Local governments have an important role and are a critical partner in BC for invasive species management, in a unique position to turn the tide of the impacts of invasive species within their jurisdictions. Thankfully, in BC, there are many levels of partners and growing resources to address invasive species issues. This section provides important information, tools and networking for local governments in BC to become increasingly successful in this important work.
Invasive Species Toolkit for Local Government
One valuable tool is the Invasive Species Toolkit for Local Government. Find out why these issues are the top 10 reasons for local governments to be engaged in invasive species management:
- Property Values
- Human Health & Safety
- Economic Impacts
- Range, Agriculture & Forestry
- Fire Hazard
- Rate of Invasion
- Compliance with Regulations
- Good Neighbours
Local governments can build invasive species management programs through partnerships with regional species committees, aboriginal and provincial governments, community groups and related organizations. To be successful with limited resources it is important to pool resources, think strategically and regionally, provide education and incentives, work with volunteers, train staff, build and incorporate best practices and policies, prioritize activities and…continue to collaborate with local governments across BC.
Local Government Collaboration in BC
ISCBC has hosted BC-wide workshops and meetings for local governments on general and specific topics. The ISCBC Board includes two Director and two Alternate positions from the local government perspective. These representatives assist with BC-wide collaboration.
Workshops & Meetings
The first ISCBC hosted local government general workshop was held in 2011 (see summary report below). Special local government meetings have since usually been held prior to the ISCBC Annual Forum. Local governments have been collaborating provincially on specific issues, such as regular meetings/workshops with Provincial partners on invasive ant issues. To find out about upcoming meetings and events, join the list-serve or watch this website for announcements.
This report summarizes the 'Making it Work...Locally' workshop that followed the 2011 IPCBC Public Forum. This workshop brought together local governments from across BC, along with others representing associated interest groups. This report summarizes speaker presentations, participant comments, and discussion period questions and answers for each session.
Invasive Ants in BC: Inter-Government Invasive Ants Reports and Factsheets
- Invasive Ant Workshop: Where are We Now? (Inter-ministry Invasive Species Working Group Workshop Summary, October 2014)
- European Fire Ant Planning Session for Governments (Inter-ministry Invasive Species Working Group Report, August 2012)
- European Fire Ant in BC: 2012 Field Results and Planning Forward (Inter-ministry Invasive Species Working Group Report, February 2013)
- Invasive Ant Local Government Workshop: Where are We Now? (Inter-ministry Invasive Species Working Group Workshop Summary from June 9, 2014)
- European Fire Ants in British Columbia (Inter-ministry Invasive Species Working Group Factsheet)
- European Fire Ants in the Workplace (WorkSafe BC Factsheet)
Join the Local Government Listserve
To join the Local Government listserv, email firstname.lastname@example.org including your name, preferred email address for listserv and position.
Key Partner Contacts
- Regional Species Committees in your area
- Provincial Government Information & Resources
- Invasive Alien Plant Program (IAPP) mapping and database program
Local Government Resources
- Invasive Species Toolkit for Local Government - This toolkit outlines the top 10 reasons why municipalities and regional districts need to be involved in invasive species management. It provides options for local government invasive species management programs and how to improve existing programs, provides an overview of local government jurisdiction, enabling legislation with sample bylaws, non-regulatory solutions and includes an extensive reference list for local governments. Extracted sections (PDFs):
Top 10 Reasons for Local Governments to Get Involved - 11x17" Poster
Best Practices for Managing Invasive Plants on Roadsides - This pocket guide for roadside workers explains, with text, diagrams and tables, the best practices for managing invasive plants during maintenance activities. This resource also provides identification and management information about 33 of the most problematic roadside invasive plants in BC.
- Visit the Resources section of this website for more valuable resources and tools.
ISCBC Local Government Representatives
Connect with ISCBC's local government representatives by emailing using the links below: