In 2009, Jennifer joined the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee (CKIPC) team as an Operations Technician and has recently been promoted to Executive Director where she works with private landowners, industry partners, stewardship groups, all levels of government, and many others to prevent and manage the spread of invasive species.
Established as a non-profit society in 2005 by a group of residents and company/agency representatives, CKIPC aims to promote collaborative approaches to invasive plant prevention and management. CKIPC is supported its membership and partners, and guided by a dedicated Board of Directors. Since its establishment, CKIPC has expanded its programs to include education and outreach, on-the-ground operations and aquatic invasive species.
In 2015, Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee will be moving forward with a variety of exciting projects including but not limited to;
• Development of an American Bullfrog Surveillance Framework in collaboration with stakeholders and partners;
• Expansion of the Zebra and Quagga Mussel monitoring program;
• Development of a 5 Year Educational Framework for the Columbia Basin;
• Implementation of the 5 Year Columbia Basin Aquatic Invasive Species Framework;
• Collaboration with Thompson Rivers University and Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area on a Yellow Flag Iris Management research project; and
• Invasive Species Month Celebrations (June).
2015 is the 10th Anniversary of the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee. As such, we have a variety of volunteer opportunities and events taking place during Invasive Species month in June. To find out more about CKIPC or to get involved visit www.ckipc.ca.
