The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) has launched the Kootenay Broom Busters Program, a pilot program aimed at harnessing community engagement to combat the spread of invasive Scotch broom in the Kootenays.
A media releasefrom CKISS said that the Broom Busters Program is a community-driven initiative aimed at engaging Kootenay residents in hands-on action to mitigate the impacts of invasive Scotch broom on local ecosystems and wildfire risks.
During a Broom Bash, volunteers come together to remove invasive Scotch broom infestations from the community.
Participants receive valuable hands-on learning experiences about the detrimental effects of invasive plants on ecosystems and economies, gaining insights into proper removal techniques and the importance of timing in cutting broom.
Supported by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Local Conservation Fund, CKISS is launching the Broom Busters program across designated areas within the RDCK.
The first Broom Busters event is scheduled for May 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., tackling the Scotch broom infestation on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake, between Destiny Bay and Sanca, near the ‘Glass House’.
Two other Broom Bash events will be held in Proctor and the Nelson North Shore area in June.
“Volunteering as a Broom Buster also allows you to promote environmental stewardship, gain valuable hands-on educational experiences, foster community involvement and collaboration, and make a tangible impact on the health of our ecosystems,” stated Education Program Coordinator Laurie Frankcom.
More information on the event and to sign up can be found here.
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