Invasive Species Council of British Columbia

Join us in developing the 2023-2027 Invasive Species Strategy for BC!

Help shape the 2023-2027 Invasive Species Strategy for BC by sharing your unique insights through the mechanisms outlined below.

We want to hear your insights as to how the next Invasive Species Strategy for BC should be shaped. There are many ways you can participate, and we are inviting you to share your thoughts through one or more of the following options:

  1. Detailed long-form survey intended for governments, non-government organizations, and businesses concerned with invasive species
  2. General short-form survey for individuals concerned with invasive species issues wanting to provide additional context
  3. Three Virtual Workshops
  4. One In-person session post Invasives 2023 forum in New Westminster
  5. Email us your ideas for shaping the next Invasive Species Strategy for BC

British Columbia’s diverse ecosystems create a multitude of environments for invasive species. The establishment and spread of invasive species in BC have been a growing concern due to their impact on the environment, society, and economy. A call for improved coordination in 2002 led to the first Invasive Plant Strategy for BC. This Strategy identified shared priorities and recommendations to guide the work of governments, non-government organizations, and businesses. In 2012, this was updated and expanded to an Invasive Species Strategy for BC with a second strategy published in 2018. Work is now underway to build the next Invasive Species Strategy for BC 2023-2027.  

Do you represent a government, non-government organization, or business concerned with invasive species issues?
Please share your insights by completing this survey. This survey will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
Survey deadline: March 3rd

Are you concerned with invasive species issues?
Please answer the questions below to help us understand your interests.
Survey deadline: March 3rd  

Workshops

A series of themed, facilitated workshops will explore key challenges in invasive species management. The workshop series will seek input and recommendations to address these challenges and help guide development of the new provincial strategy. These workshops are designed to be interactive and foster discussion. We ask that you come prepared to offer opinions, feedback and recommendations on matters such as regulatory tools, finances, and collaborations. Workshops are open to all people in British Columbia. Space is limited, so we are asking one person per organization to register. Please register for sessions of interest. 

Date: February 16, 2023

Time: 10AM – 12PM PT

Presenter 1: Dr Tom Therriault, Research Scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Presenter 2: Bruno Gallant, Senior Legislative Officer in the Invasive Alien Species and Domestic Plant Health Programs of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency 

As we continue to increase trade, develop natural spaces, recreate across ecosystems, and expand operations of natural resource industries, we generate an increasing number of pathways and vectors that can lead to the introduction and spread of invasive species. There is a precedented need to increase our understanding of the risks associated with specific pathways and vectors, to guide prioritization and ensure prevention followed by tailored monitoring, outreach, and management are strategically addressing these risks. As a critical first line of defense in invasive species management, prevention is key to stopping the spread of invasive species.

Register for this workshop via Zoom here

Date: February 22, 2023

Time: 10AM – 12PM PT

Presenter: Dr Dominique Sigg, Senior Policy Analyst with the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Invasive species are among the top five drivers of biodiversity loss worldwide, yet there are considerable knowledge gaps regarding the nature, extent, and severity of their impacts. Biodiversity is particularly important for the resilience of ecosystem functions, and as species populations decline or become extinct, ecosystem resiliency suffers. Further exacerbating this decline is the effect of climate change and the increase of    extreme weather events. Incorporating adaptive strategies for dealing with the  anticipated threats of climate change to restore biodiversity is vital for the development of focused research, education, and management strategies that help maintain the resilience of BC’s ecosystems.

Register for this workshop via Zoom here

Date: March 23, 2023

Time:  10AM – 12PM 

Presenter 1: David Walkem, Cooks Ferry Band and President of Stuwix Resources Joint Venture
Presenter 2:
Brian Holmes, Councillor with the Upper Nicola Band 

Invasive species are a major threat to the health and resilience of BC’s ecosystems and the Indigenous communities that rely on them. Stewardship of the land has been a way of life for Indigenous communities across BC for millennia however, traditional invasive species management has not always recognized Indigenous knowledge and leadership. Moving forward, from planning to operations, integrating Indigenous leadership and knowledge into Western science will be key to protecting our lands and waters from the negative impacts of invasive species.  

Register for this workshop via zoom here

March 2, 2023 

Time: 8:30AM – 12PM PT 

Following ISCBC’s Invasives 2023 Annual Forum, we will be hosting an in-person session at the Inn at the Quay in New Westminster. This session will begin with an update from ISCBC staff about the strategy development process and share key outcomes from the first two workshops, in addition to preliminary survey responses. Following the update, there will be ample opportunities to ask questions, provide feedback and participate in facilitated discussions. While we would like to open this workshop to all forum attendees, we are asking that organizations only select one of their members to participate, as space may be limited. Please stay tuned for the workshop agenda.

Register for this session here

For questions or comments, please contact:

Nicholas Wong PhD, RPBio
Manager, Science and Research
(604) 716-7544
nwong@bcinvasives.ca

We wish to acknowledge, with appreciation, the support of the Province of BC and the advisors guiding the development of this strategy.

Martina Beck, BC Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship, Nicci Bergunder, Matcon Civil Constructors Inc., Crystal Chadburn, BC Ministry of Forests, Mike Dedels, Grasslands Conservation Council of BC, David Ensing, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Grahame Gielens, BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Daris Gillis, Peace River Regional District, Clare Greenberg, Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council, Val Miller, BC Ministry of Forests.