The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) was founded to help protect landscapes and waterways and preserve natural ecosystems for native plants and animals in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. We do this by preventing the spread of invasive species through education, partnership building and direct management and treatment of invasive species.

CSISS is a registered non-profit society, led by a diverse Board of Directors and supported by hundreds of members and stakeholders, including regional and provincial governments, the agriculture and forestry sectors, parks, conservationists and nature lovers of all ages.

On land, invasive species choke out native plants that provide the beautiful alpine, wetlands and valleys we admire for recreational activities such as hiking, biking and motorized sports. Invasive species are the second largest threat to native plants and animals after habitat loss. Invasive species can also damage agriculture and forage areas that we rely on for food. In our lakes and waterways, aquatic invasives, like quagga or zebra mussels, can push out native fish populations, and decrease water quality, thereby ruining our precious drinking water. Human communities are impacted as well when invasive species take over crop fields, clog water pipes, and foul docks, boats and other infrastructure, costing millions of dollars, harming recreational and economic opportunities for local businesses.

Our team is committed and effective, and our methods are strategic and science based. CSISS provides the necessary leadership, coordination and on the ground action to prevent and remove the threat of invasives to protect the places we value. Our approach focuses on outreach, education and prevention as the primary step. Secondly, we use research, respond to early detection reports, and undertake direct treatment of invasive species.

As a not-for profit, CSISS can only pursue this important conservation work though the support of funding partners. These include foundations, corporations and small businesses, individual donations, service clubs, and government partners. Our communities and businesses rely on pristine water and lands for recreationalists, drinking water, agriculture, and economic opportunities, and we can work together to keep it protected.

Ways to get involved:

  • Join the Mailing List so that you can be notified of upcoming events
  • Make a donation (by cheque or cash) and mail to Box 2853, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0
  • Host a fundraising event
  • Sponsor a workshop, weed pull or campaign
  • Join our Board of Directors

We welcome you to contact our Executive Director Robyn Hooper direct at rhooper@columbiashuswapinvasives.org. She would love to talk to you about how you can get involved. Thank you!

Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society