Invasive Species Management

About the South West Invasive Managers

The South West Invasive Managers (SWIM) represent a diverse group of agencies and organizations committed to the sharing of resources and promotion of best practices toward managing invasive plant species within our cherished southwestern Alberta landscapes.

Intention

SWIM will promote their collaborative, harmonized, and consistent approach to invasive species issues in southwestern Alberta to industry stakeholders and individual land owners.

Founded upon a goal of accumulating the knowledge and diverse expertise of the region’s invasive species managers, SWIM ensures the following existing and emerging methods are shared and implemented within the region.

  • Prevention of invasive plant species
  • Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR)
  • Integrated management strategies
  • Reclamation and restoration of desired ecological functions

Ultimately, SWIM aims to remove the barriers to effective invasive species prevention and management between jurisdictions and organizations.

 

STAY IN THE LOOP WITH SWIM AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

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A word from the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association

The Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association (WBRA) is pleased to host the South West Invasive Managers on our website and support their ongoing efforts within the Waterton Biosphere Region and beyond.

Sprouting action

The Alberta Invasive Species Council (AISC) assisted a keen collective of invasive species managers with their initial financial, logistical, and administrative support.

Within this operational structure, annual workshops were held in the region to increase the capacity of local invasive species professionals and land managers. Workshop topics focused on the effective components of successful invasive species management.

 

2015 – Invasive Plant Prevention

2016 – Early Detection and Rapid Response

2017 – Integrated Management Strategies

2018 – Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reclamation

SWIM held a workshop in April, 2023 geared toward industry professionals and students interested in learning about the current prevention strategies aimed at reducing the introduction and spread of invasive species. The intention of the workshop was to build upon participants understanding of the importance of invasive species prevention to ecosystem health, the challenges faced by area managers, and develop management and prevention strategies to assist in reducing the reach of invasive species in the region.

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Better together

In 2018, SWIM merged with the South West Alberta Cooperative Weed Management Area (SWACWMA). Formed in 2009, SWACWMA focused on pooling the resources of the shared seasonal control staff to help with persistent and difficult invasive species infestations within southwestern Alberta. Retaining the SWIM acronym, this unified group continued their efforts in the region.

Learning on the landscape

Following four successful annual workshops, SWIM was urged by participants to continue with increased initiatives in 2019 and beyond. The first SWIM Field Tour which was both well attended and received, was held July 11th, 2019. The tour further explored the themes of the previous workshops in a practical setting, and highlighted the knowledge of various local voices of the southwest.

2019 also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the WBRA to support the group with financial and communication services.

Photo of Summer Field Tour, 2019

In addition to reviewing published academic research to inform our actions, SWIM collaborates with landowners, stewards, public and private invasive species professionals, urban and rural community members, as well as agencies and organizations who hold the collective goal of limiting the negative impacts of invasive plant species on the regional landscape.

Photos from Summer Field Tour, 2019

SWIM is comprised of dedicated individuals who share a collective goal while representing diverse agencies and organizations in the region. Please see Stay Connected for further information and resources of SWIM member affiliated agencies and organizations.

Blueweed – Echium vulgare

Alvin First Rider

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Please return to learn more about this SWIM member. They are currently busy out on the landscape!

Ayla Peacock
Nature Conservancy of Canada

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Originally from Lethbridge, Ayla Peacock completed her diploma in Environmental Management at Okanagan College in Kelowna, then relocated to the University of Victoria to complete her Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography.  As a student, Ayla spent her summers working in agricultural research and invasive species management. Her passion for invasive species work developed during her time as an Environmental Technician for the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass. Upon graduation in April 2022, the eastern slopes of the Rockies called her back home. Ayla now resides in the Crowsnest Pass as the Lead Invasive Species Technician for the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The first of her role at NCC, she is based out of the Castle Crowsnest Watershed and the Waterton Park Front Natural Areas. With a personal connection to southwest Alberta’s natural environment, Ayla’s interest in invasive species comes naturally. Her career is focused on developing an integrated approach to invasive species management within the region. Ayla is committed to building meaningful relationships in an effort to preserve biodiversity on the unique landscapes of southwest Alberta.

When Ayla isn’t hunting for invasive species, you can almost always find her in the mountains either skiing, biking, or deep inside of a cave. Her love for the region and all that it offers fuels her passion to conserve it.

Blueweed – Echium vulgare

Carla Preachuk
M.D. of Willow Creek

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Carla was raised on a ranch in Midway, BC.  She attended Olds College out of High School where she received a diploma in Office Administration, Agricultural Business, and Equine Science Western Training.

Carla began work at the MD of Ranchland in 2005 as a weed inspector. In 2007, she became the Agriculture Fieldman.  Carla currently works for the MD of Willow Creek as the Agricultural Fieldman.

Carla and her husband Steve enjoy horses and sharing their love of the land with their two boys.  Carla has been a member of the South West Invasive Manager’s group since its inception.

Field bindweed – Convolvulus arvensis

Gary Murray

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Please return to learn more about this SWIM member. They are currently busy out on the landscape!

Grace O’Leary
Municipality of Crowsnest Pass

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Grace grew up in Ontario and graduated from Sir Sandford Fleming College as a Certified Fish and Wildlife Technician. In 2012, Grace moved to the Rocky Mountains of Alberta to work for Parks Canada, where she participated in grizzly bear projects, back and front country reports and invasive species weed pulls for 4 years.

Grace travelled in her off-seasons, seeing over 55 countries giving her the opportunity to follow her passion for adventure and environmental health around the world. While staying in New Zealand for a year, Grace worked as an Aquaculture Technician then made her way to remote fly-in lodges in the Northwest Territories giving tours on local flora and fauna for 3 years.

Grace has since settled in the Crowsnest Pass and is very excited about her new position as Agricultural Fieldman since June 2022.

Dame’s rocket – Hesperis matronalis

Jarett Panther Bone

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Please return to learn more about this SWIM member. They are currently busy out on the landscape!

Kelly Cooley

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Kelly has been actively involved with invasive species prevention and management since the mid 1980s, providing leadership and guidance on these topics locally, regionally, and internationally. As an agricultural & environmental generalist, Kelly stresses the need to understand, protect, and enhance the healthy productivity of the lands and waters we manage to help prevent invasion from damaging non-native species. You can learn more about Kelly’s work through his consultancy CoolPro Solutions.

Kelly grew up on the family farm in southwest Alberta. Their mixed farm and ranch operation included native prairie, with a view of the Canadian Rockies Eastern Slopes. Kelly and his family are active in local recreational sports and community organizations, share a love for music, and enjoy raising their four children. They maintain ‘country roots’ on 80 acres south of Pincher Creek, escaping to hike in the mountains whenever possible.

Lindsey Davidson
Nature Conservancy of Canada

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Lindsey was born and raised in Southern Alberta and has never strayed far from home. She completed her secondary education at Olds College and the University of Lethbridge where she graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture.

Shortly after graduation, she began working for municipal government – notably, the M.D. of Pincher Creek and the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass. After nearly 10 years as an Agricultural Fieldman, she decided to pursue a new role, more closely aligned with her professional passion. In May 2022, Lindsey became the Natural Area Manager for the Waterton Park Front with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Her career focus is the stewardship of working landscapes and building relationships within the ranching community. Invasive species represent a significant threat to biodiversity and as such, remain a key component of her work.

Lindsey currently resides near Pincher Creek, with her husband, dogs and horses. When not advocating for the conservation of native habitat and wildlife, Lindsey can be found somewhere in the mountains, soaking up everything this amazing landscape has to offer.

Leafy Spurge – Euphorbia esula

Lindsey Ledene

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Please return to learn more about this SWIM member. They are currently busy out on the landscape!

Megan Evans
Alberta Invasive Species Council

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Megan began working with invasive species during her time with the provincial Forest Health program. In that role, she oversaw a regional invasive plant management program, implemented education and outreach initiatives and was responsible for survey and control of forest insects and disease. She then worked as an Ecologist with Alberta Parks where she established an integrated vegetation management and native seed harvesting program.

Megan has been a Board Director for the Canadian Council on Invasive Species Council, the Entomological Society of Alberta and is the founding President of the Alberta Native Bee Council. She is currently the Executive Director of the Alberta Invasive Species Council.

Woolly Burdock – Arctium tomentosum

Nathan Mistaken Chief

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Please return to learn more about this SWIM member. They are currently busy out on the landscape!

Black Henbane – Hyoscyamus niger

Noreen Plain Eagle

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Please return to learn more about this SWIM member. They are currently busy out on the landscape!

Paige Kuczmarski
Alberta Invasive Species Council 

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Born and raised in Edmonton, Paige has become a ‘Jill of all trades’ with invasive species. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from MacEwan University in 2017 where she was first introduced to invasive species through multiple research projects with garlic mustard and forest tent caterpillars. Soon after, Paige started a position with Alberta Agriculture where she focused on a flowering rush control project and creating the coveted ‘Aquatic Invasive Species Pocket Guide’. Since then, contracts with Alberta Environment and Parks have brought her all over the province for fieldwork as well as allowed her knack for creating punny education and outreach methods to grow. In 2021, she joined the Alberta Invasive Species Council as an Invasive Species Technician where she organizes the Biocontrol Release Program, social media initiatives and everything else under the invasive species sun!

Ox-eye Daisy – Leucanthemum vulgare

Rick Niwa
M.D. of Ranchland

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Please return to learn more about this SWIM member. They are currently busy out on the landscape!

Rod Foggin
Cardston County

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Rod grew up on the family farm in the Del Bonita area of Alberta. After finishing high school, Rod worked a few different jobs all related to agriculture before starting a career with Cardston County in 1998. In 2000 Rod was appointed as the Agricultural Fieldman and continues in that role today. Rod has completed training through Olds College to become a certified Agricultural Fieldman.

Cardston County is the most Southeastern corner of the SWIM group. Much of the focus in Cardston County is on Spotted Knapweed and Leafy Spurge along the river valleys. The knapweed is coming downstream from other jurisdictions into the county at an alarming rate. Controlling these invasives in the valleys is best to protect the uplands from them.

Roderick Watt
Parks Canada

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Born and raised in Edmonton, Paige has become a ‘Jill of all trades’ with invasive species.

Roderick has been managing invasive species on the landscape in Waterton Park since 2007.  He is both a certified Pesticide Authorized Assistant Trainor and a Licensed Pesticide Applicator.

As a Vegetation Management Field Coordinator with Parks Canada in Waterton Lakes National Park, Roderick leads a team of committed individuals applying various vegetation management techniques within the Park to support the Rescue the Fescue program, with an ultimate goal of the conservation and restoration of integral native grassland in southwestern Alberta.

Smooth Brome – Bromus inermis

Robert Sissons
Parks Canada

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Please return to learn more about this SWIM member. They are currently busy out on the landscape!

Common Baby’s-breath – Gypsophila paniculata

Steven Bevans

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Please return to learn more about this SWIM member. They are currently busy out on the landscape!

Hound’s-tongue-Cynoglossum-officinale

Alberta Environment and Parks

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Assisting with identification, prevention and mitigation of non-native species that threaten Alberta’s ecosystems.

Canada thistle – Cirsium arvense

Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association

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Supporting SWIM through financial and communication services.

Invasive Species Defined

Invasive species are organisms that are accidentally or deliberately introduced to a new environment and threaten local ecosystems. This new organism is likely to have negative environmental, cultural, or economic impact to the region in which they have established.

Photo of invasive plant identification at SWIM Summer Field Tour, 2019

Not all invasive plant species are prioritized equally by professionals, land managers, and stewards. For instance, a plant species may be detrimental to one facet of a community while seen as relatively harmless to another.

The Weed Control Act is comprised of legal terms which have been defined to support the often complex issues presented by invasive plant species.

The Weed Control Act

The Weed Control Act is legislated by the Government of Alberta. The Act enables the Minister’s authority to declare prohibited noxious or noxious weeds that present significant risk to Alberta’s economy, society, or ecological integrity.

The Act describes the duties of individuals, local authorities, municipalities, and the Crown that relate to the prevention, control, and destruction of regulated weeds.

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Provincially regulated weeds

Weeds are often non-native invasive species that have considerable competitive advantages over the region’s native species, or over the species we would prefer to grow, and can be defined as a plant growing where they are not wanted.

Regulated weeds are plants and their seeds which have been identified for their potential to pose a serious threat to the landscape as well as the plant communities the landscape supports. These weeds are designated as prohibited noxious and noxious. The Government of Alberta provides a current inventory of these provincially designated weeds.

How invasive species change the landscape

Take the plunge and learn about SWIM: Ecosystem transformers

These introduced organisms can cause harm to local populations and may negatively impact the region’s biodiversity. Invasive species have been regarded as the second most significant global threat to biodiversity following habitat loss.

As these organisms are new to the ecosystem, they are often able to outcompete native species as they generally lack predators or other natural controls which keep populations in check.

Due to their adept ability to spread on the landscape, invasive plant species can transform large areas which may negatively affect the plant and animal species these areas support.

Why we should care

Take the plunge and learn about SWIM: Negative impacts of invasive plants

The natural areas we value for our own unique reasons are all vulnerable to the negative impacts of invasive plant species.

These species can pose harm to environments and disrupt important ecosystem functions. Specifically, invasive plants can alter water availability and quality, reduce soil productivity, alter fire and nutrient cycling, and affect many species that depend on native vegetation for food, shelter, nesting, and basking.

Invasive plants and agriculture

In our vital agricultural sector, invasive plants can act as hosts for new or existing crop diseases and crop pests which may require increased pesticide use or reduce crop yield. Establishment of certain invasive plant species can negatively impact domestic livestock and reduce both quality and opportunity for foraging. Canadian agriculture producers spend billions of dollars annually as a direct result of invasive plant impacts to the industry.

Uproot the stigma

SWIM does not punish landowners who have issues with invasive plant species, but rather assists where appropriate with  effective prevention strategies, EDRR, integrated control, and restoration methods that protect the health of the lands and livelihoods on which we rely.

Please consider the members of SWIM as resources you can depend upon to support your efforts to manage these unwanted species that can ultimately prevent your land from reaching its full potential.

You have found an invasive plant. Now what?

Photo by Erin Anderson

  • Record the location of observation
  • Take photos if possible
  • ID for prohibited noxious or noxious designation
  • Report the sighting to your local contact
  • Upload information to EDDMapS

Invasive plant species are tenacious and efficient. To effectively manage infestations, a single management action is often not enough. For effective management, a harmonious host of strategies is our best line of defense.

PREVENTION

Manage for what you want, not against what you don’t want. – Dallas Mount, University of Wyoming Extension 

Preventative strategies are based on effectively managing our lands, waters, and human activities in ways that encourage ecosystem health.

By encouraging ecosystem health and mitigating vectors, or carriers that facilitate the spread of invasive species, we limit their opportunity for establishment.

Common prevention strategies:

Take the plunge and learn about SWIM: Ecosystem Health

  • Strive for healthy land and water
  • Understand the impacts of invasive species on at the landscape and community level
  • Understand which species to control and the effective control methods for those species
  • Effectively rid people, animals, and equipment of invasive plant seed
  • Carefully manage ecological or environmental disturbances
  • Inspect, monitor, and report invasive species on the landscape on an ongoing basis
  • Use weed-free seed, forage, and gravel

Weed-Free Forage

Invasive plant seeds happily hitch their ride across the landscape amongst contaminated hay. The AISC is working with producers, municipalities, and the province to facilitate, promote, and revitalize the Alberta Certified Weed-Free Forage program resulting in more weed-free forage on the market in Alberta.

This program was influenced by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA), where industry standards and guidelines were established.

Photos by Kelly Cooley and NAISMA

Facts for producers

  • Your field does not have to be completely weed-free for your forage to be certified as weed-free
  • Weed-Free Forage Inspectors can certify portions of field
  • Inspections must be held within 10 days maximum prior to cutting

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Early Detection and Rapid Response

EDRR is a proactive approach to managing invasive species new to an area. This approach prevents invasive plant species establishment and subsequent negative impacts through targeted species risk assessment, verification, containment, and/or eradication.

EDDMapS

EDDMapS is a web-based mapping system and citizen-science project designed for the documentation of invasive species and pest distribution. A Pro version is available for invasive species professionals including County Land Managers, Agricultural Fieldmen, Invasive Species Managers, as well as anyone required to document infestations of high-priority invasive species through repeated visits.

Reporting should occur on public property where appropriate to respect the rights of private landowners.

Take the plunge and learn about SWIM: EDDMapS

Distribution map of Alberta Weed Control Act species in Alberta


Explore the potential of EDDMapS invasive species distribution mapping.

Integrated Management

Integrated management of invasive species consider and implements the host of tools in the invasive species managers toolbox. The manager can apply these strategies individually or in combination, as best appropriate for the situation.

Take a peek inside an invasive vegetation species managers toolbox:

Photo by Erin Anderson, Kelly Cooley

Photo by Erin Anderson, Kelly Cooley

  • Pesticide spraying or soil incorporation
  • Mowing and/or cutting
  • Biological control such as insects, fungi, and other biota
  • Biological control such as grazing (single, multispecies)
  • Hand and/or mechanical pulling
  • Cultivation and/or dredging
  • Fire and/or burning
  • Smothering
  • Fertilization/soil amendments

Successful integrated management

To achieve a successful outcome, we must first understand our goals.

Helpful questions:

  • Is the species controlled from flowering, or before going to seed?
  • Is the goal to control all or most of the top growth?
  • Is the goal to control all growth above and/or below ground?
  • Is the goal to control movement of seeds or viable root fragments?
  • Is the goal to achieve gradual reduction or a ‘holding of the line’ on an invasive species population (i.e., does not increase in size)?

Timing considerations and integrated management strategies

Both the timing and combination of management tools are important factors. The method of application should consider the life cycle of the desired species, as well as the life cycle of the invasive species under management.

The SWIM team would love to discuss these management strategies with you or direct you to helpful resources. Please see Stay Connected to find the right member for your specific interest and area.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Reclamation, and Restoration

After employing prevention techniques, practicing effective EDRR, and acting on integrated management efforts, invasive species managers must monitor and evaluate how well, or not well, these efforts have worked in protecting the desired ecological communities and ecosystems. Monitoring will reveal when the desired ecosystem returns to a state where we can focus on prevention rather than more intensive management actions.

Examples of desired ecological communities and ecosystems include native grassland, agricultural crops, and pasture.
If thoughtfully managed with preventative techniques and management strategies, the reclaimed and restored ecosystem will be more resilient against the resurgence of invasive species.

Photo by Kelly Cooley

STOP INVASIVE SPECIES IN THEIR TRACKS WITH PLAYCLEANGO®!

PlayCleanGo® is a campaign developed to stop the detrimental impact of invasive species to North American landscapes and waters. The campaign aims to raise awareness of how and why invasive species spread along with providing helpful information regarding the actions you can take to limit the spread of invasive species while enjoying your favourite activities.
PlayCleanGo

PlayCleanGo® in Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes National Park has a well-established and innovative invasive species management program to support Alberta’s vulnerable native grasslands and combat invasive vegetation within its boundaries and ultimately beyond. Please visit Waterton Lakes National Park’s website to learn more about how Parks Canada is protecting natural ecosystems from invasive plant species.



GOATS AGAINST INVASIVE WEEDS ON BLOOD TRIBE LANDS

A pilot project headed by SWIM members Jarett Panther Bone and Nathan Mistaken Chief of the Blood Tribe Lands Management Department, and owner of Creekside Goat Company Robert Fink, works to protect the diverse plant species on Blood Tribe Lands. Leafy spurge, an invasive plant species that has been negatively impacting the landscape, is devoured by Creekside Goat Company goats through targeted grazing.

Please visit the Global News article to read the full story.

UNESCO SITES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

SWIM member Kelly Cooley discusses one of the biggest threats to the Waterton Biosphere Reserve: Invasive species.

Full report below with Kelly’s contributions on page 75:

sites_for_-sustainable_development_main_report-2.pdf

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Please keep SWIM top of mind and reach out for information, resources, and upcoming initiatives in southwest Alberta.

Explore the map below to learn about more about the SWIM members who act in your area and additional resources regarding effective invasive plant management.

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