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Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews
This month's e-news is chock-full of updates from our partners, events listings, new resources, employment/volunteer opportunities and more. Below you will find information on and links to numerous new items including the updated Species at Risk Registry, annual summary reports from partners, and not-to-be missed events and opportunities in the Kootenays.
KCP was pleased to hold three successful events in May. A short summary of each event plus photo galleries can be found on our website by following the links below:
And we've updated our Photo Gallery to include several spectacular images that were recently submitted - enjoy!
Please click here
throughout the month to check in on current news and events. Also, please feel free submit any news or events you'd like us to share by the third week of each month to
communications@kootenayconservation.ca
.
As always, a big thanks goes out to our supporters!
You can click here for our KCP Partner list and click here
to read more about some of the great organizations that support conservation in the Kootenays.
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KCP Fall Gathering: From Grasslands to Wetlands - Connecting Biodiversity
September 29 - 30, East Kootenay
The KCP Fall Gathering & AGM serves as one of the primary vehicles to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region. Day 1 is full-day meeting with a series of presentations complete with a catered buffet lunch, afternoon refreshments and buffet dinner. Day 2 is a half-day bus tour to nearby conservation sites. The organizing theme for this year's Fall Gathering is From Grasslands to Wetlands - Connecting Biodiversity.
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Faces & Places Monthly Feature
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep are better off due to Dave's passion for protecting this species
. Dave has also been instrumental in helping establish many conservation areas in the East Kootenay region on land purchased from private enterprise. These areas will remain as wild habitat in perpetuity due in no small part to Dave's direct fundraising efforts or him simply helping make connections between the appropriate people to make things happen.
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Local Conservation Fund Feature Project
Winning the Battle Against Leafy Spurge
The East Kootenay Invasive Species Council (EKISC), supported by the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF), has formed a long-term management strategy to tackle leafy spurge, which has become well-established in the Upper Columbia Valley around Radium Hot Springs. The Strategic Invasive Plant Control of Leafy Spurge (SIPCOLS) project has shown great success.
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River Restoration Northwest
2018 RRNW Symposium Call for Abstracts
The River Restoration Northwest (RRNW) is gearing up for the 16th Annual Stream Restoration Symposium at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington and has issued a call for Session Proposals and Oral/Poster Abstracts. Session Proposals are due August 14, 2017. Abstracts for oral and poster presentations are due September 11, 2017.
The Nature Trust of BC
New Conservation Land Manager for the Kootenays
The Nature Trust of British Columbia welcomes Chris Bosman as the new Kootenay Conservation Land Manager. Chris brings a wealth of experience to the role, including Interim Director of Lands and Natural Resources with ʔaq'am (St. Mary's Indian Band) in Cranbrook, Recreation and Control Services Supervisor with the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), and Conservation Youth Crew Supervisor and Assistant Land Manager with The Nature Trust.
Wildsight Golden
Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey Spring 2017 Results
The Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey (CWWS) completed its third round of spring migratory bird surveys - click here for the official press release. Over 26,500 birds were counted by 83 volunteers. One hundred different survey sites in the Columbia Wetlands were visited between Canal Flats in the south and Blaeberry in the north. The Fall CWWS dates will be on the same dates as last year: Friday, September 29th, Thursday, October 5th and Sunday, October 15th.
Columbia Lake Stewardship Society
New Website Launch
The Columbia Lake Stewardship Society (CLSS) mission is to act as stewards in preserving the ecological health of Columbia Lake by conducting water quality and quantity measurements, recording data, and disseminating information and reports.
Click here to visit their new website.
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Leadership Clinic leads by example
From April 29th to May 2nd at Nipika Mountain Resort, the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) hosted its 2017 Leadership Clinic, which facilitated
the development of seven Chapters of the Environmental Educator's Provincial Specialist Association (EEPSA) in each school district in the Columbia Basin.
Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society
2016 Annual Summary Report hot off the press
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) reached more residents in 2016 than ever before, and found and treated many new invasive species in remote locations. Highlights include: worked diligently to remove new invaders in remote areas; expansion of the American Bullfrog surveillance and eradication program in the Creston and Pend D'Oreille regions; expanded partnerships with local and regional organizations; another successful year of program delivery with over $450,000 being disbursed throughout the region towards invasive species management and outreach.
Columbia Basin Watershed Network
CBWN Volunteer Awards
The Columbia Basin Watershed Network (CBWN) wants to celebrate member achievements in citizen science, watershed education and habitat stewardship. If you have a hero in your watershed you would like to nominate, contact 250353-2697 or
cbwn.coordinator@gmail.com.
Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program
Report Sightings of Herons in Columbia Region
Heron breeding activity has continued to decline in the southern portion of the Columbia Basin, based on 2016 monitoring results. The Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program is asking the public to report any heron nest sites, active breeding colonies, or large groups of herons feeding in areas throughout the Columbia River Basin, especially from McBride to Valemount, and south to Revelstoke and Golden. The project is sponsored by the West Kootenay Naturalists' Association, and is funded by Columbia Basin Trust and the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP).
Click here to learn more.
Governments of Canada and of British Columbia
Conclude study on protection of southern mountain caribou
Conserving wildlife is integral to Canada's natural environment, and it supports our health and economy. The Government of Canada is committed to working with the provinces, territories, Indigenous people, and stakeholders to manage and support the recovery of species at risk.
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, and the Minister of Environment for British Columbia, the Honourable Mary Polak, recently released the final report from the joint Canada-British Columbia study on the protection of southern mountain caribou and their habitat.
Stewardship Centre for BC
Stewardship Champions
As part of Canada's 150th birthday, the Stewardship Centre for BC is featuring
stewardship champions
who have made a difference. Some are dedicated to spending time protecting the land and water around them. Others have provided
legacy gifts
of land, money or other resources. Celebrate their contributions by filling out a Stewardship Champion nomination form.
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The KCP encourages partners to take advantage of our eNews - send your content to
communications@kootenayconservation.ca.
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Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society Membership Drive
May 1 - June 30, Kootenay Region
Join a movement to protect the Kootenays from invasive soecies. Fill out the new online membership on CKISS.ca for the chance to win a CKISS Prize Package including weeding services on your property, custom artwork from Alley Cat Glassworks, and the cookbook They're Cooked: Recipes to Combat Invasive Species.
Meet the Board - Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program
June 7, Nelson
Got any questions for the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program's Columbia Region Board members? If so, then you have a chance to ask them in person at the Prestige Lakeside Resort between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Learn more about their work to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife. More information will be available
Field Soil Description & Classification Course
June 7 - 9, Revelstoke
Participants can expect to be able to describe and classify forest soils by the end of the course. They will have a couple of new field techniques to improve the quality of their soils data. They will be able to determine the % sand in the field to aid in soil texture determination, using the "spoon" method invented by the instructor. They will have applied soil properties to assess soil salvage, soil remediation, restoration and reclamation activities.
Click here for more information.
Y2Y Webinar Series - Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor (CPMC)
June 12, Online
The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y Facebook page) will be hosting its first CPMC webinar at 1 p.m. Pacific / 2 p.m. Mountain time. Michael Proctor will be giving an update on his bear research efforts. Contact Lacy Robinson at lacy@y2y.net to learn more.
Annual Meeting: Panel on Effective Stewardship
June 13, via WexX/Teleconference
The Stewardship Centre for British Columbia will be hosting a panel discussion called "A River Runs Through It: The value of scientifically defensible, evidence-based decision-making for effective stewardship." People can attend the meeting in person in Vancouver or via WebX/Teleconference! Details for connecting to be announced.
Click here for more information.
Ursus & Us - Bear Awareness Day
June 17, Invermere
Wildsight is offering a free public day of speakers, displays and demonstrations about living safely in harmony with bears. Lots of fun kid activities, too. Participating groups include Wildsight Invermere, Wildsafe BC and Conservation Officer Service.
Click here for more information.
Weaving From The Wild with Verna Stevens
June 24, Invermere
Wildsight is hosting this special event with Shuswap elder Elder Verna Stevens, who will be leading participants in making a ponderosa pine needle basket to take home.
Flycatchers to Nutcrackers - A Birding Adventure!
June 25, Columbia Valley (event begins in Fairmont)
This popular Wildsight event is back again. Discover the wetlands, grasslands and forest that make the Columbia Valley an amazing place for birds! June is prime time for birds with over 180 species breeding in the area and an incredible medley of song. Join local naturalist and avid birder Cam Gillies for a birding excursion to experience some of this local wonder.
Click here for more information and to book your spot.
The Biodiversity of Bees with Lincoln Best
July 7, Invermere
Hear renowned Bee Scientist Lincoln Best discuss The Biodiversity of Bees and their Floral Relations in the East Kootenay. Lincoln will introduce the Canal Flats endemic bee as well as other native bees in the East Kootenays, sharing the importance of their relationships with local flora. No background knowledge is required.
Exploring Bees in the East Kootenay
July 8 - 9, Invermere
Renowned Bee Scientist Lincoln Best will be leading a 2-day workshop exploring Bumblebees and Native Bees of the East Kootenays. This workshop will look at biodiversity, biology, floral ecology, habit restoration, landscape design and conservation strategies we can implement to help our local bees thrive.
Click here for more information.
Go Wild Rockies
July 8 - 13, Southern Rockies
Wildsight is offering Go Wild, a six-day wilderness backpacking trip for local youth ages 14-18 through some of the wildest remaining wilderness in the Southern Rockies. Guided by Dave Quinn and Kelly Comishin, professional youth counsellor and experienced wilderness guide who has lead trips in the Canadian Arctic, Patagonia, on the BC West Coast and in the Kootenays. Apply online by July 5th.
Click here for more information.
Wild Food and Medicinal Plants
July 15, Invermere
Local naturalist Kalista Pruden will lead participants on a hunt for edible and medicinal wild plants, and talk about how birds and wildlife depend on them too. This tour is an excellent introduction to ethnobotany and edible and medical plants.
Wetland Rapid Assessment Workshop
July 20 - 21, Cranbrook
Join the BCWF for a free two-day workshop where you will learn how to rapidly assess rangeland wetlands using the techniques developed by Dr. Paul Hansen. Dr. Paul Hansen is one of the founding specialists who developed a methodology to assess the proper functioning condition of lentic and lotic wetlands (i.e. isolated and stream-connected wetlands).
These protocols are used throughout the U.S. and Alberta with pilot programs in B.C. Both classroom and field training will be provided during the workshop. Please note that an application is required for this workshop as spaces are limited.
Click here for more information.
Introduction to the Wetland Plants of British Columbia
July 25 - 26, Revelstoke
This Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology course will introduce students to the freshwater vascular plants of British Columbia, providing them with an overview of prominent and ecologically important groups as well as giving them the skills to identify many species in the field. The course will prioritize the identification of families and easily-identifiable species, but will also cover species-level identification within more challenging genera so as to introduce students to the process of species-level identification using dichotomous keys.
Click here for more information.
CSISS Wetland Restoration & Invasive Species Workshop
July 27, Revelstoke
The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society is hosting a free one-day wetland restoration and invasive species workshop with the BC Wildlife Federation, in partnership with the Columbia Mountains Institute. This workshop will provide an overview of steps involved in restoring a wetland, including site selection, design considerations, and permitting requirements.
Following morning presentations, the participants will travel to a site to receive hands-on training in wetland restoration design. Instructor Neil Fletcher is the Wetlands Education Program Manager for BC Wildlife Federation. To register, email your name and your affiliation to:
info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org or call: 1-855-785-9333.
Click here for more information.
Get Outside BC - Kimberley Community Project
July 30 - October 28, Kimberley
The British Columbia Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is hosting a free three-phase Get Outside BC project for youth ages 14-18 from Kimberley and the surrounding areas. Phase 1 will be at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. Phase 2 and 3 will be in the community and surrounding parks. Online applications are open until midnight on June 4th.
Go Wild Purcells
August 21 - 26,
Purcell Wilderness Conservancy
Wildsight is offering Go Wild, a six-day wilderness backpacking trip for local youth ages 14-18 through the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy on the historic Earl Gray Pass Trail between Invermere and Kootenay Lake. Guided by Dave Quinn and Leah Evans, certified ACMG guide, professional skier, and founder of Girls Do Ski.
Apply online by August 5th.
Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) Conference
September 20 - 23, Nelson
Every year experts, policy makers, and practitioners come together for a conference dedicated to rural places hosted by the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF), a charity dedicated to supporting the sustainability of rural Canada through collaboration with rural community groups, the private sector, all levels of government, and researchers. Selkirk College is proud to partner with CRRF to host the 2017 conference to be held in Nelson from September 20-23, 2017.
Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent
September 23 - 25, Choteau, Montana
The Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent is an ongoing forum to bring together people who care about this special place.
Through workshops, forums, policy dialogues, and conferences, the Roundtable provides an opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and explore opportunities to work together -- to sustain the natural and cultural heritage of this remarkable landscape.
Wetlands Institute
September 23 - 29, East Kootenay
The BC Wildlife Federation's Wetlands Institute is an intensive 7-day hands-on workshop that educates participants about wetland stewardship, restoration and construction skills. Participants come to the Wetlands Institute with a wetland project they wish to implement in their home communities whether if be restoration, protection, enhancement, or education-related. During the workshop, participants receive support from knowledgeable experts from around the province and obtain hands-on training in order to successfully implement their wetland projects upon returning home. This year's location is TBA but projects will take place between Canal Flats and Fairmont Hot Springs.
KCP Fall Gathering: From Grasslands to Wetlands - Connecting Biodiversity
September 29 - 30, East Kootenay
The KCP 2016 Fall Gathering & AGM serves as one of the primary vehicles to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region.
The organizing theme for this year's Fall Gathering is From Grasslands to Wetlands: Connecting Biodiversity.
Inquiring Voices Sustainability Symposium
September 29 - October 1, Blue Lake Centre
This annual CBEEN event brings together environmental educators who live in the same bioregion to form a rich learning community meet to share, inquire, support, and collaborate with one another. These retreats are a great opportunity to network, share resources and stories, inspire one another and have fun through dialogue and activity.
Columbia Basin Symposium
October 13 - 15, Kimberley
Symposium discussions will focus on on three global trends that are having a long-term impact in the Basin - demographics, technology and climate change. Conference participants will hear from experts and be involved in discussions about the how the region can adapt to these trends and leverage opportunities from them.
Click here for more information.
Fall Celebration of Environmental Education
November 3, Kimberley
Join the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN), ed
ucators and community leaders in celebrating local environmental education (EE) programs, and showcasing the value of environmental education in our communities. This event will include an EE Expo, live EE vignettes, and the presentation of our Awards of Environmental Education Excellence.
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TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
Deadline: July 15
Need funding for your environmental project? The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary focus on environmental education and green space programs.
Read more here.
Kootenay Co-op Community Donation Days
Deadline: July 15 (for October Donation Day)
The Kootenay Co-op holds two Community Donation Days per year, each one allowing a chosen non-profit group to earn three per cent of the Co-op's sales for that day, often valued at close to $1,000. Community Donation Days are perfect for established societies and other organizations that need a substantial injection of funds, have staff/volunteers who are available to be involved and can plan ahead.
Kootenay Co-op Community Grants Program
Deadline: Ongoing
The Community Grants Program offers up to $500 for a specific community project or initiative that encourages local awareness and involvement in environmental, agricultural, social and community-building initiatives, from a local to a global level. Community Grants are awarded on an ongoing basis and as funds for this program are available.
Nature Conservancy of Canada Round 3 of Other Qualified Organizations (OQO) Program
Deadline: Ongoing
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is pleased to announce Round 3 of the Other Qualified Organizations (OQO) Program. Funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada and administered by NCC, the program will provide up to $5 million in support of conservation in communities across Canada. Land acquisitions closing between April 1, 2017 and January 31, 2018 will be considered under Round 3 of the OQO Program, and applications will be accepted until 5:00pm EST on November 1.
Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program
Deadline: Ongoing
Delivered for the Columbia BasinTrust by the Kootenay Livestock Association, the Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program supports efforts to maintain and/or enhance grassland resources while meeting conservation, environmental and recreational objectives. Objectives include promoting the stewardship of the grassland resource, striving to maintain and enhance biodiversity and long-term fish and wildlife productivity in public grassland ecosystems and improving compatibility between livestock management and recreation use.
Columbia Basin Trust Small Grants Program
Deadline: Ongoing
If you have an idea that will address community priorities and encourage community development activities, including those that relate to the environment, you can apply for up to $5,000 through this program.
Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Community Engagement Grant
Deadline: Ongoing
The goal of the Community Engagement Grant is to provide an opportunity for FWCP stakeholders (e.g. environmental groups, rod and gun clubs, non-profits, stewardship organizations, government, and First Nations), to apply for small amounts of funding to support their conservation and enhancement work.
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Goldeneye Ecological Services
Marsh Bird Survey Volunteers, Columbia Wetlands
Want to help with breeding bird surveys in the Columbia Wetlands? Goldeneye Ecological Services (GES) is monitoring secretive and elusive marsh birds in the Columbia Wetlands this spring. These surveys enable you to become truly immersed in the Columbia Wetlands ecosystem and there are some kayaking routes with volunteer opportunities to accompany project biologist (Rachel Darvill) who is leading the field work. If you are interested to learn more about volunteering on the marsh bird survey, contact Rachel at 250-348-2371
or
racheldarvill@gmail.com
. GES gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, ECC Canadian Wildlife Service and Wildsight Golden for their contributions to the Columbia Wetlands Marsh Bird Monitoring Project (CWMBMP).
Click here for the poster.
Community Energy Association
Community Energy Outreach Assistant, Kootenays
This temporary contract position (20 hours per week) will be based in Fernie with region-wide travel required (travel expenses will be reimbursed). The position will focus on the facilitation of outreach and education of energy savings opportunities and electric vehicle transportation, and the successful candidate will have completed or be enrolled in a related degree at a post-secondary institution. The deadline for applications Is June 5th.
Columbia Basin Watershed Network
Engagement Project Manager, Arrow Lake Region
The Columbia Basin Watershed Network is currently seeking a part-time contract Engagement Project Manager for a "Community Engagement in Wetland Habitat Restoration" initiative. The successful applicant is preferably located in the Arrow or Slocan, and will coordinate events, volunteers, and ensure that this project partnership between member groups in the Arrow Lake region is a success. The deadline for applications is June 9th.
Click here for the full job description.
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
Columbia Headwaters Associate Summer Intern, Southeast B.C.
The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) is seeking a Columbia Headwaters Associate Summer Intern to support one of their key campaigns. This summer position is suited to someone interested in using their engagement and communications skills, and their passion for wild life and ecosystem conservation, to inform a variety of audiences about the importance of the Columbia Headwaters region. The position will be based in southeast B.C., with the West Kootenay or North Columbia preferred. This opportunity will remain open until it's filled.
Okanagan Nation Alliance
On-Call/Seasonal Wildlife Technicians
The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) employs wildlife technicians throughout the year. The work term will be approximately between May to end of September, with up to 40 hours per week, but will vary with field schedules.
This opportunity will remain open until it's filled.
Click here for the web page that includes a link to the complete job posting.
ʔaq̓am
Land Code Planning & Implementation Manager
ʔaq̓am, located in the centre of Ktunaxa Traditional Territory, is hiring a Land Code Planning & Implementation Manager responsible for managing the planning, implementation and administration of the ʔaq̓am Amended Land Code according to natural law and traditional values, and supporting the Director of Lands and Natural Resources. This opportunity will remain open until it's filled.
East Kootenay Invasive Species Council
Pesticide Applicator Job Opportunities
The East Kootenay Invasive Species Council (EKISC) aims to increase the number of experienced, licensed Pesticide Applicators in the region. If you are currently licensed and would like more information about contract opportunities, please contact Katie Reid, EKISC's Field Operations Manager, at
katie@ekisc.com for more details. If you are interested in learning more about becoming an invasive plant management practitioner, join us for our annual spring weed management workshops.
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Government of Canada
Species at Risk Public Registry
Additional publications and reports were posted to the Species at Risk Public Registry in April. If you wish to receive these updates and provide feedback,
sign up for email notifications
on the federal government website.
Forest Practices Board
Publications and Resources Online
The Forest Practices Board (FPB) has made a number of reports and other resources available online. Topics covered vary from rangeland restoration, clearcut impacts on wildlife and hydrology, etc. to recommendations about the provincial Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA).
Government of British Columbia
Site Remediation
Unable to participate in a workshop or webinar on site remediation that you wanted to attend? A number of presentations on this topic area have been made available on the Province of BC website.
Click here for more information.
Columbia Basin Trust
Non-Profit Essentials Webinar Series
The Trust has partnered with Vantage Point, experts in learning opportunities for volunteers and non-profits, to develop and deliver the webinar series that explores important topics non-profit societies face today. Combining online videos with slide notes and workbooks, the series offers tools to expand the knowledge and build capacity in non-profit organizations across the Basin.
South Coast Conservation Program
Species at Risk Series - 3rd Webinar
In case you missed it, the recording of the third South Coast Conservation Program (SCCP) webinar in the "Species at Risk" series is now available in two parts on the SCCP YouTube channel.
K
ootenay Conservation Program
Conservation Resources for our Region
The Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) helps partners to coordinate and facilitate conservation efforts on private land, and in an effort to support this, the KCP has developed a webpage that complies some of the best conservation and stewardship resources available for our region.
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| If you have news or announcements that you would like to share via our eNews, please email them to communications@kootenayconservation.ca by the 26th of each month. |
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