For immediate release
Aquatic Invasive Species Education Continues in BC for Paddlers, Anglers, Boaters, and Marinas
February 25, 2020: The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) has completed two field seasons of reaching out to communities and their surrounding areas to increase awareness for the prevention and management of aquatic invasive species in BC. It is estimated that the introduction of just two aquatic invasive species, zebra and quagga mussels, would alone cost B.C. $43 million per year in damages to infrastructure and recreation. As these invasive species can drastically increase economic costs as well as impact social and environment values, it is important that all British Columbians take action to limit the establishment and spread of aquatic invasive species in B.C.
ISCBC is excited to announce the addition of 27 new partners across BC in 2019 that are committed to preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species. Throughout two years of ongoing work to promote and extend the new Clean Drain Dry (CDD) pilot program, more than 60 partners have joined the initiative to erect signage, extend resources and provide feedback into program development and delivery. New for 2020, will be a comprehensive digital and media campaign for both social media and network television. This campaign will be designed to encourage all water enthusiasts to undertake simple actions to Clean, Drain Dry all watercraft and gear to support BC’s freshwater sustainability.
BC’s Clean Drain Dry Year Two Pilot Program partners include:
- BC Parks
- Christina Lake Stewardship Society
- City of Campbell River
- City of Prince George
- Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
- Heffley Lake Community Association
- Hollyburn Sailing Club
- Jimsmith Lake Community Association
- Lac Le Jeune Conservation Association
- Ladysmith Maritime Society
- Lake Errock Community Association
- Lakelse Watershed Stewards Society
- Lazy Lake Environmental Association
- McGrath Contracting Ltd.
- Metro Vancouver
- Metro Vancouver Regional District
- Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
- Municipality of North Cowichan
- Nature Trust BC
- Parks Canada
- Rosen Lake Ratepayers Association
- Shawnigan Basin Society
- Sproat Lake Community Association
- Wasa Lake Land Improvement District
As British Columbian’s look forward to a new season of boating and water-based recreation, it’s an opportunity to ensure that everyone does their part to keep B.C.’s freshwater resources free of aquatic invasive species by doing three simple actions:
Clean plants, animals and mud from your boat and gear
Drain all water from your boat and gear onto land
Dry all parts of your boat and gear completely
By taking a few minutes to Clean Drain Dry boats and gear today, recreationalists can help guarantee enjoyment of BC’s waters for future generations of paddleboarders, canoeists and kayakers.
For more information on how to become a Clean Drain Dry BC Pilot partner, click here and watch for Clean Drain Dry resources and information at waterways near you.
The Clean Drain Dry pilot initiative is lead through the Invasive Species Council of BC with funding by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and under contract to the Canadian Council on Invasive Species.
Learn more about provincial regulations and programs concerning invasive species, or to commit to the Clean Drain Dry program, visit CleanDrainDry.ca.
About the Clean Drain Dry program in BC:
The Canadian Council on Invasive Species is pleased to work in partnership with the Invasive Species Council of BC and with funding from Fisheries and Oceans Canada in launching the Clean Drain Dry program in BC, as the foundation for a national program. The project aims to encourage boaters and aquatic recreationists, who play a critical role in protecting local watersheds from invasive species, to Clean, Drain, and Dry all boats and equipment. Over a three-year pilot term, resources, signage and a social and digital media campaign will be designed to shift the behaviour of boaters and aquatic recreationists to encourage the practice of Clean, Drain and Dry.
About the Invasive Species of BC:
ISCBC is dedicated to keeping our landscapes and communities free of invasive species. It provides a coordinated, province-wide approach to reducing the impact of invasive species in BC. The ISCBC unites efforts across the province and collaborates with a variety of partners to develop unique solutions for the wide variety of ecosystems across BC.
About the Canadian Council on Invasive Species:
The Canadian Council on Invasive Species works collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries to support actions and information that can help reduce the threat and impacts of invasive species. Invasive species councils, committees, and coalitions representing provinces and territories across Canada established this federal society to work together to reduce the impact of invasive species across the country.
For media information, please contact:
Gail Wallin
Executive Director, Invasive Species Council of BC
gwallin@bcinvasives.ca
250-305-9161
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