Protecting Our Waters from Aquatic Invasive Species: Phase 3. Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society

Author: J. Vogel, K. Fraser, C. Harkness

The objective of this project was to ensure productive and biologically diverse aquatic ecosystems within the Central and West Kootenay region. The goals of this project were as follows: 1. Survey for over 40 high priority provincial and regional aquatic invasive species o Survey and monitor for new incursions of highly-invasive AIS o Monitor changes in composition, density, and distribution of existing infestations of invasive aquatic plants o Survey high priority waterbodies for the presence of Zebra and Quagga Mussels by means of plankton tows and substrate samplers 2. Undertake invasive species management activities where feasible 3. Support regional, provincial, and cross-border initiatives to allow for coordinated delivery of key messaging and the promotion of best practices 4. Increase education and awareness of AIS across a broad spectrum of audiences 5. Collaborate with partners to implement Early Detection Rapid Response plans should certain high priority species be detected.

Mussels: All samples were negative for the presence of dreissenid veligers. Similarly, no juvenile or adult dreissenid mussels were detected on any of the substrate equipment.
No submerged aquatic invasive plants were discovered at any of the waterbodies surveyed in the course of this study and points sampled on Rosebud, Summit, Box, Fish, Beaver, Whatshan, Slocan and Arrow Lakes were free of invasive plants, both riparian and aquatic.
The existing populations of Myriophyllum sp. in the Kootenay-Columbia system may be hybridizing, which would make traditional methods of field identification more difficult. Furthermore, hybrid milfoils are more invasive than parental pure M. spicatum lineages.

Mussels: All samples were negative for the presence of dreissenid veligers. Similarly, no juvenile or adult dreissenid mussels were detected on any of the substrate equipment.
No submerged aquatic invasive plants were discovered at any of the waterbodies surveyed in the course of this study and points sampled on Rosebud, Summit, Box, Fish, Beaver, Whatshan, Slocan and Arrow Lakes were free of invasive plants, both riparian and aquatic.
The existing populations of Myriophyllum sp. in the Kootenay-Columbia system may be hybridizing, which would make traditional methods of field identification more difficult. Furthermore, hybrid milfoils are more invasive than parental pure M. spicatum lineages.