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DO YOU HAVE INVASIVE PLANTS ON YOUR PROPERTY? The East Kootenay Invasive Plant Council (EKIPC) and its partners are introducing a new program to East Kootenay residents beginning in Spring 2010. The Private Land Invasive Plant Assistance Program (PLIPAP) will assist land owners and managers by providing the guidance, resources, and financial support necessary to manage invasive plants on private lands. Modeled after successful programs implemented elsewhere, PLIPAP will provide four unique program options to private landowners, occupiers, and managers including:
*Note that pre-approval is necessary under each of these program options before work is initiated. WHY SUCH A PROGRAM? Invasive plants pose a significant threat to the ecological, social, and economic values of the East Kootenay Region. For several years, EKIPC has worked on behalf of several BC provincial government ministries to conduct invasive plant management on crown land in the East Kootenay. Invasive plants do not respect jurisdictions and a more integrated approach across both crown and private lands was needed. PLIPAP has been specifically designed to encourage and support invasive plant management efforts on privately owned, occupied and managed lands. The hope is that an integrated approach across both public and private lands will lead to greater success in the ‘war against weeds’ in the East Kootenay. WHO & WHAT IS ELIGIBLE? PLIPAP is available to private landowners, occupiers and managers residing within the Regional District of East Kootenay, including all municipalities (refer to Table 1). In order to qualify for the Cost Sharing Rebate and the Herbicide Rebate program options, however, private land must contain invasive plants identified as ‘Invasive Plant Species of Concern’ as determined by EKIPC Annual Operating Plan (refer to Table 2). Table 1 - PLIPAP Program Area See the AOP under the AOP tab for a map of the area *The Regional District has been divided into five Invasive Plant Management Areas (IPMA’s) for ease of planning and managements. WHEN DOES THE PROGRAM BEGIN? The program is set to commence on May 1, 2010, with a continuous intake of applications until October 31, 2010 or until funding has been depleted. It is expected that PLIPAP will be offered annually to private land owners and managers in the Regional District of East Kootenay, subject to funding availability. HOW MUCH FUNDING IS AVAILABLE? To date, there is $30,000.00 in confirmed funding available. Funding has been provided by the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund, EKIPC, and the Regional District of East Kootenay. Privately owned and managed land within Invasive Plant Management Areas (IPMA) 4 & 5 are eligible to receive $24,000 of this total. Meanwhile, lands within IPMA’s 1, 2 & 3 are eligible to receive $6,000. It is best to apply to the program early in the season as EKIPC anticipates it will be a popular initiative. Table 2 - Invasive Plant Species of Concern*
The East Kootenay Invasive Plant Council (EKIPC) administers the program. The program itself is funded by EKIPC, the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund and the Regional District of East Kootenay. An EKIPC steering committee oversees PLIPAP program development, funding, operations, and advertising. The committee is made up of representatives from the Windermere District Farmers Institute, the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Nupqu Development Corporation, and the Regional District of East Kootenay. HOW DO I APPLY? We welcome your efforts to manage and control invasive plants on privately owned and managed lands! If you are interested in the Sprayer Loan Out program option, please click on this link to print the Sprayer Loan Out form or contact PLIPAP . Applications for the Sprayer Loan Out program should be brought in person to the below address at the time of sprayer unit pickup (please arrange ahead of time). In some circumstances, forms may also be submitted via email, mail or fax. If you are interested in the New Invaders’ Rebate, Cost Sharing Rebate or Herbicide Rebate, please download the Request for Assistance or contact EKIPC or RDEK. Applications can be submitted via email, mail, fax or in person to PLIPAP as indicated below. This form is the first step in applying for assistance under these program options. After submitting your application, a representative from PLIPAP will contact you. Private Land Invasive Plant Assistance Program (PLIPAP) OR Marty Hafke |
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