August e-Newsletter

Upcoming events | Buy a hat to support EKISC | What all potential home buyers should know about invasive plants | Photo Contest

Home Invasion: Japanese Knotweed

While volunteer groups are out pulling Purple Loosestrife and EKISC is out selectively spraying Orange Hawkweed, there’s something else lingering on everyone’s mind: Knotweed. Ask anyone who has experience trying to tackle this plant, it’s a nightmare. Such a nightmare for homeowners in UK that they are being denied house insurance and seeing the value of their home plummet due to this highly invasive plant.

 

What’s the problem?

Knotweeds are among the top 10 invasive species for control in B.C. and one of the 100 worst around the globe, as identified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Knotweed was first introduced to North America in the 1800’s and was sold in nurseries as an ornamental. Knotweed species have a strong root system and can spread up to 20 meters laterally and to a depth of 3 meters; they have the ability to grow through concrete and asphalt, threatening home foundations and roadways. It is also known to change river flows and interrupt spawning beds.

 

The compounding problem: control. “These plants are incredibly tough and persistent,” says Jessie Paloposki, Education and Communications Manager for the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council (EKISC), “People are always blown away by the almost superpower-like characteristics of these plants. Plant fragments as small as .07 of a gram can take hold and form new plant colonies;” says Jessie. 

 

To make matters even more complicated, the real estate market here in Canada is following the footsteps of our neighbours in the UK. Homeowners who have Knotweed on their property, and are thinking of selling, should tackle any knotweed problem before marketing their home. David Hollingworth, associate director at broker London & Country Mortgages in the UK says, “Often the mere mention of Knotweed sees buyers run screaming for the hills. By being proactive, sellers can improve the chances of a sale and soothe nervous buyers.”

 

What is being done?

EKISC maintains a list of knotweed locations, prioritizes treatment locations based on environmental sensitivity, organizes chemical treatment through a certified pesticide applicator and landowner contact where required, arranges for plant disposal and ensures all data is entered into the Provincial Invasive Alien Plant Program database. A total of 9 known sites are currently being treated.

It is strongly recommended that Knotweeds are treated with systemic herbicides to ensure that the roots are killed. Treating a Knotweed infestation can take several years, with treatments in spring and/or fall of each treatment year until the plant no longer sprouts from the roots. To learn more about knotweed treatment and local professional services, please contact EKISC.

 

Environmental protection laws and exemptions

The BC Weed Control Act specifically requires property owners to ensure that certain listed species, including Knotweed, are not growing on their property or are controlled from spreading from their property. “If you’ve got this plant in your neighbourhood, contact EKISC to report it and take we can advise you on how best to manage it.” The RDEK also has a Neighbourhood Invasive Plant Program (NIPP) that provides homeowners with funding to manage invasive plants. Often management includes the use of herbicide. “Some cities in the RDEK have enacted by-laws banning the use of cosmetic pesticides; what many people don’t know is that plants, such as Knotweed, that are designated as noxious weeds under the provincial Weed Control Act are exempt from these by-laws” says Jessie.  

Quick ID

Hollow bamboo-like stems with elongated spots

Creamy white flowers in clusters from leaf joints

heart or triangle-shaped leaves are lighter green on underside

Grows rapidly and forms dense thickets

Learn More

EKISC has resources and workshops available for home owners, real estate agents, and land developers. They can help with:

  • Recommendations and tools available to developers and real estate professionals regarding invasive species on private lands;
  • Local government jurisdiction and enabling legislation for local invasive species control programs;
  • Determining responsibility and management of private property impacted by invasive species, and
  • Key resources and reporting tools available on invasive species in BC.

 

More Information:

East Kootenay Invasive Species Council www.ekisc.com

EKISC Education and Communication Contact: Jessie Paloposki: jessie@ekisc.com

Invasive Species Toolkit for Local Government: Information for Local Government, Developers and Real Estate Professionals: http://bcinvasives.ca/documents/Govt_Toolkit_Final_WEB_09_10_2014.pdf

Aquatic Update

This summer, the EKISC field crew along with a FLNRO fisheries technician, have been out on 8 lakes in our region, collecting water samples to be tested for the presence of invasive mussel veligers (larvae). These monthly samples are used as an early detection aid for high-risk waterbodies in the East Kootenays, with 29 samples having been collected so far. 

 

We're loving our new hats! 

Want one? Check us out at any of our upcoming events and grab one for $20.

 
Find an Event, Buy a Hat!

Pull and Paddle! 

On July 25, the EKISC crew, joined by The Nature Trust, MNFLRO and three amazing volunteers, hopped in their canoes and headed into Bummer's Flats to manually remove purple loosestrife. The sunny, calm day encouraged the paddlers through the bulrushes and cattails, to spot then dig out (removing as much root as possible) the invasive riparian plant that has been managed at this site by EKISC and its partners since 2015. The BBQ lunch was well-deserved; at the end of the day close to 1,000 lbs. of purple loosestrife had been bagged! A big thank you to the team that joined in on the fun and important work of eradicating purple loosestrife from this special ecosystem. 

Volunteer!

EKISC is excited to announce our 2018 Photo Contest!

Beauty is often in the eye of the beholder. Although still quite photogenic, when invasive species thrive outside of their natural range, they start to interrupt the delicate balance of our environmental, economic, and social structures. Submit your entry now in one of these categories: 

THE GOOD | THE PRETTY | THE BAD | THE UGLY

Member of the Month

Tracy Kaisner

Tracy Kaisner B.Env.Sc. has a passion for the outdoors which she applies to her work with invasive plants. She is the owner of West Fork Resource Management Ltd., which she established in 2013, and is the current EKISC area controller for the Elk Valley.

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Upon settling in Sparwood 12 years ago and working in the local forestry industry, Tracy had the opportunity to explore all corners of the Elk Valley and became inspired to support habitat management and restoration. Her direction into weeds started during her work for Tembec Forest Industries, she has since been involved with invasive plant management at Teck mine operations as well as with local municipalities and landowners. She has been instrumental in coordinating treatment across multiple landowners and jurisdictions in the Elk Valley. Tracy served as a Director on the East Kootenay Invasive Plant Council in 2008-2010.

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Tracy is currently enrolled in the NAISMA Invasive Plant Program Management Training Program in hopes to gain some new insight into managing weeds.

 

In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, biking, cross country skiing, gardening and camping with her 8-year-old daughter and husband of 17 years, who also has an extensive background in weeds. She is a founding member of the Sparwood Farmers Market, and a 2nd year Girl Guide Leader. 

Become a Member

Upcoming Events

AUG 1 - Wetland Weed Pull and Restoration (Sparwood)

AUG 3 - Wild Walk and Talk (Wasa Park)

AUG 4 - Baynes Lake Farmers Market / Native Plant Sale

AUG 5 - Fishing Road Loan Program (Jimsmith Lake)

AUG 7, 8, 9 - Transboundary Weeds, Water and Stewardship Tour

AUG 10 - Sparwood Farmers' Market

AUG 11- Mr. Zebra Mussel (Moyie Park)

AUG 12 - Fernie Mountain Market

AUG 18 - Lake Windermere Summer Splash (James Chabot Park)

AUG 19 - Fishing Road Loan Program (Jimsmith Lake)

AUG 19 - Mr. Zebra Mussel (Kikomun Park)

AUG 21 - Wetland Weed Pull and Restoration (Sparwood)

AUG 22 - Pull n' Tell (Marysville Eco Park)

AUG 23- Eco-Garden Workshop and Plant Sale (Fernie)

AUG 25 - Wasa Pancake Breakfast

 

*Visit our Facebook site or our webpage for details

Are you seeing a lot of weeds this year?

Depending on the location and species there are several options for reporting:

 

Location: Is the weed on private or public/crown land? Private land weed complaints can be directed to the RDEK by completing this form. If it is in a municipality you can also send a report to the appropriate public works staff by contacting your municipal office. 

Weeds on public land such as provincial highways (MOTI) and crown land or forestry roads (MFLNRO) can be reported to EKISC. Although EKISC does not manage the land, we have an agreement with many jurisdictions to prioritize weed treatments based on the level of invasiveness and ability to mitigate the problem. Even if it doesn't get treated this year, it will be added to the work plan for next season. 

 

Species: Consult the 2018 EKISC Priority Plant Species List to see the priority level of each species depending on it's location in the East Kootenay region.

 

Another great reporting tool is on the provincial Report a Weed app and website.

 

We appreciate your eyes on the ground to assist with weed locations across the region!

1902 Theatre Road, Cranbrook, BC, Canada
1-888-55-EKISC

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