Kootenay Nature for Neighbourhoods Program

Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society Photo

DESCRIPTION: This project mobilizes community action to address the spread of invasive plants on private lands across the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK). Invasive species are a major threat to ecosystem health, with the International Union for Conservation of Nature identifying them as one of the greatest global risks to biodiversity. The project focuses on private landowner action through education, support, and cost incentives. Community pulling events and public engagement via the CrowdSorsa app will continue on public lands through the Columbia Basin Trust Wildfire Resiliency Program. Each target species poses unique ecological threats: Common tansy forms dense stands, outcompetes native vegetation, and is toxic to livestock; Spotted knapweed displaces native grasses, increases soil erosion, and alters soil chemistry; and Scotch broom fixes nitrogen, shades out understory plants, is highly flammable, and threatens species at risk, appearing on the 2023 Provincial Public Land “Top 25” Invasive Plant Species List.

These species’ prevalence on private lands makes them ideal targets for community-led removal, reducing seed sources and slowing spread into sensitive areas. Prevention and early intervention are cost-effective; every dollar invested in early control can save an estimated $50 in future damage. By engaging landowners and volunteers, CKISS builds environmental literacy, fosters stewardship, and expands the capacity to manage invasive plants beyond agency limits. Equipping residents with knowledge, tools, and opportunities to participate allows the community to collectively reduce ecological and economic impacts, supporting healthy, resilient ecosystems across the RDCK.

OBJECTIVE: By lowering barriers, building local capacity, and fostering collaboration between residents, CKISS, and community partners, the project aims to create healthier, more biodiverse, and resilient neighbourhood landscapes.

Specific project objectives are to:

1) Empower landowners with the knowledge, skills, and tools to identify, manage, and prevent the spread of invasive plants through accessible training, community science, and hands-on learning opportunities;

2) Foster neighbourhood-based stewardship and social connection by engaging residents in collaborative restoration efforts that promote hope, community pride, and long-term care for local ecosystems; and

3) Reduce invasive plant cover on private lands to mitigate the spread across landscape, lower fire risk, restore habitat quality, support biodiversity, and strengthen ecosystem resilience across the Central Kootenays.