We are holding our annual Land Managers meeting on March 8, 2023, between 1-3:30 pm PST. The event will be held virtually this year. The purpose of the meeting is to share work plans relating to invasive plant management for the coming season and any invasive plant issues of note from last year, and to review and update the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Priority List with a focus on high-priority species.
If you are a land manager in the Central Kootenays and are interested in attending but have not received an invitation, please get in touch with us. Send your request to our Field Program Manager, Kalenna Olynyk, at kolynyk@ckiss.ca.
Managing Invasive Bullfrogs
An Online Event on February 10
The invasive American bullfrog has arrived in the Columbia Region. This is bad news for many native species including the fragile population of endangered northern leopard frogs. Join several experts from the field to hear about what projects are being implemented to halt or slow down the spread of this highly invasive amphibian, what results are being achieved, and how you can help.
Guest Speakers:
Khaylish Fraser, Aquatics Program Coordinator, Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society Carley Dolman, tmixʷ Technician, Okanagan Nation Alliance Devon Moore, Coordinator of the Creston Bullfrog Control Program, Province of B.C.
Protecting the Central Kootenays from Invasive Species Just Received a Major Boost from the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK)
The RDCK board approved the implementation of the 2022 RDCK Invasive Plant Management Plan. This means invasive plant management will begin this year on RDCK owned or leased properties!
Thanks to the hard work of the RDCK staff and board, the Invasive Species Strategy Implementation Plan is up for final approval at the March budget meeting. The plan will see two important initiatives in the region, a regional working group and a good neighbour program for private landowners. Boosting collaboration with local governments and private landowners will go a long way to closing current gaps in management.
Thank you to all the CKISS supporters that voiced their concerns to the RDCK directors. Thank you also to the supportive RDCK staff and directors for their action on this important issue. Together we really can make a difference!
What is a CKISS Communities Pulling Together Event?
A Community Pulling Together event or CPT is when a group of volunteers mechanically remove an invasive plant infestation in their community alongside CKISS staff. Volunteers receive hands-on learning experiences on the impacts invasive plants can have on ecosystems and economies. In addition, they learn about plant ecology, and proper removal and disposal techniques. The events last from two to three hours with anywhere between 10-30 volunteers and CKISS provides all supplies (shovels, gloves, bags, and weed disposal).
Groups love to roll up their sleeves and get involved in a project with tangible results. People can see that they can make a difference in only a few hours and have a sense of pride in their accomplishments. These events are highly regarded and a fun way to develop environmental ambassadors. Some groups are eligible for a stipend for their efforts!
Attention youth group leaders and teachers in School Districts 8, 10, and 20: CKISS is currently taking bookings for FREE field trips with our organization! The field trips will take place in the spring and fall of 2023 and 2024. The trips are typically 2-4 hours in duration, but this timing can be adjusted if required. Trips take place at the school starting with in-class activities followed by outdoor activities. We will walk to a site to identify, map, and if time allows, remove invasive plants.
We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien. We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia. This program is made possible with support from Columbia Basin Trust.
The most important management option is prevention – do not use this plant for ornamental purposes, be PlantWise and use Grow Me Instead to help you choose non-invasive alternatives for your garden
Maintaining rangeland with healthy cover species can prevent this plant from establishing itself
Mechanical treatment
Once established, mowing, disking, or otherwise removing the flowers before seed production is effective although several years of treatment will be required.
Due to the deep tap root, it is difficult to remove the entire plant. Tap roots left in the ground will re-sprout, so preventing the plant from going to seed is the easiest long-term management option.
Field scabious can cause skin irritation, so wear long sleeves and gloves when working with this plant.
Dispose of flowers/seed heads securely: All landfills within the RDCK and RDKB accept invasive plant species for free. Ensure your material is bagged in clear plastic bags and notify the attendant that you have invasive plant species. Plants must be identifiable through the bag. For more information please see the RDCK Resource Recovery Bylaw.
