The month of May marks the start of Invasive Species Action Month across the province, and the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) is urging locals to familiarize themselves with invasive plants and animals causing significant local problems.
CKISS is hosting two events in the West Kootenay’s in May to promote awareness on invasive species in Central Kootenay’s and to encourage practices to prevent their spread.
Laurie Frankcom, Education Program Coordinator with CKISS, said the Central Kootenay has several invasive species present, such as spotted knapweed, common tansy, scotch broom, and knotweed.
There are also aquatic invasive species present such as the American Bullfrog and Asian Clam, all of which can cause significant environmental, economic, and social harm, according to Frankcom.
“There is definitely environmental, economic, and social harm that these invasive species can cause. They are a big threat to biodiversity. It costs millions of dollars to manage annually, and it can definitely impact some of the recreation funds that we are so lucky to have here in the Kootenay area.”
Frankcom said CKISS does its best to keep invasive species out of the local ecosystems, but that it’s important for communities to be aware of the different types and risks they pose to mitigate the threat.
On May 24, CKISS is hosting one of two Communities Pulling Together events at Hunter Siding Wetland in the Slocan Valley. A second event will be held in Nelson on May 30 on Johnstone Road.
During the events, volunteers will help the CKISS identify and remove invasive plants in Hunter Siding Wetland and along Pulpit Rock trail.
Frankcom said that the two events will not only help the organization manage invasive species but also provide community members with more local knowledge on what species are present in their communities and best practices to prevent their spread.
“People can adopt some really simple best practices to prevent their spread. There’s always room to grow awareness, and in ensuring that that awareness turns into actions because prevention is the best tool in our toolbox. We just want to make sure that people know how simple actions can really make a big difference.”
Frankcom advises community members to refer to the CKISS website for guides for gardeners, boaters, anglers and paddlers to learn more about local invasisve species and practices to prevent their spread.
Registration is now open for the Slocan Valley CPT event on May 24 and the Pulpit Rock CPT event on May 30 in Nelson.
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