Two local organizations in Okanagan-Similkameen are benefiting from funding provided by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) to help regional districts and local organizations combat invasive plants. They are:

 

·         Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen ($15,000)

·         South Okanagan Similkameen Invasive Plant Society ($66,300)

 

Why this matters:

·         Invasive plants are not native to a particular ecosystem and have the potential to displace long-established species and cause considerable economic or environmental damage. They may disrupt natural ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, increase soil erosion, alter soil chemistry and adversely affect commercial crops.

·         Across British Columbia, 28 recipients will share $1,727,000 in funding from FLNRO to support the objectives of the provincial Invasive Plant Program.

·         The Invasive Plant Program identifies the locations of invasive plant species and responds rapidly to contain and eradicate them before they spread.

·         This funding is in addition to the $2,535,000 already earmarked by the Province for invasive plant control and management in 2012/13.