About us
PEI Invasive Species Council
The PEI Invasive Species Council (PEIISC) is a non-profit group of individuals and organizations focused on the creation of a framework for the management of invasive species that threaten Prince Edward Island’s environmental, economic and social health. The PEIISC has been active since 2007, and has been staffed since 2021.
The PEIISC is the provincial chapter of the national organization Invasives Canada. From the Invasives Canada website: “Invasives Canada is dedicated to safeguarding Canada’s ecosystems, communities, and economies from the growing threat of invasive species. As a national network of chapters, partners, and interested parties, we lead collaborative efforts to prevent and manage invasive species while promoting sustainable land and water management.”
Our council has representatives from federal, provincial and municipal governments, UPEI, and the community at large who wish to create a framework for the management of invasive species that threaten Prince Edward Island’s environmental, economic and social health.
Land Acknowledgement
In the spirit of reconciliation, The PEIISC acknowledges that we live and work on the unceded territory of Epekwitk, Mi’kma’ki, that is covered by the historic Treaties of Peace and Friendship. We pay our respects to the Indigenous Mi’kmaq people who have occupied and stewarded this land for over 12,000 years; past, present, and future. We recognize the degenerative effects of modern settlement (colonisation) on the ecological integrity of the land and strive to mitigate these effects as they manifest in invasive species pressures.
Roles of the PEIISC:
a) Assemble the views of a broad range of experts from various levels of government, educational institutions and the community at large on the management of invasive species.
b) Provide leadership, expertise and advice on the management of invasive species on PEI.
c) Foster awareness and understanding of invasive species issues on PEI
d) Serve as a respected repository and source of credible information and resources on invasive species in PEI and disseminate this information effectively.
e) Identify gaps in existing knowledge required for effective planning and implementation of invasive species management on PEI.
f) Liaise and partner with other groups and agencies working on invasive species, including, but not limited to government, invasive species councils, and non-government organizations.
g) Identify potential funding opportunities to further the Committee’s work
h) Encourage the public, governments and industry to become active in the prevention, detection and where appropriate, the eradication of invasive species
Members of the Council
| Beth Hoar | Co-chair, PEI Invasive Species Council, Retired Biologist/Urban Forester |
| Andrew McKenzie-Gopsill | Co-chair, PEI Invasive Species Council, Research Scientist – Weed Science Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Charlottetown Research and Development Centre |
| Chase Guindon | Coordinator, PEI Invasive Species Council |
| Julie-Lynn Zahavich | Forest Conservation Specialist, Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Fish and Wildlife |
| Jana Cheverie | Head of Conservation Programs (Atlantic), Ducks Unlimited Canada |
| Hannah Kienzle | Stewardship Coordinator, Nature Conservancy of Canada |
| Simon Wilmot | Forest and Environmental Officer, City of Charlottetown |
| Rosemary Curley | Retired Wildlife Biologist, President of Nature PEI |
| TBD | PEI Woodlot Owner’s Association |
| Mary Finch | Watershed Ecologist, Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Fish and Wildlife and PEI Watershed Alliance |
| Kerry-Lynn Atkinson | Landscape Ecologist, Team Leader, Parks Canada, Prince Edward Island Field Unit |
| Sarah MacInnis | Regional Program Officer – Plant Protection Canadian Food Inspection Agency / Government of Canada |
| Samantha Shaw-McDonald | Aquatic Invasive Species Biologist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Gulf Region, Aquatic Invasive Species – National Core Program |
| Kaylee Busniuk | Land Stewardship Program Manager, Island Nature Trust |
| Sarah Wray | Watershed Coordinator, Stratford Area Watershed Improvement Group |
| Clay Cutting | Invasive Species Technician, PEI Invasive Species Council |
| Jess Dewey | Aquatic Invasive Species Technician, PEI Invasive Species Council |