News

The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) is raising awareness about the recent detection of whirling disease in Kootenay Lake. Three trout samples from the lake’s southern arm have tested positive for Myxobolus cerebralis, the parasite responsible for the disease, which affects juvenile fish and can severely impact freshwater ecosystems. The disease, first identified in …  Read more

The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) is thrilled to announce that all 257 water samples collected in 2024 from Kootenay region lakes and rivers tested negative for invasive zebra and quagga mussels. These results confirm that our local waterbodies remain free of these harmful aquatic invaders. CKISS conducted monitoring in waterbodies including Upper and …  Read more

We’re thrilled to share the success of our pilot year for the Kootenay Broombusters Program! This year, passionate volunteers took bold strides in removing invasive Scotch broom from sensitive areas on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake and in Procter. Their efforts have sparked hope for ecosystem recovery and community resilience. Check out our video …  Read more

Your Fall 2024 edition of the CKISS’n Tell newsletter is now available by clicking here. The latest issue is packed with exciting updates and opportunities to get involved in combating invasive species! Discover how you can participate. What will you find in this issue of CKISS’nTell? Restoration news: Eco Action Project and Kootenay Riparian Project Biodiversity …  Read more

The new BC Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework sets an exciting direction for prioritizing our ecosystems, but to truly protect and sustain BC’s biodiversity, we need a biodiversity and ecosystem health law in place as soon as possible. A robust legislative framework will ensure that BC’s unique and precious ecosystems are preserved and restored for future generations. …  Read more

As we complete the Communities Protect Freshwater Together: Riparian Restoration in the Kootenay Region Eco Action Project, we’re excited to highlight the remarkable progress made over the past three years. This initiative focused on restoring critical freshwater and riparian habitats at three sites in the Central Kootenay region: Jubilee Wetland, Hunter Siding Wetland, and Harrop …  Read more

In 2024, CKISS staff and contractors undertook the important task of collecting 257 water samples from local lakes and rivers, including Upper and Lower Arrow, Kootenay, Duncan, Slocan, Summit, Whatshan Lakes, and the Columbia, Kootenay, and Slocan Rivers to monitor for the presence of invasive zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena rostriformis bugenis). …  Read more

In 2024, the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) and the Okanagan Nation Alliance completed the final year of an important project targeting invasive plants in the Kootenay region. Our team surveyed 62 sites for the presence of two high-priority invasive species—yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). Out of these, yellow …  Read more

As fall approaches, many outdoor enthusiasts—including hunters, anglers, and RV owners—gear up for camping trips and outdoor adventures. But did you know that moving firewood can spread invasive pests and diseases, putting our forests at risk? Forest pests like the emerald ash borer and diseases can hitch a ride on your firewood, spreading to new …  Read more

Recently, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) detected invasive zebra mussels in Marimo moss balls, a popular aquarium decoration. This discovery, made in Renton, Washington, highlights the ongoing threat of invasive species to our ecosystems. Zebra mussels are notorious for their ability to cause severe environmental and economic damage if they establish in …  Read more