By Barb Brouwer
Contributor
The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society will continue to provide services related to invasive species monitoring, treatment and reporting throughout the regional district.
CSRD directors voted unanimously and without question at the Feb. 15 board meeting to enter into another five-year agreement with CSISS as requested by Ben Van Nostrand, general manager of environmental and utility services.
Created by the CSRD in 2013, CSISS is part of a network of 13 regional invasive species groups in the province, who work cooperatively with the Invasive Species Council of BC to inspire action, coordinate management and prevent the spread of invasive species within their jurisdictions.
“The CSRD is appreciative of the efforts of the CSISS and relies heavily on its services to carry out this important work throughout the electoral areas and member municipalities,” wrote Van Nostrand in his report to the board. “Continued funding helps to ensure CSISS will be able to continue their important work in the region.”
The board unanimously supported a contribution agreement with the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society for a total cost of $340,000 plus applicable taxes over a five-year term.
The 2024-2029 contribution agreement is an increase over the previous 2019-2023 agreement total of $275,000, reflecting cost of living and inflationary increases since 2019. The costs as presented in Van Nostrand’s report have been included in the CSRD’s five-year financial plan.
Read more: Columbia-Shuswap Invasive Species Society closes lakes near Yoho
Read more: Working to keep invasive species out of the Columbia Shuswap