Spotted knapweed, an invasive species.
Do your part to prevent, detect and manage the spread of invasive species. May is Invasive Species Month, and Columbia Basin Trust and other organizations involved in the fight against invasive species hope you’ll take advantage of resources and events throughout the province to learn more and take positive actions.
Invasive species are plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms from other areas that don’t naturally occur here. They threaten our environment, economy and society.
For years, the Trust has supported efforts to prevent and reduce invasive species in our environment, and has made this an objective in its Environment Strategic Plan. We have given grants to various groups, for example, for projects that focus on invasive species. In 2014 we began a $936,000, six-year partnership with invasive species organizations in the Basin to address aquatic invasive species in our region. We’re also supporting organizations that are addressing the invasion of northern pike in the Columbia River, a species that threatens rainbow trout and other native fish populations.
In addition, the Trust has partnered with the BC government, Columbia Power Corporation and FortisBC to support the Invasive Mussel Defence Program. Since 2015, we have committed $1.06 million to this program, which aims to prevent zebra and quagga mussels from entering the province. This year there will be 10 boat inspection stations, six of which are in the Basin. The inspection season will be extended, along with daily hours. The number of inspection officers is nearly doubling, to 68, and the program will introduce Canada’s first mussel-detecting dog. Learn more here.
To join in the fight, take part in an Invasive Species Month event. Discover some of the events taking place here:
To find information, get resources, enter a video contest and more, click here.
Also check out your local invasive species organizations:
- Invasive Species Council of BC
- Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society
- Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society
- East Kootenay Invasive Species Council
- Northwest Invasive Plant Council
Learn more about how the Trust supports a healthy environment here.
