Landowners in Creston are being invited to join the fight against poison hemlock – and get paid for it.
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) has expanded its Poison Hemlock Patrol program, now allowing private property to be registered as a Private Land Mission.
Poison hemlock poses health, environmental and economic risks.
All parts of the plant are toxic to people and animals, and can cause respiratory failure or deformities in unborn livestock if ingested.
“We’ve talked to farmers in the Creston area who have had this on their property and they’ve actually lost some livestock as a result of the livestock consuming the poison hemlock,” said CKISS engagement coordinator Laurie Frankcom.
The plant spreads quickly, outcompeting native vegetation and reducing biodiversity.
CKISS launched the patrol program in Creston in June, incentivizing identification and removal of the weed on public land through the Crowdsorsa game-based app.
The app now has a new feature that pays community members up to $4 per sighting by reporting poison hemlock locations.
Residents submit before-and-after photos of poison hemlock they find and remove through the app. After verification, payments are deposited directly into their bank accounts.
Private Land Mission
Until now, the program applied only to infestations on public land, but with the new expansion, private landowners can join the mission now too.
Property owners can register their land in the app and get paid for poison hemlock removal, or they can recruit someone else to do the work.
CKISS can also connect landowners with other registered participants. Only those who physically remove the plant receive payment.
Poison hemlock should not be pulled without protective equipment, which CKISS supplies free of charge.
Program goals
In addition to eradicating the invasive plant, Frankcom said the program will help CKISS map infestations and improve management strategies.
“It’s something that we are looking for the public’s help because in order to create a really good management plan and go and tackle the plant, we need to actually know where it is,” she said.
“That’s why we are turning to the public and asking for them to download the app and get some more reports our way.”
Since the program’s launch in June, dozens of people have signed up, but Frankcom said participation remains low.
“We’ve only had a handful of people actually go out and remove the poison hemlock and receive the rewards,” she said.
“So there’s still about $1,000 up for grabs to people that go out and do that. And we’re going to run this until the end of October.”
How to join the mission
-
Download the Crowdsorsa app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
-
Learn how to identify poison hemlock. The plant can be identified by its smooth, hollow stems marked with purplish blotches.
-
Watch the safety video and pass the short quiz to unlock the mission.
-
Pick up the free safety gear.
-
Locate and remove poison hemlock from your chosen site.
-
Upload photos showing the plant before and after removal to qualify for payment.
For more information, visit CKISS online.
Want to get your business noticed? Have you considered advertising through your local radio station? Speak to one of our sales agents and find out how radio advertising can boost your business today. Call 250-365-7600 or email Vista Radio.
