May is Invasive Species Action Month, and the B.C. government is helping kick off the occasion by funding local organizations fighting against invasive plants.

Six local organizations working to keep out invasives will receive a cut of $2,892,000 distributed across the province.

These groups include the Regional Districts of East Kootenay and Kootenay-Boundary, East Kootenay Invasive Species Council, Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society, Boundary Invasive Species Society and Columbia-Shuswap Invasive Species Society.

“B.C. has some of the most amazing ecosystems in the world, with many that are unique, fragile and in danger from invasive plants,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests.

“No one person, group, agency or government can effectively control invasive plant species alone, and collaboration is critical to everyone’s success.”

Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) Education Coordinator Laurie Frankcom says now is the right time to tackle invasive plants.

“There’s going to be a lot of digging, clipping, cutting and typically the best time to do that is in the spring, especially with species that reproduce by seed,” explained Frankcom.

“Having a really good disposal plan in place is important, too. This just makes sure you’re not bringing this plant debris somewhere else and potentially causing a new infestation.”

B.C. officials say invasive plants can wreak havoc on ecosystems and economies by reducing biodiversity, increasing soil erosion, altering soil chemistry and adversely affecting agriculture production and water quality.

The grants are going toward invasive species committees, local governments, environmental groups, researchers and the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia to continue their work.

“In Canada and B.C., invasive plants are spreading and taking over critical lands, especially sensitive ecosystems such as grasslands and riparian areas,” said Gail Wallin, executive director, Invasive Species Council of British Columbia.

“They are estimated to cost us over $2 billion in losses annually. As many invasive species are intentionally introduced through activities, such as gardening or moved by tires, it is critical to stop the spread of invasive plants through increased awareness and adopting responsible practices.”

The province has an extensive list of invasive plants to be on the lookout for, including marsh plume thistle, poison hemlock, purple loosestrife, field scabious, leafy spurge and many more.

You can find details about the local organizations set to receive funding below:

• Regional District of Kootenay-Boundary: $78,000
• Regional District of East Kootenay: $29,000
• East Kootenay Invasive Species Council: $282,000
• Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society: $80,000
• Boundary Invasive Species Society: $38,000
• Columbia-Shuswap Invasive Species Society: $12,500

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