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On January 20th 2021, CSISS will be hosting an Invasive Clam Stakeholder Meeting to share information regarding the recent discovery of Corbicula fluminea (also known as Asian or Golden clams) in Shuswap Lake. A live population of Corbicula fluminea, a freshwater invasive clam, was found in the Shuswap Lake in August 2020. Extent surveys were completed in September and October 2020. There is potential for this species to spread throughout the waterbody and also to other nearby waterbodies. This meeting is to inform all stakeholders about the situation so far and to encourage discussion around any potential response, including the education and outreach response required.
Invasive Clam Stakeholder Meeting Agenda
Meeting Details:
Online Zoom meeting link (See agenda for meeting link: Download the meeting agenda here)
Phone in option (if zoom not possible): +1 778 907 2071 Canada ; Meeting ID: 966 2779 9276
Date: January 20, 2021
Time: 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm PST (1.5 Hours)
Meeting Facilitator: Robyn Hooper, Executive Director, CSISS
Meeting Scribe: Sue Davies, AIS Coordinator, CSISS
Agenda:
3:00-3:15pm Welcome & Acknowledgement of indigenous lands – Robyn Hooper, CSISS
• Roundtable quiz – who’s here, affiliation, what’s your interest? (zoom poll)
• Overview of intended outcomes – Robyn Hooper, CSISS
3:15-3:30pm CSISS Aquatics Program and invasive clam survey extent findings – Sue Davies, CSISS
3:30-3:50pm Brief biology invasive clams (C. Fluminea.), Provincial response to invasive clams and discuss
potential next steps – Martina Beck / Cassandra Silverio, ENV
3:50-3:55pm Okanagan Basin Water Board perspective – James Littley, OBWB
3:55-4:25pm Questions and Open forum with guiding questions:
• How can we prevent invasive clam spread in the Shuswap and the Okanagan?
o Clean Drain Dry programs, marina and boat industry outreach, boat-ramp outreach, other ?
o What other outreach activities / target audiences could we reach out to?
• Who else can be involved/support this work?
• What other resources and/or funding is needed and could be sourced or encouraged?
4:25-4:30pm Final Comments and Closing – Robyn Hooper, CSISS
Overview and Purpose: A live population of Corbicula fluminea, a freshwater invasive clam (also known as Asianor Golden clams) was found in the Shuswap Lake in August 2020. Extent surveys were completed in September and October 2020. There is potential for this species to spread throughout the waterbody and also to other nearby waterbodies. This meeting is to inform all stakeholders about the situation so far and to encourage discussion around any potential response, including the education and outreach response required.
The meeting objectives are to:
1) Inform stakeholders of the biology, impacts and scale of the infestation
2) Discuss potential next steps for control or mitigation of impacts
3) Discuss potential education and outreach measures to prevent spread.
Your input is critical in ensuring the delivery of an effective, efficient, and coordinated invasive species program in the Columbia Shuswap. We appreciate your feedback as key partners in helping with this process. For more information, please contact CSISS at: info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org
Download the meeting agenda here
Volunteer Planting Day at Blanket Creek Provincial Park
*Limited Spots!*
Event Details:
Date: Thursday October 22, 2020
Time: 2:00 pm -5:00 pm
Location: Blanket Creek Provincial Park, Highway 23 South
What to Bring: Shovels, rakes, gloves, water and weather appropriate clothing
Provided: Snacks and refreshments
**CSISS is implementing COVID-19 procedures for this event. Please be prepared to follow instructions regarding physical distancing and hygiene.**
Project details:
The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society is leading a multi-year restoration project at Blanket Creek Provincial Park. The Goal of this project is to enhance and restore natural areas by re-seeding and planting indigenous plants. Blanket Creek is an area with important conservation values such as kokanee spawning habitat and ungulate winter range- your efforts will help protect valuable habitat for wildlife!
Please Contact us at 1-855-785-9333 or info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org with any questions
For Immediate Release — September 16, 2020
Survey finds live invasive freshwater clams in the Salmon Arm of the Shuswap Lake, prompts Clean Drain Dry warning.
Dead invasive freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea) shells found on the beaches of the Shuswap Lake last year prompted a survey of the near shore area now that water levels are low enough to access the potential habitat for this species. The survey found live populations of invasive clams at two locations: Sunnybrae and Canoe Beach, and surveys are still underway. “At Sunnybrae we were finding around 20 clams per square metre of lake bed”, said Sue Davies, Aquatic Coordinator for the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society. The survey was conducted by the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society with funding from the Shuswap Watershed Council, direction from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and assistance from the Invasive Species Council of BC Job Creation Program. The Corbicula fluminea clam is not to be confused with invasive zebra and quagga mussels (ZQM), which are not currently known in BC. Ongoing prevention and monitoring for ZQM continues in the province, along with border inspection stations for watercraft entering BC .
To avoid spreading aquatic invasive species, including these clams, to other lakes and rivers in B.C., it is important to clean, drain, dry all gear and watercraft following every use. ‘The larvae of this species are microscopic’ said Davies, ‘they could hitchhike in the smallest amount of water in your watercraft and survive to populate another lake. Please make doubly sure that you Clean, Drain, and Dry all gear and watercraft every time you leave a lake or river – even if you’re going to re-launch somewhere else in Shuswap Lake. This is an important measure for all watercraft: boats of all kinds, kayaks and canoes, paddleboards, and inflatables. Prevention is key,’
Corbicula fluminea clams have been kept as aquarium species, used as bait, and eaten by people. Any one of these uses may have resulted in dead shells or unwanted live animals being discarded into the lake and is another potential pathway for this species to have found its way into the Shuswap Lake. Never dump live animals or plants into the wild, including waterways. It is illegal to introduce an aquatic species into a body of water where it is not native, unless authorized under federal, provincial or territorial law (Federal Aquatic Invasive Species Regulation). It is illegal to possess, breed, ship or release species listed under the Controlled Alien Species Regulation.
This is the first confirmed presence of live invasive freshwater clams in the Shuswap. However, this is not the first confirmation of these clams in BC: they are known to exist in lakes in the Fraser Valley and on Vancouver Island, as well as in 38 US States and three of the Great Lakes (Erie, Michigan, and Superior). There are native mussels, such as the Oregon floater mussel and the Winged floater mussel, that can be confused with the Asian clam. The Corbicula fluminea clam shell is triangular shaped and usually less than 2.5 cm but up to 6.5 cm in length, and yellow-green to light brown in color with elevated growth rings.
The clams are small bivalve shellfish, originating in Asia. An individual can produce up to 70,000 eggs per year under optimal conditions and they can reach densities of up to 10,000-20,000 individuals per square metre of lake bed. They are filter feeders that can reduce biodiversity and food available for fish. Dense populations may have the potential to clog filters on hydro systems and water pipes, imposing costly maintenance. They are also known to harbour parasites that are harmful to humans if the clams are consumed raw.
So what can be done? Unfortunately, once established, eradication of Corbicula fluminea clams from a complex, connected waterbody is very unlikely and management methods are limited. Impacts to the system are difficult to predict and depend on several factors. The best thing you can do is prevent further spread to other lakes or rivers. Clean, Drain and Dry your gear and watercraft, and never release live animals or plants into waterways.
The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society has also been monitoring the Shuswap for invasive Zebra and Quagga Mussels, a different invasive aquatic shellfish, and to-date, they have not been detected anywhere in BC waters.
Members of the public are asked to please report any suspected invasive species via the Provincial “Report Invasives BC” smartphone application (available for download from www.gov.bc.ca/invasive-species) and any suspected invasive zebra or quagga mussels to the Report All Poachers and Polluters hotline 1-877-952-7277.
A fact sheet for the invasive clam is available at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and-ecosystems/invasive-species/alerts/asian_clam_alert.pdf
Travellers bringing watercraft to BC are encouraged to visit the provincial website, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/invasive-mussels/bringing-your-boat-to-bc
Differences between Corbicula fluminea clams and Zebra and Quagga Mussels:
The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, management and reduction of invasive species in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. CSISS is thankful for the generous support of the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Shuswap Watershed Council, Columbia Basin Trust, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
To learn more about invasive species in the Columbia Shuswap region please visit: https://www.columbiashuswapinvasives.org
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Threat of Invasive Mussels Continues as Domestic Travel is Encouraged
Invasive zebra and quagga mussels have been introduced into many water bodies in eastern Canada, but as yet, are not known in parts of Canada west of Manitoba. Increased domestic travel due to the pandemic could see many more infested watercraft traveling west and increasing the risk of infesting British Columbia waters.
“The only way to prevent the spread of invasive mussels is to make sure that every watercraft entering BC is inspected at a Provincial watercraft inspection station, which are run by the Conservation Officer Service,” said Sue Davies, Aquatic Coordinator for the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS), adding “so far this season watercraft inspection stations have intercepted 10 mussel fouled watercraft”. We encourage Columbia Shuswap residents to talk to their out-of-province friends and family about the importance of watercraft inspection.
Invasive zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga (D. bugensis) mussels can travel as hitchhikers on watercraft due to their ability to attach to surfaces such as boat hulls and propellers, and to their tolerance for being out of the water for many days. Invasive mussels can withstand up to 30 days out of the water and could easily survive the drive across country on either a trailered boat or a canoe.
The Provincial watercraft inspectors determine the risk level of the watercraft depending on where and when it was last in the water. “If the watercraft is determined to be low risk, then the traveler is free to go; if it is high risk, travelers may be required to have their boat decontaminated, which is free to the traveler,” said Davies. “The consequence of travelers with watercraft not stopping at an inspection station is a swift fine, and the potential to destroy BC beaches, environments, and cost BC millions every year, so best to take the few minutes to stop in, and help prevent the spread of invasive species,” she added.
Provincial watercraft inspection stations are situated mostly along BC’s southern and eastern borders. If a station is open, then it is mandatory for all travelers with watercraft, including paddleboards and canoes, to stop.
Travellers bringing watercraft to BC are encouraged to visit the provincial website, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/invasive-mussels/bringing-your-boat-to-bc, and suspected invasive mussels should be reported to the Conservation Officer Service Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1 877 952-7277.
The BC Government’s Invasive Mussel Defence Program is responsible for inspecting all watercraft entering BC and overseeing the invasive mussel lake monitoring program to sample waterbodies for invasive zebra and quagga mussels. Local invasive species societies like the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) run outreach campaigns about how to prevent the spread of invasive species, and do much of the sampling of priority waterbodies in the Columbia Shuswap region as part of the Provincial lake monitoring program. So far this season, the Province has reported that all samples tested to date for invasive mussels within BC are negative. CSISS thanks the Province of BC, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, and the Shuswap Watershed Council for funding this important work.
Other aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and curly pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), are already present in some BC lakes. Cleaning, draining and drying all watercraft when moving them between waterbodies will help prevent their spread within BC freshwaters.
The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, management and reduction of invasive species in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. CSISS is thankful for the generous support of the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Shuswap Watershed Council, Columbia Basin Trust, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, and the Province of BC.
To learn more about invasive species in the Columbia Shuswap region please visit: https://www.columbiashuswapinvasives.org
Boating season is here! With the arrival of warm weather and the cautious re-opening of activities, many of us are now thinking about boating, paddling, and fishing.
For the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS), boating season means it’s time to turn up the heat on invasive Zebra and Quagga mussel prevention. The increased movement of boats and other watercraft into the region means there’s an increased risk of an accidental introduction of the invasive mussels.
Zebra and Quagga mussels – two species of small, freshwater mussels that originate in Europe – have incredible destructive potential. The mussels occur in parts of eastern and central Canada, but fortunately they have not invaded British Columbia or our nearest neighbour, Alberta.
“Zebra and quagga mussels create enormous problems in lakes because they cling to and form colonies on objects under water: boats, dock pilings, water supply and irrigation systems – anything. This imposes costly, nuisance maintenance. It’s impossible to get rid of them once they are established in a waterbody,” says Robyn Hooper, Executive Director of the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society.
That’s not all. “The mussels will litter beaches with their razor sharp shells. They produce foul odours, and they pollute water quality which puts the lake ecosystem and drinking water at risk,” adds Hooper.
“Boat and watercraft owners have an important part to play in preventing the spread of invasive mussels,” Hooper says. This is because the primary way invasive mussels invade new waterbodies is by ‘hitch hiking’ on boats, fishing gear, and other watercraft including canoes and paddleboards. Adult mussels are small, about 1 centimeter in diameter, and may be attached to watercraft inside compartments or other hard-to-spot areas. Juvenile mussels are free-swimming and microscopic – impossible to detect with the human eye.
“At this time, we don’t really know what the tourism season might look like, in terms of the number of people travelling here with a watercraft,” says Hooper. “Even so, we are treating this very seriously. Watercraft from outside of BC could potentially be infested with invasive mussels. It could take just one infested watercraft launching into a BC waterway to start a new population of invasive mussels here.”
There are two prevention measures that boat and watercraft owners need to follow, Hooper explains. “The first measure is to clean, drain, and dry your watercraft every time you move it out of a lake or waterbody. By doing this, you’re greatly eliminating the chance that you’re moving invasive species.”
“The second prevention measure is to stop at watercraft inspection stations in your travels,” Hooper adds.
There are several watercraft inspection stations set up at entry-points to BC staffed by the Conservation Officer service. “All travellers with watercraft are must stop. Watercraft will be inspected and, if necessary, decontaminated free of charge.”
Watercraft inspection isn’t required for travellers within BC. However, residents can help raise awareness for the importance of inspection. “We encourage residents to talk to their out-of-province family and friends that plan to travel to BC with their watercraft,” adds Hooper. “The more people that know about invasive mussels and watercraft inspection, the less vulnerable we are to an infestation.”
Any suspected transport or possession of zebra and quagga mussels should be reported to the Provincial RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277. For more information about bringing a boat into BC, visit the provincial website https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/invasive-mussels/bringing-your-boat-to-bc. For more information on zebra and quagga mussels, visit CSISS’s website at w https://columbiashuswapinvasives.org/resources-for-boaters/.
About: The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, management, and reduction of invasive species in the Columbia Shuswap region.
Contact: For more information, please contact Robyn Hooper/Sue Davies at the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society in Revelstoke at 1-855-785-9333.
Looking for ways to fill your days? Gardening is a great way to get outdoors.
Many of us are currently marooned at home and looking for ways to occupy our time. While we patiently wait for the snow to melt, it’s a great time to get a head start on your garden.
Learn to Identify plants!
While we won’t be able to offer our spring Invasive Plant ID and Management Workshops in person this May, you can find useful resources to help you learn to identify and manage invasive plants through our website columbiashuswapinvasives.org. We hope to be able to offer invasive plant ID workshops later in the year or through an online format. You can also learn about choosing native and non-invasive plants for your garden through the provincial PlantWise program and free . If you are interested in gardening using native plants, check out the Habitat Acquisition Trust’s Native Gardening page here.
Did you know?
Surprisingly, it is still not illegal to import, purchase or sell invasive plants in BC. For this reason, we work closely with garden centers and plant nurseries in the region to help ensure they are not accidentally providing invasive plants or seeds for sale. We are thrilled that most plant nurseries and garden centers are helping to protect native biodiversity by doing their best to provide only non-invasive plants for purchase. Support your local garden center by only asking for non-invasive varieties of plants. Get the PlantWise app to learn if your choice of plant is invasive or not!
Get a head start on planting in doors
To comply with social distancing, many plant nurseries and garden centers in the region have likely closed their store fronts, but may instead be offering online and phone orders, curbside pick-up and delivery options. Check with your local nursery to see what options they might have available. Start vegetable seeds at home to grow in your garden this year. Vegetable plants are not invasive!
Discover what’s in your backyard
As snow melts and plants begin to spring up, be on the look out for potential invaders and get started on weeding in your yard early this season! Check our website for tips on how to manage and dispose of invasive plants from your property. Invasive plant disposal is free at CSRD landfills and transfer stations – just let the attendant know and ensure plants are bagged.
Go for a plant ID walk
No yard? No problem, go for a solo walk and take note of the plants you see in your neighborhood. As shoots emerge from hiding and flowers flourish, you can use the Report an Invasive App on your phone to help identify and report invasive plants that you come across.
Ask an expert!
If you are having trouble identifying a species or need advice on how to best manage a pesky plant, we are here to help you manage invasive plants on your property. Contact us at info@columbiashuswapinvasives or follow us on Instagram and facebook @ColumbiaShuswapInvasives
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY with Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society:
Job Title: Invasive Species Program Assistant
Job Reference: #001
Location: Revelstoke, Columbia-Shuswap. Worksites within the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Main office in Revelstoke, BC but travel required for position throughout the CSRD.
Closing Date: March 4, 2020
Employment Duration: 4-month (May-August), 30-35hrs/week,
Wage: $18/hour (pending funding)
Application Details: CSISS Job Posting #001 – 2020 as PDF file.
APPLICATION PACKAGE – MANDATORY ITEMS:
Please include the following items in your application package (one PDF document combined 1, 2 and 3):
Please submit your application package no later than March 4th, 2020 to:
Robyn Hooper, Executive Director, Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society
Email to: info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Under the direct supervision and guidance of the CSISS Executive Director and Program Coordinators, the Program Assistant will be responsible for carrying out various functions of the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society’s programs, as described in job duties below. The base of operation will be out of Revelstoke, but there will be extensive travel throughout the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Regular team meetings will occur weekly in Revelstoke, BC. Work hours will be full-time throughout the length of the term, but hours may fluctuate daily with weather and project demands. Work schedule likely to be Tuesday-Saturday.
Important Information:
Please send any questions to info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org
JOB DUTIES:
SKILLS REQUIRED:
The Program Assistant will be engaging with partners and the public on a daily basis and therefore needs to be energetic, positive, outgoing, charismatic and confident. Successful candidates must be self-motivated, highly organized, responsible, and work well in a team. All applicants must have completed Grade 12 or equivalent and preference to those who have or are completing a relevant post-secondary program. All activities are physically demanding, and the position requires extensive driving throughout the region, therefore experienced driving skills are required.
Ideally, you will have a strong combination of the following skills:
Additional Assets:
Applicants MUST Possess:
Applicants must be eligible to participate in the 1. Eco Canada Student Work Placement Program and/or 2. Canada Summer Jobs Program (requirements listed below):
Eco Canada Student Work Placement Program Requirements:
To be eligible, applicants must:
Students on a work permit or visa are not eligible.
Canada Summer Jobs Program Requirements:
To be eligible, youth must:
About CSISS
The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteer members representing private & public agencies, clubs and organizations in the Columbia-Shuswap Region of British Columbia. Members of the society are dedicated to increasing awareness of invasive species and associated losses caused to the natural and domestic resources of our Region. The Society performs invasive species inventory, treatment programs, promotes best management practices, and coordinates invasive species action, education and awareness activities throughout the Columbia-Shuswap Region.
Another year has passed with no invasive mussels detected in the Columbia Shuswap! 2019 was a successful year for CSISS- Take a look at our newsletter below to see what we accomplished this past year.
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