AnnuAl RepoRt 2017

Healthy landscapes and communities free of invasive species.

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VisionHealthy landscapes and communities free of invasive species.

MissionTo take action to build healthy landscapes, including habitats and communities, through education and responsible practices to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Message from Chair & executive Director

Gail Wallin Executive Director

Dr. Brian Heise Chair

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank all of the partners, funders and individuals who have worked together with the Invasive Species Council of BC throughout 2017. As invasive species impact us all, it is vital that we cross geographic, jurisdictional, political and personal boundaries in working together to protect BC’s landscapes and communities. In looking back at 2017, there have been many reasons for celebration — we saw new collaborations in field operations, the gathering and sharing of new research and the building of strong, innovative partnerships. We can contend with ongoing and new emerging challenges such as goldfish, knapweeds, knotweeds and Japanese beetle by working together as a unified front. An example of collaborative efforts in British Columbia was the new Invasive Species Strategy for BC (2018-2022), which incorporated input from over 100 agencies, organizations, businesses and individuals from across the province. I’d like to express a special thanks to all of the dedicated individuals who bring passion and expertise to reducing the impacts of invasive species to our lands and waters.

In looking back at 2017, there was no doubt that adapting to change was important for ISCBC. Thanks to new funders and partners, the Council facilitated new initiatives that supported growing involvement within Indigenous communities, developed invasive species entrepreneurs and leading edge training programs for key groups from ranchers to realtors. It is hard to believe that 10 years ago, invasive species was never ‘front page’ news—much has changed. Integrated with strengthening partnerships with regional committees, local governments and indigenous leaders, the Council rolled out new bylaws, memberships system and platforms to enable a stronger foundation for the future. While dealing with emerging issues—from prevention to control—the Council also evacuated over ½ of the staff team, in three different locations, along with the head office. A huge thanks to the entire staff team and the Board who successfully worked through this 2017 state of emergency to ensure that the Council, its staff and volunteers remained safe and productive. Looking forward to a great 2018, complete with deeper and stronger partnerships!

Why We Do What We DoAcross British Columbia, a steadily growing number of citizens are taking action at work and home to create healthier landscapes and communities, and to reduce the negative impacts of invasive species.

The Invasive Species Council of British Columbia (ISCBC) is a key driver of this shift. As a registered charity, we provide province-wide coordination that supports collaboration and engages people in strategies to reduce the impact of invasive species on our landscapes. Conserving the integrity of BC’s ecosystems enhances the health and enjoyment of our communities. With this in mind, we focus our work on addressing the economic, environmental and community-level impacts created by invasive species.

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2 • ISCBC Annual Report 2017

our Goals and outcomesOur Council is guided and measured against two key strategic goals to ensure that we, as a Council, are meeting and making progress towards healthier habitats and communities for all British Columbians.

Inspiring Change through positive Action Providing citizens with practical tools and education makes a big difference in protecting our environment and communities. With the growing awareness of the impacts of invasive species, more and more people want to know how they can make a difference. Whether they are gardeners, hikers, forest companies or recreational boaters, people are willing to take action if they have the tools to do so! The Council has partnered across the province with local and Indigenous communities, youth groups and schools, professionals, industry groups and more to inspire change. In 2017 we accomplished this by:

» We’re supporting youth in taking action in their communities through the Invasive-Wise Youth Challenge. By creating and monitoring invasive-free community spaces through fun and engaging activities, resources and projects, youth are empowered to become stewards of their own community spaces.

» We’re changing behaviours of British Columbians through the expansion of our Clean Drain Dry Program including the development of Aquatic Invasive Species Best Practices for the Boating Industry. We are developing programs for outdoor recreationists with Play Clean Go and our newest program Don’t Move Firewood to close the common pathways that spread invasive species to new areas.

» We’ve offered specialized training for individuals and businesses including ranchers, Indigenous communities, BC Parks, job seekers, teachers and youth groups throughout BC through the delivery of both online and in person sessions. Training also included the pilot of a brand new Invasive Species Business Development Program in the Peace Region to train and develop individuals to meet local employment opportunities.

» ISCBC expanded resources and publications for key audiences to provide tools and best practices to maintain healthy habitats through invasive species prevention, including a Best Practices on Soil Movement & Disposal and an updated Knotweed Factsheet.

» We held three productive and well-attended workshops on Aquatic Invasive Species and Watersheds in Williams Lake, Prince George and Chilliwack. And we partnered with seven schools, four youth groups and multiple community partners to extend and develop resources to them and provide fun and engaging youth programming in the Cariboo Regional District.

» Through collaboration with Realtors, landscape architects and land developers we developed a Land Use & Real Estate Education Program to help them learn how to protect themselves and their clients’ investments from unrecognized impacts of invasive species.

By engaging and supporting citizens to make easy, sustainable changes to their everyday activities, we can stop the spread of invasive species and keep British Columbia beautiful.

“Not only did the program (Jobs Creation Partnership) function well, it did so in what was an incredibly difficult year for all who worked or lived in the interior. My rating is a solid 8, maybe 9!”

– John Greenall, President Kamloops Stockmen’s Association

Posters: Invasive-Wise Youth Challenge and Don’t Move Firewood

Aquatic Invasive Species Best Practices

Moving firewood, to or from a campground or cabin, can spread invasive species and diseases. If this happens, the trees in our forests can be killed, affecting our air and water quality, as well as our economy. Help Protect Our Forests

bcinvasives.ca / 1-888-933-3722

DOn’t MOve FirewOOD

» buy it locally Buy firewood at or near your destination. If you have already moved firewood, use it immediately.

» burn on site Buy only what you’ll need and use it all up by the end of your stay.

» never take it home Do not take it home with you and do not leave excess firewood on site.

bUY it wHere YOU bUrn it

“I promise to protect our land and water by educating my friends and family about

invasive species and their effect on land, lakes, rivers and streams. I am being a

leader by helping to stop the spread of invasive species in my community and in BC.”

Sign your name and make your commitment!

Join the Invasive

Species Action Team

“Partnering with the Invasive Species Council of BC has been a wonderful opportunity for the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops. The Aquatic Invasive Species banners provided by the ISCBC and the RBC Bluewater project provides our guests with great educational information and the educational activities enhance our school programming.”

– Katelyn Bissat, Education & Volunteer Coordinator, BC Wildlife Park Kamloops

CHECK THESE COMMON HIDING SPOTS FOR INVASIVE SPECIES »

FIND OUT MORE »

CHECKLIST OF BEST PRACTICES FOR BOATING INDUSTRY »Do your part to help protect BC’s precious aquatic ecosystems, recreation opportunities and boating industry!

Boating industry staff, volunteers and clients should incorporate best

practices to prevent and control aquatic invasive species into all plans

and operations where boats and/or equipment will be moved from one

body of water to another.

o Take extra care to Clean, Drain, Dry (see diagram above)

o Remember to pull the plug! o Wash the exterior and interior of the boat o Always ask if arriving boats have been inspected by a BC Provincial

Mussel Inspection Team o New boats also need inspecting! Many are tested in a lake or pond

o If a boat has not gone through provincial inspection, determine

if it has come from an area where zebra and quagga mussels are

present (see map below) o If a boat is coming from a high risk region, call the BC provincial

government RAPP hotline: 1-877-952-7277. Note: there is no

charge for decontamination o If you are bringing a boat to B.C. from an infested region, fill out

the Out of Province Watercraft Form and follow instructions

www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/invasive-musselsCLEAN all plant parts, animals and

mud from boat, trailer, and equipment (e.g. boots, waders, fishing gear).DRAIN onto land all items that can

hold water (e.g. buckets, wells, bilge, and ballast).

DRY all items completely before launching into another body of water.

Invasive mussels have NOT yet been detected in several provinces and states

(shown in green).

» Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels www.gov.bc.ca/invasivemussels

» Report-a-Species APP www.gov.bc.ca/invasive-species

» Clean Drain Dry Program www.bcinvasives.ca/commitments/

clean-drain-dry » Any suspected transport, possession or release of invasive mussels

should be reported immediately to the Conservation Officer Services

RAPP HOTLINE 1-877-952-7277

The BC Mussel Defence Program

has watercraft inspection stations

at major entry points along B.C.’s

borders during the boating season.

It is mandatory that anyone

transporting watercraft of ANY type

must stop for inspection.

Invasive mussels attach to hard

surfaces and are easily transportable

by boats and equipment.

Zebra (left) & quagga mussel (right)

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Aquatic Invasive Species

are a Threat to BCBEST PRACTICES FOR MARINAS, MARINE REPAIR SHOPS,

BOAT BROKERS, BOAT HAULERS & BOATERS

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, fish, and

mollusks that negatively impact the environment, economy

and society. AIS are known to easily and rapidly establish and

reproduce, causing widespread impacts and costing millions of

dollars per year in control efforts.

Once an AIS becomes established, it is very difficult and sometimes impossible

to get rid of. Prevention and early detection are critical! Humans are a primary

pathway for the introduction of invasive species — often through recreational

activities such as boating, fishing and gardening. The boating industry is an

essential partner in preventing the spread of AIS and protecting B.C.’s unique

freshwater ecosystems.

Zebra and quagga mussels — we don’t want

them here!Zebra and quagga mussels can cause irreparable damage to our lakes in British

Columbia. They first arrived in North America in the ballast water of ships in

the Great Lakes, and have spread extensively by hitching a ride on boats and

equipment. The mussels are very small (fingernail-sized) and can hide in the

nooks and crannies of boats. Their larvae are microscopic, and can be easily

transported in standing water. Adult mussels can survive out of water for up to

30 days when attached to boats or other equipment. These mussels cause

significant economic and environmental damage due to their ability to spread

rapidly, clogging underwater infrastructure such as hydroelectric intakes and

irrigation pipes. They rapidly change freshwater ecosystems by outcompeting

native species and impacting water quality as well as shorelines and property

values. Under Provincial regulations, Zebra and Quagga mussels (dead or alive)

are Prohibited Species and are illegal to possess, breed, transport or release.

These mussels have not yet been detected in B.C. or in neighbouring provinces

and states — let’s work together to make sure they are kept out!

REPORT SIGHTINGS

Report any zebra or quagga mussel sightings

to the RAPP hotline. If other AIS are found, report

immediately using the BC Report-a-Species APP.

RAAP HOTLINE: 1-877-952-7277

WWW.GOV.BC.CA/INVASIVE-SPECIES

BCInVASIVeS.CA • 3

Inspire British Columbians to take Action on Invasive SpeciesThrough innovative education and awareness programs and our on-the-ground training programs, we are providing people—at home, play and work—the tools and information to get involved in preventing the spread of invasive species. These integral ISCBC components stimulate and engage people in collaborative actions aimed at re-establishing healthy landscapes and communities beneficial to all of us.

leading through partnershipsInvasive species don’t respect boundaries. It is imperative that we work together to build partnerships and cultivate strong leaders to increase collaboration, improve on-the-ground efficiency, influence relevant research, and provide timely information to help maintain the health and vitality of BC’s landscapes and communities.

Worked directly with more than

100 CoMMunItIeS

Supplied over

19,000+ resources to fill public and partner requests

Fielded more than

400 enquiries made to ISCBC’s information portals

42% in followers

46% in followers

over 60% of Jobs Creation partnership program participants have successfully transitioned to employment

YeAR In ReVIeW 2017 Successes

Over 170 presentations engaged various audiences of

more than 6200 people in 26 communities

interactive mobile applications and e-learning tools developed

GoAlS AChIeVeMentS

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4 • ISCBC Annual Report 2017

Inspire British Columbians to take Action on Invasive SpeciesThrough innovative education and awareness programs and our on-the-ground training programs, we are providing people—at home, play and work—the tools and information to get involved in preventing the spread of invasive species. These integral ISCBC components stimulate and engage people in collaborative actions aimed at re-establishing healthy landscapes and communities beneficial to all of us.

leading through partnershipsInvasive species don’t respect boundaries. It is imperative that we work together to build partnerships and cultivate strong leaders to increase collaboration, improve on-the-ground efficiency, influence relevant research, and provide timely information to help maintain the health and vitality of BC’s landscapes and communities.

10 Pesticide Applicator Courses

on the first video contest that was launched

oVeR

5000 VIeWS

10 webinars reached 270 people and are available online for reference

250+ people directly reached through ISCBC-lead province-wide Forums

ISCBC as Secretariat for the 2018-2022 InVASIVe SpeCIeS StRAteGY for BC

0 safety incidents

2017

* Cariboo, Thompson Nicola, Columbia Shuswap, North Okanagan, Kootenay Boundary, Central Okanagan and Okanagan Similkameen Regional Districts

19+ communities across BC

Over 1600 BC youth were directly involved in invasive species-related events with many others indirectly involved 30+ media

events covered to educate and inform on invasive species

4 JoBS CReAtIon pARtneRShIp teAMS and local contractors 241 SIte VISItS on public

and crown lands across central BC*

103 ha surveyed

22 ha treated

119 gravel pits surveyed and treated

472 people

29 training events

“The Okanagan is a haven for invasive species and qualified people in the field are a rare commodity. It’s great to see certified and educated individuals working in the community doing on-the-ground treatment as well as education and outreach.”

– Ryan Elphick, Area Supervisor, BC Parks 100 Mile Farmers Market, Kamloops River Day and Williams Lake

BCInVASIVeS.CA • 5

Building partnerships, Working togetherBringing people together to understand issues and to collaborate to find sustainable solutions result in far greater outcomes than if we work alone. By gathering perspectives, be it government, businesses and industry, academia or community, we collectively deliver stronger invasive species management and prevention across the province. In 2017, we maintained our track record of building strong partnerships and accomplished the following:

» We facilitated and supported Calls to Action with regional invasive species committees, local governments and Indigenous listservs to ensure improved collaboration.

» There was excellent support for Invasive Species Action Month around the province with more than 26 communities participating through the use of ISCBC media packages, resources and through community events to spread the word to prevent invasive species.

Partnerships and collaboration are integral to the work we do. By building a strong network of engaged and informed individuals, businesses, stewardship groups and others, we can and will accomplish so much more!

together in Action AwardsOur annual Together in Action (TIA) Innovation and Leadership awards is a chance for us to celebrate individuals, organizations, businesses and governments that are leaders and innovators in invasive species prevention and management in BC. Established in 2016 to recognize the innovative leadership of Gail Wallin, we are now in our second year of this fabulous awards opportunity.

In 2017, we were proud to present the first Together in Action Leadership Award to Doug and Marie Mervyn of the Cariboo region for their work in pioneering invasive species awareness and management over many decades in British Columbia. Their passion, dedication and thousands of hours directly reduced populations of the much disliked ‘knapweeds, burdock, oxeye daisy and baby’s breath’ to name just a few. From their time developing Big White to their years flying, treating and preventing invasive plant establishment at Alkali Lake Ranch—they are clearly leaders ahead of their time. Their passion and actions were a key trigger that kicked off a process leading to the first Invasive Plant Strategy for BC which led to the creation of the Invasive Species Council of BC. Today, their passion for protecting the environment continues as they move to ensuring that boats and planes are not transporting invasive species to new locations.

Mae Whyte of New Westminster was awarded the first Together in Action Student Leadership Award. A student in BCIT’s Fish, Wildlife and Recreation program, Mae has shown her commitment and leadership through her work with the Stanley Park Ecology Society, BCIT’s student-led Sustainability initiative, and with Metro Vancouver’s invasive species control groups.

Way to go Mervyns and Mae!

“On behalf of Splitrock Environmental, I just wanted to say thank-you for bringing your presentation to Lillooet yesterday. It was very inspiring to learn more about the efforts, concerns and actions happening around BC and in the Lillooet region. It was also very helpful to receive take-home booklets...”

– Alicia Krupek, Biologist, Splitrock Environmental Sekw’el’was

“I was impressed with (their) diverse knowledge about invasives, and the many examples about recent case studies relating to the issues”.

– Todd Larsen, Program Director, East Kootenay Invasive Species Council

“This year’s winners exemplify the best in preventing and managing invasive species in British Columbia, and we’re honoured to have them as colleagues in our efforts to stop the damage invasive species can do to our society, our economy and our environment.”

– Gail Wallin, Executive Director of ISCBC

Mae White TIA Student Leadership Award 2017

Doug and Marie Mervyn TIA Leadership Award 2017

6 • ISCBC Annual Report 2017

our peopleEnabling the ISCBC to accomplish so much requires a dedicated and passionate team of Board directors and staff.

Our Board heralds from backgrounds of diverse skills and expertise and represents keys interests across three chambers—Government, Community and Business/Industry. We thank each of these committed volunteers for their time and vision in working together to guide the Council to help meet the emerging needs and issues for British Columbia.

BoARD of DIReCtoRS (December 2017)

Job

Crea

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Team

—Ca

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Government ChamberHarold Aljam, Indigenous (Coldwater Indian Band)

Nadia Chan, Local (City of Surrey)

Lesley Douglas, Local (Port Moody)

Fernie May Garbitt, Indigenous (Saulteau First Nation)

Dave Holden, Federal (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)

Val Miller, Provincial (Ministry of Forest Lands, Natural Resources Operations and Rural Development)

Dominique Sigg, Provincial (Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy)

Megan Willems, Federal (Health Canada-Pest Management Regulatory Agency)

Community ChamberKari Bondaroff, Community Partner (Peace River Regional District)

Laurie Carr, Community Partner (Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society)

Jude Grass, Environment and Conservation (BC Nature)

Brian Heise, Chair, Research and Education (Thompson Rivers University)

Eda Koot, Tourism and Recreation (Pacific Gateway Hotel)

Ralph Nevill, Community Partner (ISC of Metro Vancouver)

Emily Sonntag, Community Partner (Cariboo Regional District)

Business & Industry ChamberDave Bennett, Transportation and Utilities (Fortis BC)

Crystal Chadburn, Transportation and Utilities (Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure)

Bill Grutzmacher, Natural Resources (TimberWest Forest Corp.)

Eric Nijboer, Natural Resources (Spectrum Resource Group Inc.)

Ken Schwaerzle, Agriculture (Dairy and Chicken)

Heike Stippler, Trade and Retail (Heike Designs Inc.)

Dan Tisseur, Transportation and Utilities (Enbridge Inc.)

past Chair Barry Gibbs

StAff (December 2017)Our team is selected to ensure that we have the right people in place to collectively stimulate ideas, implement action and build partnerships, regardless of locale.

CRANBRooKAlly Blake, Communications and Events Coordinator

KAMLoopSColeen Hougen, Programs & Training ManagerRick Mahoney, Jobs Creation PartnershipDave Ralph, Extension & Operations Manager

MoBERLy LAKEReg Whiten, Training and Extension Coordinator

NoRTH SAANiCHSue Staniforth, Programs & Education Manager

REVELSToKEBrittany Lowden, Jobs Creation Partnership

SALT SpRiNG iSLANDErika ponsford, Database & Website Support

SoRRENToJodi Romyn, Senior Manager

VERNoNDanielle Toperczer, Programs & Communications ManagerLindi Anderson, Jobs Creation Partnership

WiLLiAMS LAKE

Gail Wallin, Executive DirectorJake Archie, Cariboo & Indigenous Partnership CoordinatorDixie Ballantyne, Finance and AdministrationTina Benard, Executive AssistantJayme Hills, Jobs Creation Partnership

ISCBC Board of Directors with Pacific Gateway Hotel Management Team

BCInVASIVeS.CA • 7

#100 – 197 North Second AvenueWilliams Lake, BC V2G 1Z5 BCInVASIVeS.CA / info@Bcinvasives.ca / 1-888-933-3722

2017 fundersThe work of the Council and all of its many partners, could not have been accomplished and would not continue, without the vital commitment and support of a wide range of funders. Whether big or small, annual or ongoing, each of the funders has provided the necessary fuel to enable the vision and goals to become reality. A huge thanks to each of the individuals and organizations who have contributed to protecting BC’s landscapes and communities from invasive species. Together we are all making a difference! ‘Thanks’ is such a small word when it comes to the overwhelming support and gratitude that we feel!

» Province of BC: Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, BC Parks, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ministry Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch & Ministry of Social Development

» Real Estate Foundation of BC » RBC Bluewater » Cariboo Regional District » Indigenous Services Canada » Canada Summer Jobs » Metro Vancouver Regional District » TD Friends of the Environment » Canadian Council on Invasive Species

» BC Hydro » Dow AgroSciences Canada » FortisBC » Kinder Morgan Canada » Pacific Coastal » PMT Chartered Accountants » TimberWest » Univar Environmental Science » Golder Associates » Government of Canada – NSERC » Thompson Rivers University » TimberWest » TD Commercial Banking Kamloops » and many individual donors

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Williams Lake Aboriginal Day

Quesnel Farmers’ Market