CKIPC Off To A Great Start

Did you know that invasive plants have impacted the blue-listed western skink? Or that plumeless thistle occurs in the central Kootenays?

Participants in the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee learned about these and other topics during the First Annual Weed Tour held last May. A school bus crammed with lively and interested members toured around the Waneta area south of Trail, BC, stopping at a number of sites along the way. At each stop, a resource person presented a topic of interest, and then began a short discussion.

Representatives from utility companies, government agencies, the Regional District, local naturalist clubs, and many more, enthusiastically came together to share information about invasive plants, including perspectives on their impacts, control techniques, and specific management issues. For example, utility companies shared upcoming expansion plans and their proactive approach to weed management. Local biologists discussed impacts of weeds on red- and blue-listed species. Biocontrol experts pointed out a variety of insects and had the group on their hands and knees in search of the more elusive weevils. And local land managers pointed out new invaders and strategies for their management.

The tour was a great success, leading to a strong start for the newly formed Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee. Other activities planned for this year include a public hand-pulling day for purple loosestrife, the development of outreach tools (e.g. display booth, website, brochure), an inventory of high priority species, outreach to landowners, and a series of press releases designed to educate the public.

Added on May 26th, 2005 - Return to Special Features