RDEK Neighbourhood Invasive Plant Program
Invasive plants pose a significant threat to the ecological, social, and economic values of the East Kootenay region and many private landowners struggle to deal with these species each year. Fortunately, there is help!
The Regional District of East Kootenay has created the Neighbourhood Invasive Plant Program (NIPP) to help combat invasive plant species in the region.
The program was first introduced in 2010 and has been successful in helping private landowners comply with the provincial Weed Control Act. Administered by RDEK staff, the program provides landowners with the guidance, resources and in some cases financial support to manage priority invasive plants on private lands. However, this program is not intended to fund property owners’ ongoing legal obligation to control invasive plants as required under the provincial Weed Control Act.
The program has five different options:
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Guidance (may include a site visit) and resources (educational materials) – For those who want to learn and get started.
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Free backpack sprayer loan-out – For those who want to complete herbicide treatment.
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Cost Share Rebate* – For those who want to hire a contractor (herbicide treatment, mowing/trimming, goats, etc.) or purchase invasive plant control equipment (backpack sprayer etc.).
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Herbicide Rebate* – For those who want to purchase herbicide to complete herbicide treatment.
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New Invaders Rebate* – For those who have priority invasive plants that are new to the region and are seeking assistance in controlling them.
*See application form for program details, conditions and limitations
The Neighbourhood Invasive Plant Program is facilitated through the RDEK; please submit all inquiries and application forms via email, mail, fax or in person to:
Neighbourhood Invasive Plant Program
C/O Regional District of East Kootenay
Attention: Jamie Davies
19-24th Avenue South
Cranbrook, BC V1C 3H8
Phone: 250-489-2791
Fax:250-489-3498
Email: nipp@rdek.bc.ca
Invasive Plant
Complaints & Enforcement
The public is increasingly more aware of Invasive Plants and have become more involved with compliance issues by registering complaints about private lands with Invasive Plants that are not being treated and controlled. RDEK Bylaw 2711 provides guidelines to enforce Invasive Plant control through remedial action (RDEK hiring a contractor to control Invasive Plants on private lands) as per the provincial Weed Control Act.
To submit an invasive plant complaint, please complete the electronic application form. Completed forms can also be faxed, emailed, mailed or hand delivered to:
Regional District of East Kootenay
Attention: Recreation & Control Services Supervisor
19-24th Avenue South
Cranbrook, BC
V1C 3H8
Phone: 250-489-2791
Fax: 250-489-3498
Email: ipcomplaints@rdek.bc.ca
Office Hours are 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday