Columbia Power Corporation Digs up Funds for Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee

By Columbia Power Corporation

Columbia Power Corporation has contributed $2,000 in funding to the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee for the development of signage to educate the public in recognizing noxious weeds. This signage has been placed along roadsides throughout the West Kootenays where noxious weeds are growing, in the hope that they will assist the public in recognizing these invasive species.

“Because Columbia Power has to deal with noxious weeds along our transmission line, we are aware of the harm that they can inflict on the ecosystem,” said Audrey Repin, Manager of Community Relations and Communications for Columbia Power Corporation. “We hope that the signage will help local residents recognize these invasive plant species that have such a negative impact on wildlife habitat and rangeland. Combating invasive plants requires that we all work together,” said Repin.

“We are thrilled to receive funding from Columbia Power for this project,” said Juliet Craig, Coordinator of the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee. “Many people do not realize how competitive these invasive weeds can be. They choke out native plants and can have a huge economic impact by competing with agricultural crops, as well as affect recreation and tourism,” said Craig.

The Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee was formed in February 2005. Their main goals are to raise awareness at all levels about invasive plants and their impacts to our area, as well as to prevent the further introduction and spread of invasive plants through education and awareness. In addition to the signage, the Committee has held many activities this year, including the Annual Weed Tour to highlight local weed species, and a purple loosestrife Hand-Pull Day to promote community involvement in weed management and land stewardship.

For more information on the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee, or to find out how you can help control invasive plants, visit their website at: www.kootenayweeds.com.

To access information on Columbia Power Corporation or our Community Sponsorship Funding Program, visit our website at: www.columbiapower.org.

Added on August 10th, 2006 - Return to Special Features