By Carl BR Johnson
A new non-profit organization called the Columbia–Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) is forming with many different members from local groups to address the problem of invasive plant species in the area.
“We are very excited about this new approach to invasive species management in the region” said Joyce de Boer, member of Wildsight Golden who sits on the interim board of directors. “The issue of invasive species affects all of us, whether it be from agricultural costs, decline of fisheries, or impacts to the environment.”
The organization hopes to service the geographic area of the Columbia–Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) with a mandate of learning and information exchange with the public, private landowners, land and aquatic managers and First Nations peoples.
“We have seen how successful regional invasive plant committees can be in the rest of the province” said Catherine Macrae with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.
The formation of CSISS was supported by the CSRD whose board of directors voted in favour of forming a partnership with this organization to deliver their Noxious Weed program.
CSISS is currently looking for an enthusiastic and experienced coordinator for a long-term contract position.
For more information on the CSISS or to get involved, please contact csinvasives@gmail.com.
