Mosquito control going ahead in Shuswap. (Stock image (ID 31909454 © Dykyostudio | Dreamstime.com)

By Liam Verster

Scotch Creek

Mosquito control going ahead in popular tourist area

Jan 16, 2023 | 3:22 PM

Mosquitos won’t be causing too many problems for people living in, or visiting, a popular recreation and camping spot in the Shuswap.

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD), B.C. Parks and the Skw’lax te Secwepemcúl̓ecw (Little Shuswap Lake Band) are restarting the mosquito control program in the Scotch Creek area in 2023.

The program was suspended in 2022 due to the Skw’lax te Secwepemcúl̓ecw chief and council’s concern for potential environmental impacts it would have on mosquito breeding habitat.

An independent study was then conducted by Simon Fraser University, which concluded the use of the control product Aquabac, a soil-born bacterial product that targets mosquitos in the larval stage before they hatch, does not create adverse impacts on fish or their habitat.

“Based on the conclusions of the independent research, the Skw’lax te Secwepemcúl̓ecw, 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,” Kukpi7 James Tomma said.

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The program is being brought back in 2023 on a conditional basis that further testing does not show the product having any impact on amphibians. Based on the results of that study, the program will be re-evaluated and long-term agreements may be negotiated.

“The mosquito issue can make it almost unbearable to enjoy this beautiful area of the Shuswap,” Electoral Area F Director Jay Simpson said.

“By working together with the Skw’lax te Secwepemcúl̓ecw, we will have a program for the coming year that is safe, effective and we hope to be sustainable into the future.”

B.C. Parks has also issued a letter of authorization for the treatment of the habitat in Shuswap Lake Provincial Park between April and August 2023.