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ISCBC teams take action on invasive species
Every year since 2015, the B.C. government has proclaimed May “Invasive Species Action Month.” The month also coincides with the start of field season for Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) Action Teams, now on the ground in nine B.C. communities.
They’re doing field work managing and removing invasive species around Cranbrook, Nelson, Campbell River, Nanaimo, Surrey, Abbotsford, Kamloops, Salmon Arm and Quesnel. This work is about protecting biodiversity, helping our natural spaces return to their healthiest, most resilient states.
Action Teams start with a list of sites of concern where invasive species have created an imbalance in the local eco-system, threatening the health and well-being of native species, and leaving areas vulnerable to climate change events including fires, floods, and biodiversity loss.
Our inaugural Stronger BC field season in 2021 was incredible. Fourteen Action Teams visited and treated 775 sites across B.C.
ISCBC Executive Director Gail Wallin said this important work is made possible in large part thanks to funding from the BC Economic Recovery Plan, Stronger BC. “Our goal with this $8 million investment from the province is to hire 200 people to help tackle invasive species. This skills development program helps transition people into rewarding careers working for the environment. Crews learn all about invasive species identification and management and they develop important field skills. So far, as part of this program we have hired and trained 176 people to make a positive difference in B.C.’s natural spaces.”
Across B.C., Canada and the world, invasive species pose the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss. This program gives people looking for work in this province skills in invasive species management, setting them up for success in the environmental protection field. We look forward to seeing the Action Teams’ progress this season!
The Invasive Species Council of BC 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 B.C.. 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.
For more information visit bcinvasives.ca.
Invasive Species Council of BC image
Invasive Species Council of BC
