The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) proudly announces that Central Kootenay waterbodies remain free of the invasive zebra and quagga mussels, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the B.C. Invasive Mussel Defence Program. The latest sampling results, conducted between June and the end of October, revealed a clean bill of health for all 10 … Read more
Embrace the spirit of the season with CKISS as we present the ’12 Days of Green Decor – Eco-Friendly Tips.’ In the spirit of celebrating the holidays responsibly, our tips will guide you on crafting festive decor that not only adds warmth to your celebrations but also helps reduce the spread of invasive species. Join … Read more
Are you getting ready to deck the halls and find that perfect tree? ‘Tis the season for festive cheer, but let’s also spread awareness on keeping our holidays eco-friendly and invasive species-free! Here are some tips to ensure your Christmas tree doesn’t bring any unwanted guests to your neighbourhood or local forest. Go Local: The … Read more
In the picturesque landscapes of Creston, British Columbia, an invasive threat has been moving into local ecosystems—the American bullfrog. The American Bullfrog Action Team (ABAT) is at the forefront of the battle against this formidable intruder, and conducting field work as part of the Kootenay Bullfrog Control Program. In this blog post, we’ll delve into … Read more
Your Fall 2023 edition of the CKISS’n Tell newsletter is now available by clicking here. What will you find in this issue of CKISS’nTell? 2023 Lake Monitoring Program, Kootenay Riparian Project, Hazardous Plant Alert: poison hemlock, Invaders on the Move: quagga mussels, spotted lanternfly & whirling disease, CKISS Fall event highlights. If you want to … Read more
Whirling disease is a microscopic parasite that causes skeletal deformities , causing fish to whirl in a tail-chasing behaviour. It can potentially kill up to 90% of juveniles of trout, salmon, whitefish. On September 20, 2023 Park Officials reported a suspected case of the disease in Yoho National Park’s Emerald Lake. Further sampling and testing … Read more
Zebra and Quagga Mussels (ZQM) are aquatic invasive species that cause hundreds of millions of dollars in economic damage annually in North America. ZQM were introduced to the Great Lakes region in the 1980s by transcontinental shipping. Since then, ZQM have been found in over 24 American states as well as the Provinces of Ontario, … Read more
During the 2023 field season the CKISS team was out on the waters of Kootenay Lake conducting surveys for invasive purple loosestrife and yellow flag iris, as well as some riparian restoration. Things went swimmingly with some help from our friends at the Okanagan Nation Alliance, Nature Trust of BC, and Morrow BioScience! The crew … Read more
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) is hosting two events in September that focus on protecting native ecosystems with hopes it will help residents reduce the climate anxiety they may be experiencing after B.C.’s most destructive wildfire season on record. The first event is a Field Tour where participants can load a free shuttle … Read more
