Local governments have an important role and are a critical partner in BC for invasive species management. This section provides important information, tools and networking for local governments in BC to become increasingly successful in this important work.

What is the Local Government Invasive Species Network?

The goal of the Local Government Invasive Species Network (LGISN) is to provide a forum for exchanging information about, identifying needs for and sharing lessons learned from invasive species management programs and projects.  The Network was established in 2017 by the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC), in response to needs identified by communities and regional districts to network, share information and build capacity in their fight against invasive species. 

What Does the Network Do?

Members share information, strategies and resources around invasive species impacts, control and management. The Network also identifies opportunities to strengthen and build partnerships with industry, regional invasive species organizations, community groups and others. Members provide input to key provincial resources such as the Invasive Species Strategy for BC, the Invasive Species Toolkit for Local Government, Real Estate Professionals and Land Managers and outreach resources developed by ISCBC to support local government and others.. The network also explores opportunities to enhance education, training, and communication within and between communities across BC.

Who Can Be a Member?

Membership is FREE and open to local government staff and officials.

Meetings & Communications

Currently the Network has 135 members. An annual workshop is held in conjunction with ISCBC’s Annual Forum and AGM to facilitate information exchange and build collaboration on key areas and actions.  Secretariat support for the LGISN is provided by ISCBC, based on available staff. 

How Do I Join?

Please contact ISCBC at dtoperczer@bcinvasives.ca, or call ISCBC at (250) 305-1003 for more information.

Invasive Species Toolkit for Local Government

One valuable tool is the Invasive Species Toolkit For Local Government, Real Estate Professionals and Land Managers (2018). Find out why these issues are the top 10 reasons for local governments to be engaged in invasive species management:

• Property Values            
• Recreation        
• Human Health & Safety
• Economic Impacts        
• Biodiversity        
• 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 Call to Action Against Invasive Species

Read the Call to Action Against Invasive Species and help your local government be a leader in BC. Protect your communities and assets by planning for, preventing and managing invasive species.

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.

ISCBC Local Government Representatives

Connect with ISCBC's local government representatives by emailing using the links below:

• Lesley Douglas City of Port Moody
• Nadia Chan, City of Surrey

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.

'Making it Work...Locally' Government Workshop

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)

Key Partner Contacts

• Local Government and Regional Species Organizations 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, Real Estate Professionals and Land Managers (2018) - read why municipalities and regional districts need to be involved in invasive species management.
• Local Governments Call to Action Against Invasive Species (2018)
• 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.