British Columbia has proclaimed May as Invasive Species Action Month (read the official news release) to help raise awareness of the environmental and economic damage that invasive plants and animals can cause if they become established in the province. While the NWIPC is one of the dozen or so Regional Weed Committees in the Province tasked with invasive plant management and on-the-ground treatment within our area, the Invasive Species Council of B.C. is the Provincial program that assists with invasive species program co-ordination and communications, develops best management practices in collaboration with local agencies, and helps increase public awareness and reporting of invasive species throughout the province.
During Invasive Species Action Month, the Invasive Species Council of B.C. is supporting a series of outdoor activities, a photo contest and educational events throughout B.C. to raise public awareness of invasive species. More information and a list of upcoming activities is available at: www.bcinvasivesmonth.com
Each week, the Invasive Species Council of B.C. will also highlight ways that British Columbians can take action against invasive species:
* Week 1: Don't Let It Loose! focuses on risks associated with releasing unwanted pets and aquarium plants into the wild: http://bcinvasives.ca/resources/programs/dont-let-itloose/
* Week 2: PlantWise helps gardeners and people involved in the agriculture, ranching and horticulture industries learn how to prevent the spread of invasive plants in B.C.: http://bcinvasives.ca/resources/programs/plant-wise
* Week 3: A focus on outdoor recreation will remind campers and other outdoor enthusiasts to use locally sourced firewood :http://bcinvasives.ca/resources/programs/buy-it-where-you-burn-it and follow Play Clean Go guidelines to remove debris from sports equipment to prevent the spread of invasive species: http://bcinvasives.ca/resources/programs/play-clean-go
* Week 4: The Clean Drain Dry program helps educate boaters about invasive species such as zebra mussels, quagga mussels and invasive aquatic plants: http://bcinvasives.ca/resources/programs/clean-drain-dry
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