Spotted knapweed biocontrol release in the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Darkwoods,, CKISS 2023.
Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society Annual Report
2023-24
Mission
To protect ecosystems and communities by preventing and reducing the harmful impacts of invasive species.
Vision
Ecosystems, communities and the regional economy are healthier because the harmful impacts from the spread of invasive species have been reduced. The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) educates, works with, and calls to action area residents, visitors, and a diverse range of communities and organizations.
An invasive species is a species that is not native to a specific location, and that has a tendency to spread to a degree that causes damage to the environment, human economy or human health.
Nature Conservancy of Canada, Frog Bear Conservation Corridor, Creston Valley, CKISS 2023.
WelcoMe to cKiss
The past year saw the encroachment of some high priority species. Quagga mussels were found and treated in the Snake River, Idaho, a tributary of the Columbia River. Whirling disease was found in B.C. and the spotted lanternfly has now been found in Canada. The impacts of these species on the economy carries a hefty price tag. It is overwhelming to imagine how our local rural economy will respond to the millions in damage that could ensue if these species reach us.
Our response has been to emphasize the need for prevention- the most efficient method to avoiding the biodiversity and economic crisis that sits on the horizon. Prevention is proactive, although success is harder to define. However, closing all the holes in the fabric of protection is our best bet. We are working here at CKISS to shift the narrative, so that funders, residents, rights holders, governments, outdoor enthusiasts, and tourists can weave their efforts together to protect our gem of a paradise.
Read on to find out just how our dedicated staff is working with all of us in the community to turn small actions into large impacts in the Central Kootenays. Our actions, your actions, are preventing the spread of invasive species and removing a significant barrier to the health of our magnificent and precious ecosystems.
WLaurie Carr, Executive Director
e, the Board of CKISS, never cease to be impressed by the professionalism and achievements of the staff at CKISS, and what they get accomplished. This year was no exception. Our dedicated staff provided public education and information sessions, worked with regional and municipal governments to find ways to control invasive species on their lands, conducted programs to eradicate or control a variety of invasive species on a wide variety of habitats, monitored our beautiful lakes to ensure they were free of invasive mussels, collaborated with invasive species organizations across the province to respond to government policies... it’s amazing. Thank you so much to all of our staff.
We have had a change of structure at CKISS this year, with the leadership roles now shared by both Laurie Carr and Erin Bates. They continue to manage the organization with impressive strategic and management skills, and the Board is grateful that they are willing and able to do this.
Our much-appreciated president, Tom Bradley stepped away from the Board this year; he will really be missed, for his knowledge of the field, dedication to CKISS, good humour, and profound knowledge of the Societies Act and CKISS bylaws! Three other Board members will be stepping down this year, Tom Newell, Gen Bergeron and Linda Kalbun. We thank them all for their efforts on behalf of CKISS and their communities.
Heather Myers, Vice-President
2023-24
MaKing a Difference on the grounD
6,285
kg of invasive plants were removed!
WATCH
GARLIC MUSTARD
473 34
biocontrol agents surveyed
plant species treated over 126 sites
OUT FOR THESE TOP PRIORITY PLANTS
POISON HEMLOCK
Garlic mustard and poison hemlock are classified as provincial containment species. This means that they are limited in distribution, pose a very high risk and all land managers should take direct action to stop their spread.
68 Reports to CKISS 29 Reports of high priority plants verified in field
REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL KOOTENAY
INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT
26 invasive plants found at 42 sites, 15 sites were mechanically treated over 677m2. No provincial prevent species found.
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265 plankton samples and 5 substrate samplers at 36 sites on 10 waterbodies
ZER O
Zebra & Quagga Musse l Detections
PreVenting the sPrea of aquatic inVaDers
The American bullfrog is identified as a principal threat to the survival of several species at risk. The Kootenay River is the primary corridor for bullfrogs to migrate from Idaho to the Creston Valley, home to the endangered northern leopard frog.
694 bullfrogs removed. Eradication activities have occurred in the Creston Valley since the 1st detection in 2016.
2023-24
CKISS
GerardM, CC BY-SA 3.0
Devon Moore
coMMunity taKes
CKISS CONTINUES TO INCREASE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMEN T
Outreach booth events reached 1654 people
36% increase
2,685 PEOPLE DIRECTLY REACHED THROUGH 80 EVENTS AND PRESENTATIONS VOLUNTEERS
MEDIA posts, newsletters 770 388 19 583 YOUTH engaged 22% increase
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
“ There was time to connect with others in the group, being with people who are involved and committed to action, and seeing the impact of the work that has been done. I’ve removed invasive plants in copious amounts everywhere...and often felt an isolated outsider, as seemingly so few people knew or cared about this habitat threat, so seeing the work CKISS is doing, especially involving younger generations, gave me a deep sense of relief and hope.” - Pulling Together participant
SCIENCE INSPIRES YOUTH
STEMming Invasive species
Launched in 2022, this NSERC PromoScience youth program seeks to inspire female and Indigenous youth to follow careers that use STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) to solve pressing environmental issues. Youth had the chance to participate in Community Science and experience the work of professionals in the invasive species world!
action
CKISS
REDUCING THE IMPACTS OF INVASIVE SPECIES ON FRESHWATER QUALITY
Thanks to the EcoAction Community funding program, local communties pitched in to restore riparian habitat at 3 critical waterbodies- Bonanza Biodiversity Corridor (Slocan Valley), Jubilee Wetland (Rossland) & Harrop Sunshine Bay Regional Park (shown).
FIELD TOUR
COMMUNITIES PULLING TOGETHER
The fall field tour showcased actions to protect ecosytems in the Castlegar area
CKISS coordinated 12 Community Pulling Together events! Volunteers remove invasive plants, learn about ecology, and make a tangible impact.
WORKSHOPS
CKISS ran three popular workshops that taught hands on skills that boosted gardeners abilities to make EcoGardens. EcoGardens create habitat for native fauna and support ecosytems.
Native plant collecting & monitoring
2023-24
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thanK you to our 112 Partners
LOCAL GOVERNMENT COORDINATION GETS A BOOST
The Regional Invasive Species Working Group i s made up of local government representatives from both the RDCK and RDKB Areas A &B and all the municipalities within those areas. The goal of the group is to foster communication, collaboration and increase efficiencies with regards to invasive species management across the region.
Protecting
Kootenay laKe
KOOTENAY RIPARIAN PLANT PROJECT
Iris pseudacorus) and purple loosestrife ) are being documented and removed along the west arm of Kootenay Lake and Kootenay River; protecting hydrology, wetlands and
g of plants removed at sites out of 59 sites
biocontrol agents found at the sites surveyed restored with native plants
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BuilDing caPacity With sustaineD
funDing
2023-24 PROGRAM BUDGET
Inva sive Plant Management Program Aquatic Invasive Species Program Education Program
2023-24 FUNDING SOURCES
$969,600
Teck Metals Ltd.
Fish
RAP Contracting
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Ministry of Forests
BC Parks
BC Gaming
Columbia Basin Trust Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation
Regional District of Kootenay Boundary
Regional District of Central Kootenay
EcoActionEnvironment and Climate Change Canada Canada Summer JobsEmployment and Social Development Canada National Science and Engineering Research Council
73% 15% 13%
Crown and Private Corporations 37% 26% 12% 11% 8% 5% 1% Columbia Power
BCHydro
FortisBC Energy
and Wildlife Compensation Program
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Nature Trust of BC EcoCanada
BC Wildlife Federation Living Lakes Canada
Government of B.C. Trusts and Foundations Local Government Government of Canada First Nation Government Non-profit organizations
other
and
thanK you to our 23 funDers
Okanagan
Nation Alliance
2023-24
Special Recognition
Michael Wicks has exceptional leadership and dedication to community-driven environmental initiatives. He helped coordinate and mobilize a Communities Pulling Together event in Blewett to target common tansy. His commitment is inspiring, highlighting the positive impact individuals can have on creating a better world.
Special Recognition
Dan Domanski was integral to a Community BroomBusters event at 5 mile. He committed days worth of removing scotch broom -pulling, cutting and chipping to protect his neighbourhood from this fire hazard and invasive plant. Thanks for all your hard work!
BoarD MeMBers
Tom Bradley President
Heather Myers Vice President
Malcolm Fitz-Earle
Secretary
Terry Anderson
Treasurer
Tom Newell
Janine Dougall
Eleanor Duifhuis
Allan Freeborn
Genevieve Bergeron
Linda Kalbun
CKISS
together We Protect the Kootenays
Invasive Species Technicians-
James Schafers
Eric Wal die
Ellen Carpenter
Samatha Boucher
Molly Tilden Interim Assistant Field Program Manager
Jonathan Proctor Outreach Program Assitant
Laurie Carr Executive Director (Prv. Development Coordinator)
Erin Bates Managin g Director (Prv. Executive Director)
Khaylish Fraser Aquatics Program Coordinator
Laurie Frankcom Education Program Coordinator
Ellen Skagerberg Program Assistant
Kalenna Olynyk Field Program Manager
Nerissa Abbott
Assistant Field Program Manager
Laurie Carr
2023-24
CKISS
teaM
CKISS
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society’s working region is approximately 30,500 km2 . It encompasses the Regional District of Central Kootenay, as well as Areas A and B of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. This region is located in the southwestern portion of the Canadian Columbia River basin, in southeastern BC.
www.ckiss.ca
info@ckiss.ca
1-(844) 352-1160
Suite 19-622 Front St. Nelson, BC V1L 4B7
Artwork and design: Laurie Carr, Aliyah Ishmail, Paige Thurston
