It's Invasive Species Week in B.C., and the East Kootenay Invasive Plant Council is planning to celebrate with the community at Sam Steele Days this weekend.

The EKIPC will have its brand new Mobile Boat Decontamination Station on display during Clean, Drain, Dry on June 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Baker St. and 11th Ave parking lot.

The new station will be officially unveiled on June 14 to media and dignitaries, but the public will have a chance to check it out on Saturday. It will be used at Lake Koocanusa and other local bodies of water to decontaminate boats leaving and entering to help limit the threat of an infestation of quagga or zebra mussels.

"Aquatic invasive species are heading towards the East Kootenay from all directions and the best and often only offence is prevention," said Marty Hafke, EKIPC co-ordinator. "The Mobile Wash station will be an important tool in our educational outreach."

The Sam Steele Days theme is "A Salute to the History of Canada" and the EKIPC say they will celebrate the area's ecological history with the public viewing of the boat wash station, information, activities and prizes.

On June 17th a Weed Scavenger Hunt will be held at Idlewild Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Families are invited out to have a fun walk around the park while learning about invasive species and earning prizes.

More information is available through Hafke at 1-888-55EKIPC or email coordinator@ekipc.com.