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16
September

Live Invasive Freshwater Clams Detected in Shuswap Lake

Events, Uncategorized
 

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:

  • Zebra and quagga mussels have the ability to attach to solid surfaces due to the presence of hair like structures called byssal threads this also allows them to attach to watercraft and can be easily transported over land from one body of water to another and this can result in increased impacts to infrastructure.
  • The Corbicula fluminea clam lacks byssal threads and cannot attach to solid surfaces the way that zebra and quagga mussels can. Under suitable conditions the clam can reach high densities and have the ability to cause clogging of pipes and other structures affecting power plants, irrigation and water supply facilities and water treatment systems.
  • Confirmed populations of Corbicula fluminea clam have been found in Southern Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland and recently in Shuswap Lake.
  • Zebra and quagga mussels have not been detected in B.C. and the Provincial Invasive Mussel Defense Program’s goal is to prevent their introduction into B.C. through watercraft inspection stations, lake monitoring and education. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/invasive-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
24
August

You’re invited: October 5th CSISS Virtual AGM

Events, Uncategorized
 

You’re Invited: CSISS Annual General Meeting October 5th 2020

Online

Event Details:

Date: Monday October 5, 2020
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am Pacific Time
Format: Online Zoom Meeting

Meeting will include updates from partners, including highlights from the Yellow Flag Iris Shuswap collaboration and Blanket Creek BC Parks project. Meeting will also include CSISS summer program updates, Financial updates and Board of Directors Election! Please be in touch if you have any updates or questions you’d like to share at our AGM on invasive species work in the Columbia Shuswap region, or if you’re interested in joining our Board of Directors.
Please register for the online AGM HERE

Learn More 

See other upcoming CSISS events and news in our recent newsletter.

Stay Connected

To join our newsletter and become a member click here.

Get up to Speed

View our 2019 Annual Report Infographic!
We look forward to seeing you online October 5th!
19
August

Threat of Invasive Mussels Continues as Domestic Travel is Encouraged

Events, Uncategorized
 

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

15
May

Boaters – be diligent about Clean-Drain-Dry and watercraft inspection!

Events, Uncategorized
 

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.
07
April

Five ways to take action against invasive plants while stuck at home!

Events, Uncategorized
 

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
18
February

CSISS is Hiring: 2020 Job Posting!

Events, Uncategorized
 

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):

  1. Cover letter clearly stating:
  1. Resume, including two references (phone numbers)
  1. Driver’s abstract with 3 years clean driving record and claims history (Link for ICBC: https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/getting-licensed/Pages/Your-driving-record.aspx )

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:

  • Only candidates considered for positions will be contacted for an interview.
  • All candidates selected for an interview must be available for one-hour phone or in-person interview between March 16- March 30, 2020.
  • Successful candidates for Job Reference 001 will be contacted in April (pending funding) and must be available to start May 11th, 2020.

 Please send any questions to info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org

JOB DUTIES:

  • Work with Executive Director, Program Coordinators and other CSISS staff to deliver invasive species Outreach, Terrestrial, and Aquatic programs.
  • Help to deliver CSISS messaging through door to door, boat launch outreach, festivals and events, and school programs throughout the region, including the delivery of our main behavior change programs: Plant Wise, Clean Drain Dry, Play Clean Go, and Don’t Let It Loose.
  • Help to build relationships with Indigenous Peoples, partners, and other stakeholders in the region to enhance collaboration on invasive species issues.
  • Assist with invasive species inventories (surveying plants / aquatic sampling) and InvasiveAlien Plant Program (IAPP) data
  • Mechanically treat small scale invasive plant infestations.
  • Track and report on successes of program.

 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:

  • Experience and ability to interact and effectively engage people while delivering public presentations, approaching the public with outreach materials and surveys, and engaging the public at information booths;
  • Confidence public speaking;
  • Experience working with youth and/or community groups;
  • Strong motivational skills;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills;
  • Knowledge and interest in invasive species;
  • Ability to quickly acquire skills in conducting surveys and field work;
  • Enjoy working outdoors in variable field conditions;
  • Enjoy physically challenging work, such as weed pulling;
  • Comfortable working in remote settings;
  • Experience driving with long days and distances;
  • Experience working around water and watercraft, and;
  • Have or are working towards a certificate or degree;
  • Willingness to travel, and work weekends.

Additional Assets:

  • Experience interacting and presenting to a wide variety of audiences;
  • Knowledge of communication techniques used in interpretation (storytelling, theatre, music);
  • Training in communications, psychology, marketing, and/or natural sciences;
  • Social marketing and social media skills;
  • Experience with iPads, GIS Mapping software and Microsoft Office: Word, Excel and Power Point;
  • Experience in data collection, organization and management; and
  • Experience with report writing.

Applicants MUST Possess:

  • Current Worksafe BC OFA Level 1 or equivalent First Aid certification; and
  • A valid BC driver’s license with 3 years Driving record and claims history

 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:

  • If you currently study at a university or college in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art or Math (STEAM) and Business, you qualify!
  • be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment*; and,
  • have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

Students on a work permit or visa are not eligible.

 Canada Summer Jobs Program Requirements:

To be eligible, youth must:

  • be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;
  • be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment*; and,
  • have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

  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.

 
13
January

New Year E-newsletter

Events, Uncategorized
 

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.
Happy New Year!

2019 was a fantastic year for CSISS thanks to our dedicated board of directors, staff and volunteers. We extend out gratitude to our funders and supporters this past year!
Highlights from the past year
Access our full Annual Report here

Great News for Columbia Shuswap Watersheds: No invasive mussels detected in 2019!
Another year with no invasive mussels detected in any of the 12 water bodies tested!
Freshwater lakes and rivers are not only vital for recreation and tourism, but are also an integral part of the economy in our region.  Invasive mussels could cost millions every year in infrastructure maintenance if they were to enter BC waterways.
Protecting infrastructure and native ecosystems from the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species is a priority.  Please ensure that all watercraft entering BC are inspected for invasive species, and that you Clean Drain and Dry your watercraft when moving from one water body to another within BC.
Upcoming Events:

Jan 31st- Shuswap Trails Working Group Meeting
Feb 11th-13th- INVASIVES 2020- Invasive Species Council of BC Annual Forum
Would you like to organize a guest presentation from CSISS? Contact us at info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org to book!

Thanks to our Funders!

Thanks to all of our 2019 funders including: Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, The Shuswap Watershed Council, the Province of BC, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, and the Columbia Basin Trust for funding our aquatic sampling and outreach programs this year. Thank you to other regional and provincial groups for their in kind support, fee for service projects, and partnerships – in total there were 19 funders in 2019 and over 30 in-kind contributors!

If you are interested in contributing to CSISS for 2020, please contact our Executive Director Robyn Hooper to discuss sponsorships, donations, funding partnerships or other opportunities to collaborate at: rhooper@columbiashuswapinvasives.org or phone toll free 1-855-785-9333

Click here to donate now to CSISS 2020 Programs!
Find Out More About CSISS
Copyright © 2019 Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this e-mail as we value you as a stakeholder and partner in preventing the spread of invasive species in the Columbia Shuswap region. This newsletter is meant to keep you informed of activities and events in our area that may be of interest to you.Our mailing address is:
Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society
P.O. Box 2853
Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0
Canada
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18
November

CSISS Autumn Updates

Events, Uncategorized
 

CSISS Autumn Updates

See newsletter view here: https://mailchi.mp/27b483f7f90f/csiss-autumn-updates

Another successful field season for Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species Programs!

Terrestrial and Aquatic field work is wrapped up for 2019
See highlights below:
Terrestrial Program

94 new invasive plant sites
1204 invasive plant surveys
52 mechanical treatment sites, covering 1118 m2
64 chemical treatment sites, 46 monitored sites
3 bioagent monitoring sites for: spotted knapweed, St. John’s wort, yellow toadflax
Aquatic Program

139 plankton samples from 9 water bodies for invasive mussel analysis
16 invasive mussel substrate samplers installed in 11 water bodies
Aquatic plants surveyed at 27 sites on 9 water bodies
CSISS AGM

Thank you to those of you who attended our AGM in Golden this year! The meeting minutes from the AGM can be found here. Thanks also to the guest speakers from Kootenay Conservation Program, Provincial Mussel Defence Program and Wildsight Golden, as well as the Town of Golden for hosting us.
Aquatic Outreach
Aquatic Outreach
CSISS partnered with ISCBC and other groups to install 32 new Clean Drain Dry signs at boat launches throughout the region!CSISS staff visited 29 Marinas and boat stores, held staff briefings at 9 marinas, visited 29 campgrounds, talked to 222 boaters at boat launches and attended many aquatic focused events over the summer season. 
 

SHOUT OUT TO FUNDERS 
CSISS has worked with the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) and the Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) for the past two years to prevent the spread of invasive mussels. HCTF contributes to the lake monitoring program and SWC contributes to both the monitoring and outreach programs.

Huge thanks to both organizations for making this important work possible.
CSISS and the Shuswap Watershed Council head to Montreal!
CSISS Executive Director Robyn Hooper, Chair Hamish Kassa, along with the Shuswap Watershed Council’s Erin Vierra attended the International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species (ICAIS) in Montreal in late October.

CSISS and SWC presented on aquatic invasive species prevention in the Columbia Shuswap Region at the International Conference

The presentation focused on invasive mussel prevention through collaboration, advocacy, education and lake monitoring.
Find Out More about ICAIS conference
Did you know?
It’s free to dispose invasive plants at landfills and transfer stations in the Columbia Shuswap Region.

Leaves are falling and it’s garden clean up time!

Remember that invasive plants don’t go in the yard waste pile at the landfill. Please bag and bring them to the household garbage instead. It’s free!
Forest pests such as gypsy moths, emerald ash borer and Asian long-horned beetle are often moved through firewood and can destroy Canadian Forests and urban trees. 

Avoid transporting forest pests and Buy Local, Burn Local!
Outreach Program Updates
While CSISS is still busy attending events and conferences, here are some updates from the season so far:

CSISS attended 86 events and presentations, directly engaging with 3,456 people and reaching over 38,800 people.
Hosted 6 weed pulls with 70 volunteers
Presented at 20 youth events, engaging with 1,194 youth

Upcoming events:

Nov 13th- Shuswap Water Quality Monitoring Group Meeting
Nov 20th- Annual Shuswap Trails Round-Table Meeting
Nov 20th- Canadian Weed Science Conference
Nov 27th- Revelstoke Secondary School Climate Expo
CSISS is grateful for the support of many contributors and funders
25
October

CSISS Invasive Mussel Sampling Finished for 2019

Uncategorized
 

CSISS staff sampled 11 water bodies across the region for invasive mussels in 2019.

Staff sampled for adult mussels by installing substrate samplers, which are collections of different substrates on ropes lowered into the water and checked every 2-4 weeks.  No sign of adult mussels were found on any of the 16 samplers deployed.

 

Staff also took 139 plankton samples from 27 locations on 9 water bodies, searching for the larval stages of the mussels (known as veligers).  These samples have been submitted to the laboratory for analysis throughout the year.  So far all analysed samples are mussel free!

 

Thanks are due to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF), the Ministry of Environement & Climate Change Strategy (MoECCS), Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC), and Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) for funding this project.  Also thanks to Dennis Eirarson (MoECCS) and Britt McLeod and Jenna Odynski (BC Parks) for helping with access to some of our sites. 

 
04
September

You’re Invited! CSISS AGM October 17th in Golden

Events, Newsletter, Uncategorized
 

Come join us for the CSISS Annual General Meeting including Guest Speakers and new updates!

Date: October 17th, 12pm – 3:00pm MST (*3:30pm MST for Board Members)
Location:  1410 9th St. South (upstairs) Golden Arena Lounge, Golden
Topics: Roundtable updates from regional stakeholders; Guest Speakers (Wildsight Golden, BC Mussel Defense Conservation Officers, Kootenay Conservation Program); Presentation on UPDATED Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Operational Plan; CSISS end of season updates; and AGM including Board Election.
Lunch and refreshments included.
Please Register here!
Contact us at 1-855-785-9333 or info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org with any questions.

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