| Winter Welcome | ZQM Free in 2024 | Draft Strategic Plan |
| Species Spotlight: Knotweed |
| Invasive Insights podcast: Voice of the Shuswap |
| Staff Updates for 2025 |
| Captivating Content | Upcoming Events |
Welcoming Winter
Photo: Some of the CSISS team and friends enjoying a ski day together, at Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
As the winter season settles over the Columbia Shuswap region, the natural world may seem quiet—but our work to protect native ecosystems from invasive species continues! While many plants and animals are dormant, winter is an important time for reflection, planning, and education.
In this issue of ‘invasive insights’, we’ll share updates on our recent initiatives, highlight invasive species to watch for this year, and provide tips on how you can help prevent their spread.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping the Columbia Shuswap region invasive-free. Stay warm, stay informed, and enjoy this season’s edition!
Zebra and Quagga Mussel Free in 2024
Zero ZQM detections in BC
CSISS waterbodies clear of invasive mussels for another year
In 2024, the Columbia Shuswap regions remained free of invasive zebra and quagga mussels, thanks to diligent monitoring and strong community efforts. A total of 151 water samples were collected from 22 sites across 14 waterbodies, with no detections of these highly destructive mussels. Encouragingly, province-wide monitoring efforts also confirmed zero detections of these invasive mussels throughout British Columbia.
However, continued vigilance is essential. We urge all watercraft users to:
CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY their boats and equipment and to always stop at watercraft inspection stations when entering BC.
It is now a legal requirement for boat operators to “Pull the Plug” before moving a boat or any equipment between waterbodies.
By working together, we can keep our lakes and rivers mussel-free!
DRAFT
CSISS Strategic Plan 2025-2030
CSISS Draft Strategic Plan
Fresh Strategic Directions and goals to guide the next 5 years
The Strategic Plan aims to provide direction by defining the purpose, values, goals and strategies of the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society. Throughout the past 12 months, the CSISS Staff team and Board of Directors have worked on and revised (several versions) of our NEW Strategic Plan for 2025-2030. This Strategic Plan builds upon our previous plan, focusing on three clear Strategic Directions, guided by aligning goals.
New DRAFT CSISS Strategic Directions 2025-2030.
DRAFT Strategic Plan with Direction and Goal summary.
Please note this is a DRAFT version of our NEW Strategic Plan, yet to be approved by the CSISS board of directors and CSISS members at our upcoming 2025 AGM*.
*Stay tuned for AGM dates for 2025, If you are interested in becoming a CSISS member sign up here.
Attention Construction Industry: Stop Knotweed Before You Build!
Knotweed is one of the most destructive invasive plants for construction sites, capable of growing through pavement, concrete foundations, and drainage systems. If left untreated, it can cause major structural damage, increase long-term costs, and reduce property values. Early treatment before breaking ground is critical to prevent future infestations and costly delays.
Effective Knotweed Treatment for Construction Sites
✅ Use Herbicide for Control – The most effective way to eliminate knotweed is through targeted herbicide treatments, which should be applied before site development begins.
❌ Riparian Areas Require Special Care – Herbicides cannot be used near waterbodies or in delicate riparian zones. Instead, consult invasive species specialists for alternative management options.
Proper Disposal is Key – Don’t Let Knotweed Grow Back!
Knotweed can regenerate from even the smallest plant fragments, making proper disposal essential:
On-Site Disposal – Chemically treated knotweed can be left on-site to dry and decompose. However, any live plant material can regrow, so monitor the area carefully.
Off-Site Disposal – If removing knotweed from the site:
Bag all plant parts before transporting to a disposal location.
Hot Tip: Cutting canes into 6-inch pieces makes them easier to fit into garbage bags.
FREE Disposal – All invasive plants, including knotweed, can be disposed of for free at CSRD landfills. For large quantities or contaminated soil, call ahead to notify the landfill manager.
KNOTWEED and other Invasive species must be disposed of in household waste (NOT yard waste).
What Can You Do?
✔ Survey sites for knotweed before starting construction.
✔ Treat infestations early with herbicide where possible.
✔ Dispose of knotweed properly to prevent spread.
✔ Work with invasive species professionals for best management practices.
Preventing knotweed at the start of a project will save time, money, and protect infrastructure in the long run.
Invasive Insights Podcast – February Episode: Love Gone Wrong
This month on Invasive Insights, we’re flipping the script on February’s theme of love and exploring Love Gone Wrong: Invasives and Ecosystem Relationships. Discover how species like English ivy and Japanese beetles disrupt delicate ecological bonds, outcompete native species, and wreak havoc on natural habitats. Learn how you can take action through the Plant Wise Program, and Play Clean Go initiatives.
Plus, don’t miss our sneak peek into next month’s episode, Unintended Travelers, where we uncover how invasive species hitch a ride across the globe…
Photo: CSISS Staff in 2024, Shayne Poleyko, Nolan Novonty, Robyn Hooper, Emma Wiebe, Laura Gaster, Jess Booth and Marlee Verleih .
Exciting Staffing Updates for 2025!
We have some big and exciting updates for all our CSISS friends in 2025! Many of you may already know that our wonderful Executive Director, Robyn Hooper, is heading off for parental leave. While we will deeply miss her warmth, kindness, and guiding light, we are so happy for her to share this special time with her growing family.
Enjoy the quiet moments and new baby snuggles, Robyn!
In Robyn’s absence, the reins will be handed over to a familiar face—our incredible Field Operations Manager, Laura Gaster. Laura is a much-loved member of our team and is celebrating 10 YEARS with CSISS this year! She will be stepping into the Acting Executive Director role starting February 16th, and she will be the main contact for CSISS inquiries.
To ensure a smooth transition, we’re also excited to share these additional staff updates:
Jess Booth – New title: Communications and Engagement Coordinator, as well as Acting Manager and second-in-command for Laura.
Nolan Novotny – Acting Field Operations Coordinator, backfilling for Laura.
Robyn’s last day in the office is February 20th, and we are so grateful for her leadership and the strong team she has built.
Please join us in wishing Robyn all the best and welcoming our amazing team members into their new roles.
Captivating Content
Invasive species and nature inspired, news, stories, podcasts, and books capturing our attention.
Japanese Beetle detected in Kamloops
CBC
In late 2024, Kamloops reported its first detection of the invasive Japanese beetle, with 11 individuals found. This pest poses a significant threat to over 300 plant species, including flowers, turf, and fruit-bearing plants, by skeletonizing their leaves. Previously, such infestations in British Columbia were confined to Vancouver and select Lower Mainland areas. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is now considering specific restrictions and requirements for Kamloops to manage and prevent the beetle’s spread. The city council has proactively allocated $200,000 in the 2025 budget to address this issue. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the beetle or signs of plant damage to the Invasive Species Council of B.C.
For more information on Japanese Beetle check out this tip sheet.
In December 2024, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship announced that three trout from Kootenay Lake’s southern arm tested positive for the parasite causing whirling disease. This disease affects juvenile fish, leading to erratic swimming patterns due to brain and spinal cord damage. The detection resulted from enhanced monitoring efforts in collaboration with First Nations, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Parks Canada. Kootenay Lake, renowned for its Gerrard rainbow trout and kokanee fisheries, draws anglers from across North America. The ministry urges the public to practice the “Clean, Drain, Dry” protocol and the mandatory “Pull the Plug” requirement, which requires boaters to remove drain plugs when transporting watercraft to prevent the spread of invasive species.
We acknowledge the financial support of: the Province of British Columbia(through the Ministry of Forests, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, BC Parks and the Community Gaming Grant); the Columbia Shuswap Regional District; The Forest Enhancement Society of BC, the Columbia Basin Trust, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (Invasive Mussel Lake Monitoring Grant and Community Grant); The Nature Trust of BC; The City of Salmon Arm; Parks Canada; BC Hydro (including Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program and Broad Impact Grant); the Shuswap Watershed Council; Employment and Social Development Canada (Canada Summer Jobs); Eco Canada (Science Horizons Wage Subsidies); the City of Revelstoke; the Golden Rod and Gun Club; the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail; and Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) Green Jobs Initiative(funded by Government of Canada through Parks Canada, as part of their commitment to the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy program). We acknowledge the in kind support and partnership with several other organizations across the region.
Copyright (C) |2024| COLUMBIA SHUSWAP INVASIVE SPECIES SOCIETY| | All rights reserved. We send this newsletter to all CSISS newsletter contacts, please let us know if you would not like to be on our contact list. | Our mailing address | Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society
P.O. Box 2853
Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0
Canada
| https://columbiashuswapinvasives.org/ |
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