Help Protect the Columbia River Watershed from Invasive Mussels!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- November 13, 2026
Photo Caption: Invasive zebra mussels, credit to Dave Britton.
The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) is reaching out to residents of the Downie RV Loop community along Highway 23N for help protecting the Columbia River Watershed from the threat of invasive mussels.
Each year, from May through October, CSISS conducts regular water sampling at docks throughout the region to monitor for the early detection of Zebra and Quagga mussels, should they ever arrive in British Columbia.
As there is no public dock available at the Downie RV Loop, we are looking for a community member who would be willing to provide free access to their private dock for our sample efforts in 2027. Samples are collected during the week on a bi-weekly basis for a short window throughout the summer sampling season. This small but meaningful contribution would help us expand our monitoring efforts and protect our local waterways. A small token of our appreciation will be provided in return for your generosity.
Zebra and Quagga mussels are invasive freshwater species that were introduced to Canada in the 1980s through the Great Lakes. These mussels can cause significant environmental and economic impacts, including damaging aquatic ecosystems, clogging water intake pipes, contaminating beaches, and negatively affecting water quality. If established in British Columbia, they could be extremely costly and challenging to manage.
Learn more about the threat of invasive mussels on the provincial website:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/invasive-mussels/zebra-and-quagga-mussel-facts
If you are a Downie RV Loop resident with access to a private dock and would be willing to support this important monitoring initiative, please contact info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org or 1-855-785-9333.
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 Columbia Basin Trust, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, the Province of BC, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Shuswap Watershed Council, and other funders.
To learn more about invasive species in the Columbia Shuswap region please visit: http://www.columbiashuswapinvasives.org
