Horse Owners Beware of Toxic Weeds
Hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana) is an invasive weed species that has been introduced from Eurasia...... read more
Help Stop the Spread of Eurasian watermilfoil
Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) has been a troublesome aquatic invader in British...... read more
WINNERS OF THE 2008 PHOTO CONTEST!
This year’s winners of the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee’s Weed Photo...... read more
Did you know that invasive plants have impacted the blue-listed western skink? Or that one of the largest rush skeletonweed infestations in the Province occurs in the central Kootenays?
Invasive non-native (alien) plant species are brought to
Canada, either accidentally or intentionally, and include
species like purple loosestrife, spotted knapweed, and
common tansy, to name just a few. These plants are
highly competitive because they produce large numbers
of seeds, form deep taproots, or flower early. Because
they arrive in Canada without their natural predators to
keep them in balance, they can spread rapidly, forming
dense patches over huge areas.
Invasive alien plant species can choke out native plants, affecting local plant populations. Since animals rarely eat these species, infestations can impact wildlife habitat and rangeland. Agriculturally, invasive plants can have huge economic impacts by competing with desirable crops. And around the world, invasive species are considered the second largest contributor to the loss of biodiversity (e.g. extinction of species), next to the loss of habitat. The Central Kootenay, located in southeastern British Columbia, has been infested by a number of invasive plants.
The Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee (CKIPC) is a group of concerned local citizens, land managers, and government and non-government agencies who share a common concern about the increase of non-native invasive plants in the Central Kootenays and BC.
The Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee formed to:
- raise awareness and educate the public about invasive plants and their impacts
- prevent the further introduction and spread of these species
- promote coordinated and collaborative management between agencies
and land occupiers - work towards the control of highly invasive non-native species
- provide a conduit for information and a source of expertise
- develop and maintain an inventory of invasive plants in the region
Click here to find out more about ecological impacts of invasive species.
Click here to learn more about economic costs of these plants
For a global perspective, click here