Invaders are choking out the natural beauty of a Coldstream wetland.
The invasive yellow flag iris is taking over in the Kalavista Lagoon and the nearby drainage channel.
“The problem is it grows really fast,” said Coun. Gyula Kiss. “Cat tails is one of the native species and it is choked out and cat tails are used by many species of birds.”
But the Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society (OASISS) will be tackling the species at the lagoon in 2017 – one of three Okanagan locations identified.
“We will work with neighbouring property owners and community volunteers to remove the invasive yellow flag iris and replace with native plants,” said Lisa Scott, program manager, in a letter to Coldstream. “The site will be monitored in 2018, with any regenerated iris removed and native plants that did not survive will be replanted.”
Coldstream staff will assist the efforts.
