Message from President & Executive Director

Duringthe past year, the compounding effects of climate change became clearly apparent in many ways. Through an unprecedented heat dome in June, followed by a devastating fire season and floods which ravaged many areas of our province, residents of BC and the Central Kootenays came face to face with a new reality. Here at CKISS, we focussed on continuing to deliver and expand our programs, with the knowledge that invasive species impacts will be magnified by climate change.

I would like to thank our incredible Board and staff for everything they do. Their hard work and dedication are a key part of making CKISS a sustainable organization with the ability to foster long term change that will help protect our small corner of the world in a critical time.

Erin Bates, Executive Director

As this Annual Report sets out, CKISS had another extremely productive year working to keep invasive species out of the Central Kootenays, and to control the spread of the species that are already here. The threats posed by invasives to biodiversity and existing habitats are recognized by communities and governments across the globe. CKISS is proud to do our part.

Every year, I mention the incredible work done by the CKISS Staff. There would be no CKISS and no programs without them. They are simply world class. This year, I also want to send a big thank you to the dedicated CKISS Board and our many members. CKISS is a Society. We need members, and we need members who are willing to sit on a strategic management Board, to function. Thank you to all of you for contributing to keep CKISS rolling forward!

Tom Bradley, President