March 15, 2018 - Williams Lake. The INVASIVES 2018 Forum & AGM was held in Richmond, BC February 6 - 8, 2018. This year's event was a huge success.
The INVASIVES 2018 Forum & AGM drew over 175 attendees and presenters from across Canada, the US and the UK. The attendees came from diverse backgrounds, including practitioners, land managers, stewardship groups, invasive species researchers, First Nations leaders, local, provincial and federal government - all with a common interest in invasive species.
The 2017 BC Invasives Short Video Contest invited residents of BC to enter their own short video about invasive species. All entries had to be under 2 minutes in length and the winners were decided by online public voting. Watch the two winning videos from the 2017 BC Invasives Short Video Contest.
May 11, 2017 - Williams Lake, BC. To coincide with Invasive Species Action Month, ISCBC has launched a variety of fun, new youth resources. Have fun and educate your class, youth group·or family at the same time!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, April 7, 2017, VICTORIA - 
B.C. government has proclaimed May 2017 as "Invasive Species Action Month" to help raise awareness of invasive plants and animals in British Columbia and to highlight the environmental and economic damage they can cause. The proclamation is part of an ongoing effort to encourage people to learn more about how these plants and animals can displace native species and disrupt local ecosystems.
ISCBC held a Special Members Meeting on November 24th, 2016. At this meeting, new bylaws were approved with unanimous support. Key parts in the bylaws include changes to membership, Board structure and Director Nomination.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, November 23, 2016, Williams Lake, BC - The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia and the Alberta Invasive Species Council are sounding alarm bells about an impending threat from invasive mussels to British Columbia after these highly-damaging species were confirmed in Montana this month. The organizations are calling on authorities to inspect every boat entering British Columbia to prevent an infestation. The three organizations will hold an Emergency ‘Call to Action’ meeting Dec. 9 in Vancouver with leaders in Western Canada to map out next steps to prevent serious ecological and economic damage.
Many thanks to all those who entered in the Invasive Species Council of BC’s first Invasive Species Action Month Photo Contest, held during Invasive Species Action Month, May 2016. Winners were selected by a panel of judges from the ISCBC’s Communications Committee. The judges had a real challenge in choosing winners, as there were many excellent submissions.
Two winners were selected and each was presented with a Go Pro camera! Several photos were also selected for honorable mention.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 17, 2016, Williams Lake, BC—As the school year comes to a close, the Invasive Species Council of BC is asking teachers and parents not to release classroom pets, insects, fish or aquarium plants into the wild.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 31, 2016, Williams Lake, BC—The Invasive Species Council of BC is applauding the BC Government’s announcement yesterday of increased funding for the invasive mussel defence program and permanent boat inspection stations at major entry points along BC’s borders.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 4, 2016, Williams Lake, BC—The Invasive Species Council of BC congratulates one of its founders, Duncan Barnett, for his recognition by the Governor General of Canada with a Caring Canadian Award.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Feb. 2, 2016—RICHMOND, BC—Federal, provincial, municipal, and First Nations representatives, along with regional invasive species committees, community organizations, and industry groups from across British Columbia are gathering this week in Richmond to discuss ways to prevent, control and manage invasive species that affect BC’s economy, environment and society. The 11th annual forum, INVASIVES 2016, features workshops, discussions, learning sessions, and updates on what groups around the province and in other jurisdictions are doing to target invasive species.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, December 15, 2015, Williams Lake, BC—BC gardeners and landscapers planning for next year’s gardens can now use their mobile devices to find out which plants are non-invasive, as the popular PlantWise program today launched a user-friendly mobile app and website to help British Columbians make wise choices to stop the spread of invasive species.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Oct. 14, 2015, Williams Lake—A growing number of B.C. gardening retailers, growers and landscapers have committed to stop selling invasive species by signing on as PlantWise industry partners this year.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Aug. 27, 2015, Williams Lake—This season hard-working crews are controlling and stopping the spread of some priority invasive plants in BC's interior—good news for local ranchers.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 24, 2015 – Williams Lake, BC: Campers, fieldworkers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts are being cautioned to clean their gear and not transport invasive species during the final week of June’s Invasive Species Action Month.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 17, 2015 – Williams Lake, BC: Boats entering British Columbia waters will face closer scrutiny to prevent aquatic invasive species, and BC boaters are being encouraged to always Clean, Drain and Dry their boats as June’s Invasive Species Action Month highlights aquatics this week.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 10, 2015 – Williams Lake, BC—During Invasive Species Action Month this June, BC gardeners are becoming more PlantWise about making wise choices to stop the spread of invasive species, with the majority of garden stores choosing to not sell invasive plants.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 1, 2015 – Williams Lake: To get British Columbians active in preventing and stopping the spread of harmful invasive species in our province, the BC government has officially declared the entire month of June as Invasive Species Action Month. Invasive species threaten BC’s environment, economy and society, including human health, but stopping invasive species is possible if we take action now to prevent, detect and manage invasive species.
The BC Invasive Species Council applauds the Province of British Columbia for its announcement today that BC is expanding its actions to prevent invasive mussels from entering the province’s waters.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Mar. 16, 2015 - Williams Lake: The Invasive Species Council of BC has teamed up with BC Girl Guides to create a new Alien Invader Challenge program that introduces girls and young women from age 5 to 18 to the harm that invasive species can cause and what they can do to limit their spread.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, January 21, 2015 – Richmond, BC: The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) congratulates the winners of the first annual Together in Action Awards, celebrating the work of those preventing or reducing the impact of invasive species in British Columbia.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 20, 2015 - Richmond, BC: Delegates from across British Columbia are gathering this week in Richmond to discuss ways to prevent, detect and manage invasive species that affect BC’s economy, environment and society. The 10th anniversary forum, INVASIVES 2015, features workshops, discussions, learning sessions, and updates on what groups around the province are doing to target invasive species.
ISCBC requests input and support to build a response on the draft federal Aquatic Invasive Species Regulation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 10, 2014 – Williams Lake, BC: In support of the federal government’s announcement last week of new regulations to deal with aquatic invasive species, the Invasive Species Council of BC today called on the federal government to expand their list of invasive species, to commit financial resources to implement the regulations, and to have these regulations in place by the start of boating season this coming spring.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 10, 2014 – Williams Lake, BC: Following last month’s Weeds Across Borders, the bi-annual gathering of professionals and organizations working in invasive species management from Canada, the United States and Mexico, a North America Invasive Species Framework will be created to link existing federal plans, national strategies, and to identify shared priorities and monitoring indicators to prevent and contain invasive species across the continent.
A call for applications is underway for communications experts working in invasive species to serve on the new independent Communications Review Panel, that will review and coordinate invasive species communications in BC.
The Invasive Species Council of British Columbia (ISCBC), in partnership with TransCanada Corporation is pleased to announce a new training program on invasive species in BC, with a special focus on BC’s North, titled "Invasive Species in BC—You Can Help Prevent the Spread!"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 10, 2014 – Williams Lake, BC: Professionals and organizations working in invasive species management from Canada, the United States and Mexico will gather in Ottawa for Weeds Across Borders from October 14-17, 2014, an international conference about preventing and stopping invasive species from spreading.
ISCBC News Release, August 28, 2014: WILLIAMS LAKE — The Invasive Species Council of BC today applauded actions by Alberta and BC which ensured that boats being moved from Lake Ontario to Victoria last weekend were stopped and inspected for zebra mussels, proving that inter-province cooperation to prevent the spread of aquatic species is working.
ISCBC News Release, June 9, 2014, WILLIAMS LAKE—To draw attention to the dangers of introducing or spreading invasive species in British Columbia, the BC government has officially declared June 9-15, 2014 as Invasive Species Week across the province.
MFLNRO News Release, May 9, 2014: VICTORIA – The provincial government is providing over $1.6 million in new grants to control the spread of invasive plants, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson announced today.
ISCBC News Release, April 23, 2014: WILLIAMS LAKE—A provincial program that helps both consumers and industry make wise choices to stop the spread of invasive species is expanding this year. The 2014 PlantWise program, coordinated by the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia, helps both industry and consumers understand which plants are invasive, supporting the horticulture industry’s transition to becoming invasive-free, and building consumer demand for non-invasive plants.
April 3, 2014: The Invasive Species Council of BC commends the Burnaby garden centre which recently went public about its troubles with an infestation of European fire ants. GardenWorks talked to local media to highlight why it’s so important for gardeners and the horticultural industry to be aware of the dangers of invasive species to our province.
ISCBC News Release Mar. 24, 2014: WILLIAMS LAKE—Detection, team work and new provincial regulations successfully worked together to prevent a mussel infested boat from entering BC last week.
ISCBC News Release, June 3, 2013: WILLIAMS LAKE—Invasive species week is here! On June 10th – 17th, show your commitment to BC’s natural areas by getting involved.
ISCBC News Release, Feb. 12, 2013: WILLIAMS LAKE—The introduction and spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) could not only cost BC residents millions of dollars, but the variety of impacts that AIS will have on the ecosystem could be devastating.
ISCBC News Release, May 18, 2012: WILLIAMS LAKE—The aggressive snakehead fish has been reported in Burnaby’s Central Park lagoon. The impressive and highly toxic Giant hogweed is found in many public areas in the Lower Mainland. What two things do these have in common? Both are invasive and not native to BC, and are intentionally transported and introduced by people.
ISCBC News Release, Feb. 29, 2012: WILLIAMS LAKE—Seedy Saturdays are happening all over British Columbia, giving keen gardeners and growers a chance to share ideas, advice, plants, and seeds. At these events you can find some rare heritage crop varieties. You can also find ornamental plants or plants with reported medicinal value.
IPCBC News Release, Jan. 24, 2012: WILLIAMS LAKE—Announcing the new “Invasive Species Council of British Columbia” — to be unveiled during the highly anticipated “Shutting Out Invaders” Forum, January 24-26th.
IPCBC News Release, June 30, 2011: WILLIAMS LAKE—Through a partnership between the Williams Lake Indian Band, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), formerly known as Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), and the Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia, a new provincial Aboriginal Toolkit is now released to assist Aboriginal communities across BC reduce the impact of invasive plants on traditional, reserve, and adjacent lands.
IPCBC News Release, May 9, 2011: WILLIAMS LAKE—Non-native aquatic plants, popular in the new and trendy water gardens, are escaping into natural environments and posing a serious threat to the health of Canada’s aquatic ecosystems. The National Invasive Species Working Group (NISWG) believes Canadians need to be aware of the risks posed by these plants becoming invasive in wetlands and waterways.
IPCBC News Release, April 4, 2011: WILLIAMS LAKE—The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), and Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia (IPCBC) have partnered on the development and release of an innovative BC Invasive Plant Core Ranking Process that will help land managers make effective invasive plant management decisions.
IPCBC News Release, Jan. 21, 2011: WILLIAMS LAKE—The “Invasion of the Aliens!” public forum, hosted by the Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia January 18-19, 2011, marked the transition of the Council toward invasive species and generated buzz on new initiatives raising public awareness in BC.
IPCBC News Release, Jan. 14, 2011: WILLIAMS LAKE—To address invasive species threatening BC, the Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia will host a highly anticipated public forum, “Invasion of the Aliens!” January 18-19th, 2011.
IPCBC News Release, May 14, 2010: WILLIAMS LAKE—With the approach of International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22nd, the time is right to start focusing on the early detection of invasive alien species—the second biggest threat to biodiversity worldwide. Most notably, the spreading Invasive ornamental plant, Giant hogweed, causes long-lasting skin damage.
IPCBC News Release, April 19, 2010: WILLIAMS LAKE—The Board of Directors for the Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia (IPCBC) appoints Kristy Palmantier as the newly elected Chair for the 2010-12 term.
IPCBC News Release, Mar. 5, 2010: WILLIAMS LAKE—Are you looking for job opportunities? Out-of-work resource workers in communities across BC can develop new, valuable skills with a seven-day Invasive Plant Training Program starting this April.
IPCBC News Release, Feb. 15, 2010: WILLIAMS LAKE—N.A.T.S. Nursery and GardenWorks were two Lower Mainland businesses to receive special recognition awards during the Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia’s (IPCBC) Annual Public Forum, “Unique Habitats, Unique Challenges,” held at the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond, January 19th to 20th, 2010.
IPCBC News Release, Jan. 13, 2010: WILLIAMS LAKE—The Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia will host a highly anticipated “Unique Habitats, Unique Challenges” forum in Richmond, January 19th to 20th to address issue of invasive plants in British Columbia.
IPCBC News Release, Oct. 2, 2009: WILLIAMS LAKE—Displaced resource workers in Duncan and communities across BC developed new, valuable skills during an innovative Invasive Plant Training Program offered recently by the Invasive Plant Council of BC in collaboration with regional invasive plant committees.
IPCBC News Release, Sept. 30, 2009: WILLIAMS LAKE—Hot Spots ‘Action Now!’ crews are creating short-term jobs for more than 100 unemployed resource workers in communities across BC.
IPCBC News Release, July 8, 2009: WILLIAMS LAKE—Are you looking for job opportunities? Out-of-work resource workers in communities across BC can develop new, valuable skills with a free seven-day Invasive Plant Training Program that begins this July.
IPCBC News Release, May 11, 2009: WILLIAMS LAKE—It’s never been easier to report invasive plants. The Invasive Plant Council of BC is pleased to announce the establishment of a provincial toll free hotline, 1-888-WEEDSBC, to which callers can report invasive plants and make a difference in their community.
IPCBC News Release, May 7, 2009: WILLIAMS LAKE—Invasive alien species is the international focus for May 22, UN International Day for Biological Diversity. In Canada, invasive species councils, committees, and coalitions from recently formed a National Invasive Species Working Group to work together to reduce the impact of invasive species across the country.
IPCBC News Release, Feb. 6, 2009: WILLIAMS LAKE—To address the growing issue of invasive plants, more than 125 experts as well as a diversity of high caliber speakers in the field of invasive plant management attended the Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia’s (IPCBC) Annual Public Forum and AGM, “Stop the Spread,” held at the Delta Airport Hotel in Richmond, January 20 to 21st.
IPCBC News Release, Feb. 2, 2009: WILLIAMS LAKE—Signing a memorandum of support between British Columbia, Alberta, and Australia on January 19th, 2009 renewed the commitment among invasive plant and species councils from across Canada and beyond to build future collaborations and strategies that improve invasive plant management beyond borders.
IPCBC News Release, Jan. 15, 2009: WILLIAMS LAKE—The Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia will host an informative “Stop the Spread” forum in Richmond, January 20 to 21, 2009, to address growing issue of invasive plants in British Columbia.
IPCBC News Release, Nov. 7th, 2008: WILLIAMS LAKE—More than 100 participants enjoyed a successful international research forum Oct. 29th-30th at the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond, where discussions on the growing issue of invasive plants on fragile ecosystems in British Columbia helped to identify both current research projects and future priorities for invasive plant management.
IPCBC News Release, Oct. 23, 2008: WILLIAMS LAKE—The Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia (IPCBC), a grassroots, non-profit society working collaboratively to build cooperation and coordination of invasive plant management in British Columbia, is hosting an international research forum on Oct. 29th – 30th at the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond.
IPCBC News Release, July 28, 2008: WILLIAMS LAKE—More than 45 enthusiastic participants joined the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Invasive Plant Committee (CCCIPC) on July 24th for an engaging field tour and Annual General Meeting (AGM) to address the threat of invasive plants in the south Cariboo.
IPCBC News Release, June 13, 2008: WILLIAMS LAKE— A field tour of the East Kootenay region on June 10th showcased successes of local invasive plant management projects, with more than 35 participants representing the Invasive Plant Council of BC; local, provincial, and federal government; industry (ranching, agriculture, forestry); regional weed committees; biologists; and naturalists.
IPCBC News Release, Feb. 18, 2008: WILLIAMS LAKE—Preventing the Invasion, the Invasive Plant Council of BC’s (IPCBC) 4th Annual Forum and Annual General Meeting (AGM), was held in Richmond, BC from January 22 to 23, 2008.
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Clean Drain Dry your boat and equipment to protect BC waters from aquatic hitchhikers. Check out this helpful VIDEO on how you can take action to help protect BC from invasive mussels like zebra and quagga mussels. 
