Second Annual Weed Tour a Success!

Did you know that mouse-ear hawkweed, an incredibly aggressive invader, is spreading throughout Kokanee Creek Park? Or that yellow flag iris planted in ponds can seriously impact our wetlands?

Over 40 members of the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee learned about these and other topics during the Second Annual Weed Tour held last week. A school bus filled with lively and interested members toured the north shore of Nelson, stopping at a few sites to check out some of the aggressive alien invaders in the area.

Topics included identifying yellow flag iris and purple loosestrife that are spreading from gardens into Kootenay Lake, looking for biological control agents used to control Dalmatian toadflax and knapweed, and discussions on issues of weed management in this area. Special guest, Dr. Linda Wilson from Idaho, shared her expertise on yellow hawkweed and a new key to its identification.

The Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee formed last year by local citizens, government representatives, utility companies, and non-profit groups who share a common concern about invasive plants. Members of the CKIPC enthusiastically came together to share information about invasive plants, including perspectives on their impacts, control techniques, and specific management issues.

Funded by BC Hydro, the tour was a great success in both providing information to CKIPC members, and raising awareness of the invasive plant issue in this area.

Added on June 30th, 2006 - Return to Special Features