What Are Invasive Species?
"Exotic [invasive] species are the second largest threat to biodiversity on the planet" 
(World Conservation Union 1998)

The Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society (OASISS) has been actively participating in prevention, detection and management of invasive plants in the Okanagan-Similkameen since 1996 (this group was formerly referred to as the South Okanagan-Similkameen Invasive Plant Society). OASISS addresses invasive species and their pathways of spread by prioritizing management areas and species through multi-stakeholder cooperative coordination. The role of OASISS is to encourage and facilitate agency coordination, prioritize management activities, coordinate/evaluate on-the-ground treatment and to provide public information programs for invasive species management. Prevention and education are considered priority management activities.

An invasive species is a species that is not native to a specific location. Once introduced to a region, they may cause significant ecological, economical, and environmental damage. A few common means of introduction include climate change, unintentional introductions, intentional introductions, and increased susceptibility of altered or degraded ecosystems. Often, invasive species movement is linked to human activity.

OASISS Contact Information

Invasive Plants and Noxious Weeds
Learn about the top 10 most unwanted invasive plants in the Okanagan-Similkameen and their impacts. 

A picture of OASISS Summer Student 'Tess' holding up a massive bunch of puncturevine.

 Biological Control Agents 

Learn about insects that attack invasive plants in the Okanagan-Similkameen.

Aquatic Invasive Species
Learn about aquatic invasive species that threaten the lakes of the Okanagan-Similkameen.

Invasive Insects
Learn about invasive insects that threaten agriculture, orchards, and ecosystems in the Okanagan-Similkameen.

Invasive Species Resources
	Plantwise Guide in the South Okanagan https://online.fliphtml5.com/qoocn/abcc/   Invasive plants are non-native species that have been introduced to an area outside of their natural range. Without the natural balance found in their native environments, these plants can rapidly spread and out-compete native plants, ornamental species and agricultural crops. The results: signficant environmental, economic and social impacts.
	Report an Invasive Species https://www.oiso.ca/report-species/ Okanagan Invasive Species Online (OISO) is a collaborative, valley-wide project that shares information about invasive species specific to the region. Click here to fill out a high-risk invasive species report form.
	Invasive Species Identification Help https://www.oiso.ca/help/ Okanagan Invasive Species Online (OISO) is a collaborative, valley-wide project that shares information about invasive species specific to the region. Click here to request help with identifying a potential invasive species.