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12
February

CSISS is Hiring: Summer Invasive Species Program Assistants

Events, Uncategorized
 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society

JOB TITLE:  Invasive Species Program Assistant
JOB REFERENCE:  #001
LOCATION: Columbia-Shuswap
CLOSING DATE: March 4, 2019
EMPLOYMENT DURATION: 4-month (May-August),  30-35hrs/week, wage $16.30/hour (pending funding),
POSITIONS: 1-2 positions (pending funding)
JOB LOCATION:  Worksites within the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Main office in Revelstoke, BC but travel required for position throughout the CSRD.

 

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.

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, including assisting with terrestrial and aquatic field programs, developing and delivering educational programs including local events, workshops and activities, as well as working with stakeholders, to ensure a coordinated approach to invasive species management in the region. A program assistant may be assigned to work primarily under a specific Program Coordinator (Field/Aquatic/Outreach) and be primarily working on one program. The Invasive Species Program Assistant will work in rural communities with a variety of stakeholders, including First Nations partners, the Invasive Species Council of BC, local governments, community groups, and others.

The base of operation will be located in the Columbia-Shuswap, and main office in Revelstoke, with extensive travel throughout the region. Regular team meetings will occur weekly in Revelstoke, BC. Although this will be full-time throughout the length of the term, work hours may fluctuate with weather and project demands.

 

Important Information:

  • Only candidates considered for positions will be contacted.
  • All candidates selected for an interview must be available for one-hour phone or in-person interview between March 18th– April 5, 2019.
  • Successful candidates for Job Reference 001 will be contacted in April (pending funding) and must be available to start May 6th 2019.

 

Please send any questions to info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org

 

 JOB DUTIES:
  • Work with Executive Director, Program Coordinators and other CSISS staff to deliver Invasive Species Terrestrial, Aquatic and Outreach programs as described in the CSISS Work plan
  • Help to deliver CSISS events and training programs throughout the region, including the delivery of Plant Wise, Clean Drain Dry, Play Clean Go, and Don’t Let It Loose outreach programs
  • Work with Executive Director to build relationships with First Nations and other stakeholders in the region to enhance collaboration on invasive species issues
  • Assist with invasive species inventories (plants / aquatic sampling for Zebra Quagga mussels), invasive plant mechanical treatments, and InvasiveAlien Plant Program (IAPP) data collection
  • 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 need to be energetic, positive, outgoing, 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 are or are completing a relevant post-secondary program.  All activities are physically demanding.

 

Ideally, you will have a strong combination of the following skills:

  • Knowledge of invasive species;
  • Ability to engage effectively with members of the public;
  • Strong motivational skills;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills;
  • Experience and interest in delivering public presentations and information-booths (comfortable and skilled at speaking with the public);
  • Experience working with youth and/or community groups;
  • Experience conducting plant or water surveys and field work;
  • Enjoy working outdoors in variable field conditions;
  • Enjoy physically challenging work such as mechanical invasive plant treatments;
  • Comfortable working in remote settings;
  • Experience driving with long days and distances;
  • Experience working around water and watercraft, and;
  • Willingness to travel, and work weekends.

Additional Assets:

  • Have or are working towards a technical certificate or degree in natural resource science;
  • 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 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) initiative (requirements listed below):

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.

The program’s broader objectives as part of the Youth Employment Strategy are to improve the labour market participation of Canadian youth. *International students are not eligible participants. International students include anyone who is temporarily in Canada for studies and who is not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada.

 

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:
  • The Job Reference # you would like to be considered for,
  • Your qualifications, relevant skills and experience,
  • Preference for aquatic or terrestrial based work,
  • Confirmed eligibility for Canada Summer Jobs Program.
  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, 2019 to:

Robyn Hooper, Executive Director, Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society

Email to: info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org
04
February

You’re Invited: Columbia Shuswap Operational Planning and Annual Land Manager Meetings March 7, 2019

Events, Uncategorized
 

Event Details:
Date: Thursday March 7, 2019
Time: Operational Planning Meeting  9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lunch (provided) from 12:00pm-1:00pm
Time: Annual Land Manager Meeting 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location:  Revelstoke Community Centre, MacPherson Room, 600 Campbell Ave. Revelstoke, BC.

Operational Planning Meeting: We are reviewing the Columbia Shuswap 2014-2019 Operational Plan in order to create a revised 2020-2025 Operational Plan, and we’re looking for your input! The Operational Plan helps guide invasive species management within the Columbia Shuswap Regional District and provides information on priority invasive species, planning, prevention, best management practices, enforcement and evaluating successes.  In the updated 2020-2025 Operational Plan, we will be looking at including a watchlist for invasive animals, aquatic invasives, and pathogens in the Columbia Shuswap region (based on Provincial government lists).

To view the 2014 – 2019 Operational Plan: Columbia Shuswap Operational Plan 2014 – 2019

Annual Land Manager Meeting: We are completing the annual review of the Priority Invasive Plant lists from the Columbia Shuswap Operational Plan. The Priority Invasive Plant lists help guide inventory, treatment, monitoring and data management of invasive plants within the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. The goal of this meeting is to enable land managers to provide guidance and input on the Priority Invasive Plant lists. The meeting objectives are to: 1) Share updates on invasive plant management activities of each organization; and 2) Revisit prioritization of invasive plant species and activities for treatments, inventories, monitoring and data management.

To view the 2018 Priority Invasive Plant Lists: Columbia Shuswap 2018 Priority Invasive Plant Lists

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 and Board members in helping with this process.

Please register for one or both meetings HERE or provide written feedback for the Operational Planning Meeting and/or Annual Land Manager Meeting (Priority Invasive Plant Lists) by March 1, 2019 to info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org
Learn more about other upcoming CSISS events and news in our recent newsletter.  Also check out our recently released 2018 Annual Report.

Stay connected: to join our newsletter and become a member click here.

CSISS is grateful for the generous contributions of funders and partners, including Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Shuswap Regional District, and the Province of BC.
07
January

See highlights from 2018 and our upcoming plans in the latest newsletter

Events, Uncategorized
 
 

Happy New Year!

That’s a wrap on 2018, we had a fantastic year thanks to dedicated staff, board of directors and volunteers.
See highlights from the year, our annual report and 2019 plans below.

 

 

 
 

Access our Annual Report here: 2018 Annual Report

 

 
 

Highlights from the past year

 

 

 

Terrestrial Field Program 

  • 712 invasive plant surveys
  • Inventories at 330 sites
  • Found 52 new sites
  • Mechanically treated 44 priority invasive plant sites, treating an area of 1,308 meters squared
  • Administered 3 herbicide contracts, treating 8,358 meters squared of land
  • Completed Biological Agent dispersal monitoring at 5 locations

 

Aquatic Field Program 

  • Collected 118 Zebra/Quagga veliger samples
  • Sampled 42 locations across 22 water bodies
  • Water quality was found to be survivable for mussels
  • No invasive mussels detected!

Outreach Program

  • Engaged with over 3,998 people through 167 community events and meetings
  • Hosted 20 youth and school events
  • Visited 51 marinas and boat launches to promote “Clean, Drain, Dry” 
  • Hosted 12 weed pulls with 158 volunteers
  • Contributed 8 press releases and was featured in 48 news articles
 

Congratulations to our new Outreach Program Coordinator Kim Kaiser! Kim worked with CSISS in 2018 as the Education Officer and will be continuing in 2019 with this new role coordinating the CSISS Outreach Program, in conjuction with Aquatics Coordinator Sue Davies.

 

 

 

 

 
 

Check out our new Restoration and Invasives page on our website. Coming soon: a new knotweed brochure for landowners!

 

 
 

Upcoming Events!
 CSISS will be attending the Work BC Salmon Arm Hiring Fair Jan 25th, 
The ISCBC Annual Forum Feb 5th-7th, and
The NCES Sustainable Living Expo in Revelstoke Feb 9th
March 6, 7 or 8th 2019:  Annual Land Managers Meeting, in Revelstoke (stay tuned for final date and registration invitation)
CSISS  Invasive Plant ID and Management Training Workshops offered in Revelstoke, Golden, Salmon Arm and Sicamous. (Spring dates TBD)
Book a workshop or presentation by CSISS – contact us at info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org

 

 

 

 

 
07
January

Mussel-free 2018 in the Columbia Shuswap

Events, Uncategorized
 
 

 

 

Great News for Columbia Shuswap Watersheds: No invasive mussels detected in 2018!

 

 
 

We are thrilled to announce that all 22 water bodies tested across the Columbia Shuswap Region were free of Zebra and Quagga mussels! 
  • Fresh water bodies are not only vital for recreation and tourism, but are also an integral part of the economy in our region. 
  • Protecting infrastructure and native ecosystems from the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species is a priority. 

Aquatic Outreach 

CSISS also provided a variety of aquatic-related outreach in the 2018 field season:

  • Visited 51 Marinas and 22 Boat launches
  • Completed 113 boater surveys
  • Provided Clean, Drain, Dry outreach at 77 events

 

 

Thank to our Funders!

Thanks to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, The Shuswap Watershed Council, the Province of BC, and the Columbia Basin Trust for funding our aquatic sampling and outreach programs this year! Thank you to other regional groups for their in kind support and partnerships.

 

 

 
14
November

See the CSISS fall Newsletter

Events, Uncategorized
 

In this issue

  • CSISS end of season updates
  • Garden and yard cleanup
  • Indoor plants and floral arrangements
  • Knotweed treatment – what to expect
  • Pet ownership – do’s and don’ts
  • Partner news and job opportunities

CSISS End of Season Updates
CSISS had a very busy summer season this year.  With 6 full time employees and countless volunteers we have achieved so much!  Here’s a quick rundown of our summer activities.We have:

  • Organized and implemented 11 weed pulls with 9 partner organizations
  • Inventoried 330 invasive plant sites and completed 712  invasive plant surveys
  • Mechanically treated 44 priority invasive plant sites, removing a total of 0.1308 Ha of material
  • Administered 3 herbicide contracts which treated 53 priority sites and 0.8358 ha of infested land
  • Monitored biological agent dispersal at 5 sites
  • Installed 32 “do not mow” signs at roadside knotweed infestations and completed landowner outreach with homeowners having knotweed on their property
  • Completed 121 plankton samples for zebra and quagga mussels at 42 locations across 21 water bodies
  • Attended over 100 events and presentations, directly interacting with more than 2,700 people and reaching over 32,000 people indirectly.
  • Spoke with 22 marina operators, 16 garden centers, and 8 pet stores about preventing the spread of invasive species
  • Spoke to 113 boaters at boat launches and 90 trail users at trail heads about preventing the spread of invasives.
It’s that time of year…
… yard clean-up time!Invasive species can easily get a foothold in your garden, they are often sold in garden centres (you can avoid them by checking out the PlantWise app and information here) and can end up being a real pain in your garden.Make sure you don’t spread them around.  Ensure that all invasive plant parts removed from your garden are bagged and destined for the deep burial part of the landfill (along with household garbage), not your compost or the yard wast pile at the landfill.
Did you know…?
…that some indoor plants can survive and become invasive if allowed to take root outside?  Even some floral arrangements can contain seeds or cuttings that can become a real environmental problem.
Species to watch out for include: english ivy (pictured), yellow archangel, teasel (pictured), baby’s breath, and spurge laurel (often referred to as madrona and used as greenery in floral arrangements).A simple solution is to ensure that all parts of indoor plants and floral arrangements are put in the garbage and not composted.
Have you treated your knotweed this season?
If you began treating knotweed on your property this season you may see it continue to come back over the next year or two.Don’t panic!  This is normal and is easily treated with repeated chemical applications.  Mark your calendar for next spring to have shoots re-treated once they reach about 3-4 feet in height.  Keeping up with these treatments will eventually mean that your property is knotweed free!
Do’s and Don’ts of pet ownership.
DON’T
  • Don’t choose to have a pet if you are not certain you can look after it for the rest of it’s life.
  • Don’t ever let your pet loose into the environment

DO

  • Know you have the lifestyle and resources to look after a pet (take this testto see if you do)
  • Choose species that are not considered invasive – unfortunately European rabbits, American bullfrogs, red-eared sliders and goldfish are all listed as invasive
  • If your circumstances change and you really can’t look after your pet, find a new home or return it to the store you bought it from.
  • Check out the Don’t Let It Loose web page for more information.
Partner’s News / Job Opportunities
Do you have what it takes to make a career in invasive species management?  Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society is looking for a new Executive Director.  See the job posting here.Are you an agricultural producer in the region? The BC Agriculture and Food Climate Action Initiative are beginning a project in the Kootenay and Boundary regions to engage with local agricultural producers to explore how the agricultural sector can adapt to climate change: variable weather and changing shoulder seasons; insect, weed, pest and invasive species pressure; extreme weather events; drier conditions and drought; wildfire risk; and more. Up to $300,000 in seed funding will support collaborative local agricultural adaptation projects following completion of the strategies. Climate Change Adaptation Workshops in Kootenay and Boundary – To register or for more information, contact Harmony Bjarnason at Harmony@BCAgClimateAction.ca or 250-215-5589. Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/598318477249725/

There are two invasive plant positions on the BC Public Service site working with Province of BC:1. Invasive Species GIS Analyst (STO21) – this position is a temporary assignment that will end March 31 2020.   See at:https://bcpublicservice.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/55147 .

2. Senior Invasive Plant Specialist (LSO4)-  this is a NEW permanent position within the Ministry Invasive Plant Program.   See at:  https://bcpublicservice.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/55145 .      The competition closes November 19th, 2018.  If you have extensive knowledge and expertise in invasive species management and want to be part of a dedicated and passionate team of professionals and technicians, this may be the perfect fit for you.  This new role will provide leadership on key aspects of the invasive plant program, and support strategic initiatives.

Upcoming Events

Shuswap Trails Roundtable. November 21st at the Sicamous & District Recreation Centre. This will be an all-day meeting (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) and lunch will be provided for registered participants. The purpose of the Roundtable is for people to meet face-to-face, share information, build relationships, provide input and hear updates on the Shuswap Regional Trails Strategy, and ‘talk all things trails’ in the Shuswap. You can read more about the Roundtable and the Strategy here. Register here
International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species. https://www.icais.org/  October 27-31st, 2019. Montreal, Canada.
05
October

Check out the CSISS Strategic Plan for 2019-2024 and elected Board of Directors

Events, Uncategorized
 

Check out the CSISS Strategic Plan for 2019 to 2024 to learn more about CSISS’ goals and objectives for the next 5 years!

 

Congratulations also to our elected CSISS Board of Directors from our recent AGM on September 25, 2018:

Hamish Kassa, Chair

Chris Cochran, Vice Chair

Darren Komonoski

Natalie Stafl

Adam Croxall

Laurel Corrigan

Chris Gill

Bruce Husband

John Braisher

Diane Millar

2018-06-20 11.39.36
13
August

CSISS Midsummer News and AGM Invitation September 25th

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CSISS Midsummer Newsletter
In this edition:

  • Hitting the trails this season? what you need to know.
  • Invasives and property management
  • Preventing invasive mussels
  • Habitat restoration at McGuire Lake in Salmon Arm
  • Being Plant Wise – avoiding planting the invasives in your garden
  • Check out our outreach booth at events and street

Save the date! CSISS AGM and Special Workshop on September 25th, 2018 Sicamous District Chambers Meeting room.

Date: September 25th, 12:30pm-2:30pm AGM

Location:  Sicamous District Chambers at 446 Main Street, Sicamous
Topics: Guest Speaker from Boundary Invasive Species Society, CSISS end of season updates, and AGM including Board Election.

Optional indoor/outdoor Workshop: 9am-12pm “Invasive Species Site Rehabilitation Workshop : What to do after you remove the weeds” with Barb Stewart, Boundary Invasive Species Expert with over 20 years experience (please RSVP to register) 

Lunch and refreshments included.

To register, please fill out this online form: https://goo.gl/forms/Sg37yrPj0w8TQpTV2
Getting out on the trails can be one of the best things about summer.  Whether it is biking, horseback riding, hiking, or a simple stroll with the dog, enjoying summer outdoors is part of living in beautiful BC.Believe it or not, many invasive species are able to hitch a ride with us.  To help keep the trails in good order, it is important to prevent invasive species from infesting these natural areas.CSISS has installed Play Clean Go signs at trail heads throughout the region with attached boot brushes (that can be used on bikes too!)Keep your trails free from invasives…
  • REMOVE plants, animals & mud from boots, gear, pets & vehicle.
  • CLEAN your gear before entering & leaving the recreation site.
  • STAY on designated roads & trails.
Pick up your own boot/bike brush for a small donation at our information booths this summer!
So what’s with real estate and invasives? 
Several invasive species groups have come together to help the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) bring out a new resource that helps educate real estate and land use professionals about the potential issues that invasives can cause on properties.  Issues such as the presence of knotweed being considered a “latent material defect” in the property (similar to the presence of black mold) that must be disclosed by a seller.   The Real Estate and Land Use resource is an e-Learning course that realtors and others can take as part of their ongoing training.
INVASIVE MUSSEL PREVENTION & MONITORING
CSISS Executive Director Robyn Hooper stands with MLA Greg Kyllo and MP Mel Arnold at an Invasive Mussel Prevention Event in Sicamous.  Marina staff, local businesses, and the public were invited to learn about and engage with ways to prevent mussels from entering the Shuswap lake.
Testing the lakes is an integral part of the program to prevent mussels from entering BC.  It is important to continue to confirm that each lake is mussel free.  CSISS tests 23 lakes and rivers throughout the season.  The Shuswap lake is tested in 8 locations, once a month.
CSISS staff Heather Wilson (left) and Sue Davies test for invasive mussels in the Shuswap Lake
Have you got knotweed on your property?  Contact CSISS at info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org to get the best information on how to protect your property from this aggressive plant.
MCGUIRE LAKE RESTORATION
CSISS summer student Sam Legebokow restores native cattails after removing invasive Yellow Flag Iris from the banks of McGuire Lake in central Salmon Arm.
Yellow flag iris takes over lake shores due to its floating seeds. It’s fan-link structure often prevents waterfowl and turtles from accessing the wetland, and it provides no cover of food for wildlife.  Replanting native cattails is key to restoring this important  habitat.
ONE OF CANADA’S WORST INVASIVE PLANTS FOUND IN GARDEN CENTRE.
Flowering rush, one Canada’s worst 5 invasive plants and on the BC noxious weed list, has recently been seen for sale in garden centers .  Be on the watch for this aquatic species and choose to grow non-invasive plants in your garden.  Be PlantWise and choose alternatives from the Grow Me Instead booklet.
Check out our booth at events and markets this summer…
  • 31 July – Single Track six biker event
  • 4 August – Golden Information Center
  • 11 August – Sicamous Farmers Market
  • 17 August – Paddle Sport Classic – Misa Townsite
  • 17 August – Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival
  • 1 September – BC Enduro race
  • 16 September – Revelstoke Garlic Fest
  • 28 September – Lewiston Ultra run
05
July

Public is warned not to invite an invasion into the Columbia Shuswap Region’s gardens

Events, Uncategorized
 

With the warm weather favouring backyard gardeners and water garden enthusiasts, the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) is reminding the public to be careful when selecting plants and animals for their ponds and gardens.  

“Water garden species can be lovely, but those with invasive tendencies can cause major problems in your garden as well as the wider environment” says Sue Davies, Aquatic Program Coordinator of CSISS. “When aquatic plants and animals begin to invade, they can totally take over and are extremely difficult to remove.  They can create havoc within natural ecosystems and also for human use of waterways.  It’s really important to prevent these species getting a toe-hold, and knowing what not to bring into your garden is the key.”

Some species listed on the provincial noxious weed list, such as flowering rush, can sometimes be found in retail garden centres. Flowering rush is regarded as one of the top five worst invasive alien plants in Canada due to its major ecological impact on natural ecosystems. Flowering rush is a species to be on the alert for, as it has already been found in British Columbia but is not yet established. The public is asked to help prevent the spread of this high priority plant by reporting any sightings and by never planting flowering rush in water gardens. Other common water garden species that are considered invasive and should be avoided include knotweed, purple loosestrife, yellow flag iris, parrot’s feather, mountain bluet, periwinkle, goldfish, red-eared slider turtle, and American bullfrog.

Following the Invasive Species Council of BC’s popular PlantWise and Don’t Let It Loose programs, CSISS urges the public to garden using only non-invasive species to prevent the spread of unwanted and invasive plants and animals into the environment. The public can access resources and information by visiting CSISS’s website at www.columbiashuswapinvasives.org.

The cost of invasive species to Canada is between $16.6 billion and $34.5 billion per year. In British Columbia, just six invasive plant species caused an estimated combined damage of at least $65 million in 2008. With further spread, impacts will more than double to $139 million by 2020.FloweringRush2 Photo ISCBC
21
June

Shuswap Invasive Mussel Prevention Event

Events, Uncategorized
 

Concerned groups are getting together to help prevent invasive mussels getting into our lakes and rivers.  The public are invited to attend a special event held at the Finlayson Road boat launch, beneath the No 1 Highway in Sicamous on the 26th of June, between 4pm and 6pm. (See Facebook event details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1646347072146721/)

Our lakes and rivers are an invaluable recreation and tourism asset in the Shuswap region and bring millions of dollars to our region annually. However, we cannot take our waterways for granted. Invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels are one of the biggest threats to BC’s waterways; left unchallenged, they would clog water pipes and intakes, foul docks, boats and other infrastructure, and ruin beaches with their sharp shells, costing millions of dollars, harming recreational and economic opportunities for local businesses and damaging the environment.

Fortunately, this threat is preventable.  Ensuring that mussel-fouled boats are never launched into our pristine lakes is key to preventing mussel infestations. The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS), Shuswap Watershed Council, and Invasive Species Council of BC have created an event to bring all interested parties together to discuss the threat and come up with the best possible options for countering it.

“This is an opportunity to collect together those who have a vested interest in keeping the region free of mussels – that is, all of us – and coming up with the best options for preventing musses from ever getting to these waters,” said Sue Davies, Aquatic Invasives Coordinator for the CSISS.  “Keeping the lakes and rivers pristine is in all our interests, and we want input from politicians, business owners, boaters, and the public.  We also want as many people to know about this issue as possible; the more knowledgeable local people means less chance of a mussel-fouled boat accidentally being launched into a lake”, she said.

MP Mel Arnold is confirmed to speak at the event, as are Provincial Ministry staff, and representatives from the other groups involved.  There will also be a flip-chart session for input to the discussion from businesses and the general public.

How can you help prevent mussels getting to BC?

For several years the province has had a ring of watercraft inspection stations near border crossings From BC’s southern and eastern boarders. It is mandatory for all watercraft including powerboats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats and anything in between to stop at Provincial Mussel Defense Inspection Stations.

The inspection stations are now open for the 2018 season and inspectors will be checking boats and preforming decontaminations where necessary to make sure no one is unwittingly carrying these unwanted hitchhikers. If you are lucky, you might get to meet Kilo- BC’s mussel sniffing canine!

Inspection stations have been successful at preventing mussels from entering BC. With an 81% average compliance rate for the 2017 season, it is clear that the majority of people are aware of the requirement to stop. Failure to stop at highway inspection stations is an offence and inspectors monitor the highway for those not stopping.  If a vehicle with a watercraft fails to stop at the inspection station, Conservation Officers are notified and they pursue the vehicle, applying a hefty fine to non-compliant owners.

If your boat has been outside BC and you have not had your boat inspected please call 1 877 952 7277 before you launch!

When traveling between water bodies within BC, please be sure to “Clean, Drain and Dry” your watercraft.  CLEAN off all plants, mud and any attached material from your watercraft and trailer, DRAIN all water compartments and engine coolant systems onto dry land, and DRY all areas before moving your watercraft to another body of water.  For more information visit CSISS resources for boaters at https://columbiashuswapinvasives.org/resources-for-boaters/

[Image 2] Mussel ID_Photo Credit_ BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations                                           [Image 4] Mussel Boat_Photo Credit_Calgary Herald

Image Left: Native mussels versus invasive zebra and quagga mussels (Photo credit: Province of BC).

Image Right: A boat motor infested with mussels. (Photo Credit: Calgary Herald).

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 Shuswap Watershed Council, Columbia Basin Trust, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, and the Province of British Columbia.
18
April

Spring Plant ID workshops, Invasive Species Action Month, trail head boot brushes and MORE…

Events, Uncategorized
 
In this Edition:

  • How to avoid accidentally spreading invasive species
  • Spring Invasive Plant ID workshops
  • May is Invasive Species Action Month!
  • Help defend against Zebra and Quagga mussels
  • New Invasives Trail Signs and Boot Brushes
  • Pesticide Applicator Training
  • Firewood and recreation survey – cash prizes!

Spring has sprung and with it invasive plants and animals will be trying to hitch a ride.

Invasive plants and animals can create havoc when they spread to new locations, causing untold damage to environment, the economy, and even impacting people’s health.  Be part of the solution and make sure your watercraft, garden plants, boots, gear, bikes, pets, and firewood are invasive-free before you move them.

CSISS will be working to prevent the spread of invasives through targeting the most likely ways of accidental spread.  We will be visiting all marinas, garden centres, and pet shops in the region with specific information about avoiding the spread of invasives.  Look out for “Grow Me Instead” information at garden centres, “Clean Drain Dry” information at marinas and “Don’t Let It Loose” information at pet stores.

Spring Invasive Plant ID and Management Workshops

Want to Know how to identify and manage invasives?  attend one of our regional spring workshops!

These workshops cover identification of key invasive plants in your area and best management practices to prevent the spread of invasive species.  Workshops are applicable to industry, forestry, First Nations, municipal and regional staff, stewardship groups, and other interested individuals.

NEW THIS YEAR, we will be hosting a beginner workshop (if you have never taken a course with CSISS and are new to plant ID) and an advanced (if you have previously taken this course and would like a refresher).  BEGINNERS WORKSHOP ATTENDEES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE ADVANCED WORKSHOP.

DATES AND REGISTRATION HERE

May is INVASIVE SPECIES ACTION MONTH in BC!

Beginning May 1st, we will be showcasing an “invasive species of the day” on social media!  Be sure to follow us on Facebook to learn how to identify, report and manage these alien invaders.

Our spring Invasives Plant ID and Management workshops are scheduled for May, see below.

We will also be organizing weed pull events in May.  Be sure to like us on Facebookto receive updates on these and other events.

HELP DEFEND AGAINST THE SPREAD OF ZEBRA AND QUAGGA MUSSELS
Boating season is almost upon us.  If you have taken your boat outside BC, please stop at one of the Provincial Inspection Stations (map above) to ensure that you do not have any Zebra or Quagga mussels hitching a ride on your craft or gear.Stopping is mandatory and free.  Staff will either ask you about where your watercraft has been, request your passport of previous inspection, or inspect or decontaminate your boat.  You might even get inspected by Kilo, BC’s very own mussel sniffer dog!

New trail signs being installed this spring

CSISS has partnered with community groups, municipalities and the CSRD to install new invasive species signs and boot brushes at trail heads throughout the region this spring.Look for the signs and use the attached brushes to remove mud and seeds from your boots, bikes or gear.  Find more information here. 

Pesticide Applicator Certification Training

The ISCBC is offering an Industrial Vegetation and Noxious Weed Pesticide Applicators Certification – participants will receive the necessary information to successfully obtain their pesticide applicators certificate and properly and safely manage weeds on industrial land, roads, power lines, railways and pipeline right-of-ways including control of weeds designated as noxious on private or public land. Course schedule:
May 7th – 9th – Kamloops

MORE INFORMATION HERE
Firewood and Outdoor Recreation Short SurveyComplete a 10-minute survey and you will have a chance to win one of three prizes worth $250 dollars!
Do you use firewood? Do you like to hunt, camp, fish, hike or participate in any other outdoor recreation activities? If so, we want to hear from you!
The Canadian Council on Invasive Species, a national non-profit organization, is currently seeking information from across Canada about how Canadians participate in outdoor recreation and firewood activities and how those activities relate to our environment. The Council works collaboratively across boundaries to support actions and information that can help reduce the threat and impacts of invasive species. The information you provide will greatly assist in developing future education programs in helping Canadians reduce the spread of invasive species and protect our environment.  Your survey results are anonymous! If you choose to participate in the draw for $250, you will hear in April – just in time for the summer season!
To complete the survey, click HERE.
Thank you – to find out more about the Canadian Council on Invasive Species, go to canadainvasives.ca.
Sign up to become a CSISS member to receive regular updates and workshop invitations.

CSISS is grateful for the generous contributions of funders and partners.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.
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