity of wildfires,  leading to increased damage and risk to nearby properties.   Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is highly …  Read more

A little team work goes a long way! Nine dedicated volunteers met two CKISS staff at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area on August 3rd to take on a BIG patch of the invasive plant yellow flag iris. Step 1 : Put on the right gear Step 2: Get in the Water Step 3: Clip …  Read more

Thanks to a report from a concerned citizen, the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) has identified and commenced control efforts on an infestation of invasive fragrant water lily (Nymphaea odorata) in Champion ponds near Castlegar. CKISS has listed fragrant water lily as a priority action species in the Castlegar region and must be controlled …  Read more

The horticulture industry has been recognized as a key pathway for invasive species introduction and spread. Introduced invasive garden ornamentals have unique characteristics that allow them to outcompete native vegetation causing economic and environmental harm. Knotweed for example was first introduced to North America as a decorative garden shrub and was popular with gardeners as …  Read more

We have been receiving many reports of giant hogweed in the area. Thanks very much folks for your reports. To date, all reports have been identified as cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum), a common native plant species. Here is some information to assist you in accurately identifying cow parsnip and giant hogweed. Cow Parsnip (native) Height …  Read more