Working together to prevent the spread of invasive plants
By Contributor
Many people recognize that invasive plants are a concern in the Central Kootenay but the question is “where do we begin?” The Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee (CKIPC) is attempting to answer that question through a strategic planning process.
Land managers from non-profit societies, government agencies, utility companies, consulting firms and others met in Trail recently to discuss the issue of invasive plants and come up with a coordinated approach to management.
“Since invasive plants know no boundaries, this collaborative approach to planning is so important to prevent further spread of these species in the Central Kootenay” says Crystal Klym, Program Manager for CKIPC. “We were excited to have so many perspectives represented and working toward the same goals.”
Funded by the Waneta Expansion Ltd. Partnership, Columbia Power Corporation, BC Hydro, FortisBC Inc. and Province of BC, this process brings together land managers to set priorities for invasive plant species including eradication, containment, control and outreach activities. Species that are widespread, such as spotted knapweed or yellow hawkweed, are beyond eradication on a regional scale whereas other species like blueweed and yellow flag-iris are more limited in distribution and, through a coordinated effort, may be eradicated.
“We are excited to have an over-arching plan like this” says Andrea Vienneau, EMS Coordinator from Atco Wood Products Ltd. “Although each agency has its own mandate, we can be much more effective if we are all focusing on the same priorities”.
Focusing on prevention, early detection and rapid response of new invasive species has proven to be the most effective approach to invasive plant management.
For more information on this process or to receive a copy of this plan, contact the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee at 250-352-1160 or see www.kootenayweeds.com.
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