Summer E-newsletter

Summer Newsletter

In this edition…

Field Program Update
Summer Field Work Video
Aquatic Outreach Update
Invasive Mussel Sampling Update
IAPP Workshop Success
Outreach Activities

Field Program Update

Laura Gaster (above with poison hemlock) and our CSISS summer interns have been busy surveying invasive plants for the field program. Surveyed plants are prioritized to maximize treatment dollar effectiveness. Priority Species treated so far include poison hemlock, wild parsnip, Himalayan balsam, blueweed, yellow flag iris, teasel, scotch thistle, rush skeletonweed, and Himalayan blackberry. Other, lower priority species have also been treated at high priority sites such as parks.
The field program has also been monitoring the effectiveness and spread of Bioagents (insects used to reduce the vigour of invasive plants)

Summer field work with CSISS: Columbia Shuswap water bodies and wildlife.

https://vimeo.com/352758438

Turtles, ducks and invasive plants, oh my!

Aquatic Outreach Update

All marinas in the Columbia Shuswap region were visited this spring and given updated information on invasive species in the water bodies they depend on for their business operations.

Our summer interns have been spending time at boat launches across the region and advising people about how to Clean Drain and Dry their watercraft to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives.

In addition we have been at several water sport events including the Paddlesport Classic in Revelstoke, dragon boating festivals and Fishing derbies across the region.

CSISS has partnered with multiple organizations across the region to install Clean Drain Dry signage at 32 more boat launches across the region. Signs encourage both motorized and non-motorized watercraft owners to Clean Drain and Dry their boats between water bodies.

Invasive Mussel Sampling

CSISS continues to sample for the presence of invasive mussels throughout the region, sending samples for analysis at the provincial laboratory in Vancouver. 60 samples have been taken so far, from 25 sampling sites on 9 water bodies. All results have tested negative for mussels so far. CSISS will continue to test these sites throughout the summer and into the fall.

No ducks were caught during sampling, though they occasionally tried to investigate our sampling nets!

CSISS has also deployed special substrate samplers around the region. These samplers (created by CSISS summer interns Hannah and Janelle) are a collection of different substrates, lowered into in the water and left tied to a dock or other structure. If invasive mussels are present in the lake, their young will settle onto the samplers and CSISS staff will detect them.

Some of these samplers are being monitored by local dock owners. Many thanks to these folks for their help in looking after these samplers!

Outreach Activities Update

CSISS outreach staff have been busy hosting weed pulls, attending markets and special events, presenting to youth and community groups, hosting workshops and collaborating with many other organizations!

IAPP Workshop Success!

Thanks to the participants of our summer workshop and to the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program for support!

On July 25^th, in Revelstoke BC, a one-day workshop was held with support of the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program for participants who were interested in learning techniques for recording and reporting invasive plants using the Invasive Alien Plant Program (IAPP). The goal of the workshop was to increase monitoring and treatment of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species by land managers.
The three-hour in class session gave participants an overview of the functions of IAPP and included techniques for recording inventories and mechanical, biological and chemical monitoring. A two-hour outdoor session allowed participants to practice hands on skills for invasive plant identification, recording inventories and completing monitoring. Overall the workshop gave land managers the tools to correctly identify, report, and conduct invasive plant inventories.

Upcoming Events – August 2019
See Website and Facebook for event detailsAugust 11th- Scotch Creek Farmer’s Market
August 14th- Salmon Arm Nature Bay Enhancement Society Talk
August 16th,17th, 18th-Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival
September 6,7,8– Salmon Arm Fall Fair
Stay Tuned for more fall events!

CSISS is grateful for the generous contributions of funders and partners.

Events

Invasive Species and Wildfire Workshop – Tsútswecw Provincial Park

Events

Invasives 101 and Native seed saving workshop

Events

Enderby Rail Trail Weed pull

Published by Robyn Hooper on August 9, 2019August 9, 2019

Related Posts

Events

Invasive Species and Wildfire Workshop – Tsútswecw Provincial Park

Events

Invasives 101 and Native seed saving workshop

Events

Enderby Rail Trail Weed pull