Scotch Creek mosquito control to return this spring
Jan 16, 2023 | 4:23 PM
James Peters
SCOTCH CREEK, B.C. — After a lot of itching and scratching last year, mosquito control will resume around Scotch Creek in 2023.
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District and Skw’lax te Secwepemculecw (Little Shuswap Lake Band) suspended the program in 2022 after the First Nation requested more information about the larvicide treatments. The band was concerned about environmental impacts.
Because the program would not have been effective without the inclusion of the Skw’lax lands around Shuswap Lake Provincial Park, the entire program was suspended for the area.
Simon Fraser University studied the impacts of the agent used to control larvae — Aquabac (BTI) — concluding it did not adversely impact fish or fish habitat.
“Based on the conclusions of the independent research, the Skw’lax te Secwepemculecw, who are the original land title holders and stewards of our land, are pleased that the Aquabac treatments are not harming fish, or their habitat, and we are now willing to move forward with the nuisance mosquito program on a one-year basis,” said Kukpi7 James Tomma.
The one-year resumption will allow for testing on amphibians.
Once results on those tests are known, the long-term future of the program will be re-evaluated.
