HCTF Invasive Mussels Lake Monitoring Grants
The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) has created a new granting program to fund invasive mussel monitoring in British Columbia’s lakes and rivers. This program is made possible by a $450,000 contribution from BC’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
BC Invasive Mussel Defence Program Oct ‘17 Status Report Released
Invasive mussel inspection stations opened on April 1, 2017. As of October 16, over 35,000 watercraft have been inspected and crews have interacted with approximately 73,300 people to promote Clean, Drain, Dry. Read the report for the full status update August 21 - October 16, 2017.
Goldfish threatening native fish species in B.C. Interior
CFJC Today, December 12, 2017; Jill Sperling. KAMLOOPS, BC — The Invasive Species Council of BC is reminding pet owners to be responsible when their animals are no longer wanted. Exotic animals such as Koi carp, the European rabbit, and the American Bullfrog are considered invasive when released into the wild. One species that is especially damaging is goldfish. While they make excellent pets, goldfish threaten native eco-systems when introduced into B.C. lakes.
Richmond asks for help fighting invasive aquatic plant
Vancouver Sun, November 13, 2017; Jennifer Saltman - A letter to the provincial government will likely be the next step in Richmond’s efforts to eradicate an aquatic plant that has invaded a waterway in Steveston and threatens a nearby wetland. The staff recommendation to send the letter requesting that the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations get involved immediately and allocate money to fighting the Brazilian elodea infestation was endorsed by all members of the general purposes committee last week, of which the mayor and all councillors are members.
BC Invasive Mussel Defence Program Status Report Released
BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, September 14, 2017 - BC Invasive Mussel Defence Program Status Report released. Welcome to the first status report for the 2017 season of the BC Invasive Mussel Defence Program for the period of January 1 to August 21, 2017, with some additions for part of August. On March 30, 2017 it was announced that Program operations would be expanding with $3 million in Provincial funding. This funding supports two new inspection stations, expanded inspection hours, and enhancement of the existing lake monitoring program. This brings the total program funding to $4.5 million annually, with existing partner funding from BC Hydro, Columbia Power, Fortis BC, and Columbia Basin Trust.
Return your unwanted or obsolete pesticides and livestock medications
There will be a FREE cleanfarms obsolete pesticide and livestock/equine medication collection program from October 3-19 at 6 ag-retail and municipal locations in the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island regions of the province this fall.
Invasive Japanese beetle spotted in False Creek
CBC News Posted: Aug 17, 2017 11:45 AM PT: Invasive Japanese beetle spotted in False Creek. The highly invasive pest is harmless to people, but known to attack roots, leaves and fruit.
ISCBC’s Gail Wallin answers questions from the public on invasive species live on CBC Radio
CBC Radio, BC Almanac - Friday, Aug 18, 2017: Listen to ISCBC's Executive Director discuss the latest invasive species issues with CBC Radio's BC Almanac show.
It’s summertime, and relocating invasive species is easy
Vancouver Sun, July 3, 2017; Glenda Luymes: It’s summer in B.C. and an army of invading plants and animals is on the move. Hitching a ride on ATV tires, trailing from boat motors and enticing novice gardeners, the invaders’ advance is swift and stealthy. It’s also deadly. “Summer in B.C. is the time for recreation and gardening — and both are key pathways for invasive species,” said Gail Wallin, executive director of the Invasive Species Council of B.C.
Fussee Lake and New Lake closed to sport fishing
BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations; For Immediate Release; July 5, 2017; CRANBROOK – Fussee Lake and New Lake in the East Kootenays have been closed to sport fishing until further notice due to the illegal introduction of invasive fish species, including largemouth bass (Fussee Lake) and yellow perch (New Lake).
