What We Do

Orange hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum) is legally classified as a noxious weed in parts of BC. This hardy invasive weed spreads easily, helped by human activity and crowds out native plants.

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I. Scott

The Invasive Species Council of BC works together with concerned stakeholders to reduce the spread and impact of invasive species in BC.

We spearhead behaviour change in communities, organizations, governments and industry. Working in partnership we succeed in our mission by:

1. Organizing and uniting efforts

We know our goal of minimizing the spread and impact of invasive species is an ambitious one. To help us succeed, we’re a membership-based organization that goes out of its way to engage with our partners, funders, industry stakeholders and our diverse and representative Board of Directors.

2. Educating and informing

We take every opportunity we can to communicate the benefits of stopping the spread of invasive species to people and organizations across BC. We develop a variety of resources and programs such as PlantWise and Clean Drain Dry to support our goals.

3. RESEARCHING

By helping coordinate research and sharing findings through conferences, forums and live webinars, we’re helping key stakeholders stay up-to-date on the latest information.

4. TRAINING

We offer learning opportunities and training programs through a variety of formats on a broad range of topics related to invasive species prevention and management. We’re helping grow the knowledge of concerned individuals, public and private organizations.

KEY DOCUMENTS

REPORT & TOOLKITS

Business plan (2017-2021)

Our five-year strategic roadmap.

REPORT & TOOLKITS

Annual Report

Our accomplishments and results from the past year.

REPORT & TOOLKITS

Invasive Species Strategy for BC

A strategic roadmap 2018-2022

Key Priorities for 2022

ISCBC’s 2017-2021 Business Plan identifies two key directions that guide our work. All of our Council programs and initiatives support one or both of these key directions. An updated Business Plan is in process.

Engage more people across BC in activities that will protect our landscapes and communities.

Key Direction 1: Confirmed 2022 Actions

The following actions have been confirmed as 2022 priorities and actions are underway:

  1. Coordinate a provincial forum, Invasive Species Action Month and webinars to share information.
  2. Deliver the Invasive-Wise Tourism Program with 40 new tourism partners with a focus on marinas and wilderness tourism operations.
  3. Deliver a province-wide community science program that engages rural, urban, ethnic and cultural audiences as well as Indigenous communities and youth across the province in identification, action, education, and reporting.
  4. Strengthen existing Changing Behaviour programs, including Clean Drain Dry, Buy Local, Burn Local, and Play Clean Go. Update and grow key programs including: PlantWise to update the industry recognition program; Don’t Let It Loose to grow and expand upon resources and outreach to industry; Squeal on Pigs to develop a provincial campaign and resources. Provide resource kits to Affiliates and support partner access to resources.
  5. Maintain and support a provincial invasive species hotline, online reporting tools and website for reporting.
  6. Identify, update and expand technical and informational resources for all invasive species regulated within BC, as well as other species as identified, and ensure the resources available on our website.
  7. Maintain support for existing Indigenous partners and increase invasive species outreach, training and management to at least ten additional Indigenous organizations.
  8. Support and develop key educational resources for Invasive-Wise Education and expand outreach to schools, youth and Indigenous communities across BC. 
  9. Expand the growth of both the Indigenous and Local Government Networks and plan for delivery of 2022 Indigenous workshop and local government workshop.
  10. Complete development of a mobile invasive species educational trailer for use in communities across BC.

Key Direction 1: Wishlist of Actions for 2022

  1. Determine our role regarding high-risk pathogens (e.g., White-nose syndrome) and explore opportunities to raise awareness of research underway and extension of information to audiences. 
  2. Complete sampling for Zebra and Quagga mussels in BC’s high-risk lakes.
  3. Expand and adapt our website to ensure that detailed information and targeted resources on each invasive species are easily accessible and searchable.
  4. Develop target resources for marine environments and key invasive species issues and practices. Broaden the Invasive-Wise Tourism program to additional facilities such as recreation sites, campgrounds and other venues.

Build the skills of people across BC through applied programming, best practices and learning opportunities.

key direction 2: CONFIRMED 2022 ACTIONS

The following actions have been confirmed as 2022 priorities and actions are underway:

  1. Co-develop and provide targeted training programs to a minimum of ten Indigenous and Métis organizations and communities to build capacity and support invasive species management. 
  2. Expand, deliver and accredit new and existing online and in-person invasive species training programs by responding to requests, building demand and supporting the needs of individuals, industry and land managers across BC.
  3. Develop an eLearning course for European green crab.
  4. Expand our Learning Centre resources to profile and support partners through online training, webinars, social media and digital media.
  5. Support and maintain reporting tools and resources for partners such as online training, phone apps (ReportInvasives and iNaturalist), digital information, etc.
  6. Connect researchers and practitioners through our Research Hub to facilitate knowledge transfer, communicate shared needs and dialogue on key issues.
  7. Complete delivery of the StrongerBC employment and training program to strengthen the invasive species workforce across BC and deliver important invasive species monitoring and management activities.
  8. Deliver invasive species monitoring and management in provincial public gravel pits across BC.
  9. Support partners through facilitation, outreach and resource development for the provincial eradication of Japanese beetle and Asian giant hornet.

KEY DIRECTION 2: WISHLIST OF ACTIONS FOR 2022

  1. Collaborate with partners and key sectors on identification of impacts and strategies to prevent the spread of invasive species in the face of climate change.
  2. For non-EDRR (Early Detection and Rapid Response) species, identify and respond to new emerging issues.
  3. Share and support research and information on high-risk pathogens, such as White-nose syndrome.
  4. Coordinate a transfer station for green waste in Vancouver, in collaboration with the Japanese Beetle Eradication program.
  5. Coordinate and deliver monitoring and reporting program for European green crab.
  6. Share successes of the 2018-2022 Invasive Species Strategy for BC.
  7. Provide Secretariat support for the building of a new Invasive Species Strategy for BC and promote broadly and partner with government to measure progress against it.
  8. Work in collaboration with local government partners to support targeted outreach and promotion of online resources and the development of new tools as identified by the network.
  9. Support partners through facilitation, outreach and resource development on key invasive species issues as they arise.

Ensure strong fiscal practices, partnerships and inclusivity to support successful delivery on our mission.

Key Direction 3: Confirmed 2022 Actions

  1. Deliver the annual family campaign in conjunction with Giving Tuesday to board and staff.
  2. Implement a comprehensive 2022 Fund Development Plan with a continued increase in non-government funding.
  3. Support annual professional development goals and opportunities for board and staff.
  4. Implement formal employee reviews and quarterly employee satisfaction metrics.
  5. Host 3-4 Board Meetings and 2-3 meetings of each Board Committee. Implement Board orientation process and Directors Handbook. Monitor board satisfaction and proactively work to solicit new board members while ensuring strong and effective policies and governance. Review Business Resiliency Policy and Plan.
  6. Ensure the delivery of the Terms and Conditions of Employment and Occupational Health and Safety Plan for the Council.
  7. Grow and support the Council’s partner networks to include new non-traditional partners.