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
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
If invasive zebra and quagga mussels ended up in B.C lakes and rivers they would pose significant harm to our economy, the environment and society. Mussels can clog pipes, damage property and equipment, displace native aquatic plants and wildlife, limit recreation opportunities, and affect drinking water quality. Luckily B.C to date is still mussel free thanks … Read more
CKISS and the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA) hosted an open house in Creston earlier this week to educate residents about the threat of invasive American Bullfrogs. Creston residents learned: Why Bullfrogs are a threat to the Creston area ecosystem, and their current known locations How to identify and report Bullfrogs Details of what … Read more
