Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews
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BC Wildlife Federation’s Wetland Education Program assists landowner with the knowledge, tools and resources to construct wetlands on their property.
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2020 KCP Fall Gathering — Online Registration is now open!
October 2-3, Day 1: Online | Day 2: Localized field tours at 4 sites
For 2020, the KCP Fall Gathering & AGM will use a “hybrid” approach with a Virtual Conference using Zoom on Day 1, based on this year’s theme of “Conservation in a Time of Uncertainty: Adapting to Challenges”; and localized tours at 4 different sites across the Kootenays on Day 2, each in a different “Conservation Neighbourhood”: Kootenay Lake (Fish/Bear Lakes), Creston Valley (Yaqan Nukiy Wetlands), Columbia Valley (Galena Creek), and Elk Valley (Morrissey Meadows). View the draft agenda HERE. The field tours will be limited to a maximum of 15 in light of COVID-19 physical distancing measures. Please note that priority registration for the field tours will be given to representatives of KCP partner organizations; you will be sent confirmation following your field tour registration once numbers are tallied.
KCP Conservation Leadership Awards
Nomination Deadline: September 14, 2020
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their conservation work in the Kootenays? The annual KCP Conservation Leadership Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and dedication to conservation in our region. Nominees must be affiliated with a KCP partner organization (see our online Partner Directory or contact us if unsure) and they must show a demonstrated commitment toward the KCP vision. We welcome your nominations before September 14. All nominees must have three nominators. Nominations will be valid for three years unless otherwise specified. Award winners will be announced at the KCP Virtual Fall Gathering on October 2.
ECCC Facebook Live event featuring Kootenay Connect
Recording and links to related media coverage available
KCP's Kootenay Connect project was featured by Environment and Climate Change Canada in a special "Facebook Live" event on August 4 with Honourable Johnathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and our own Marcy Mahr, KCP Kootenay Connect Project Manager. In response, media across the country picked up the story and showcased Kootenay Connect as one of the ECCC Community-Nominated Priority Places funded projects, including Canadian Geographic, CBC, The Narwhal, and more.
Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund
Technical Review Committee Member
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) in partnership with the Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) are seeking to fill one vacancy on the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund (KLLCF) Technical Review Committee (TRC) with an expertise in wildlife. The role of the TRC is to make recommendations on allocating annual funding for conservation projects in the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund Service Area. Deadline to apply is October 1, 2020.
Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund
Technical Review Committee Alternate
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) in partnership with the Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) are seeking qualified members for the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF) Technical Review Committee (TRC). The role of the TRC is to make recommendations on allocating annual funding for conservation projects for the area from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen. Applications will be received on an ongoing basis.
Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund - Call for proposals now open!
Deadline: October 30
KCP in partnership with the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) provides funding for projects that benefit conservation in the area from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats through the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF). Read the announcement here. The closing date for project submissions is 4:30 pm PDT October 30, 2020.
Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund - Call for proposals now open!
Deadline: October 30
KCP in partnership with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) provides funding for projects that benefit conservation in the rural areas around Kootenay Lake, specifically Electoral Areas A, D, and E (view the map) within the RDCK through the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund (KLLCF). Read the announcement here. The closing date for project submissions is 4:30 pm PDT October 30, 2020.
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Columbia Basin Trust
Provide input on the Trust’s Draft Strategic Priorities
Columbia Basin Trust is seeking feedback on their draft short-term strategic plan that will guide their activities for the next two years. Feedback must be provided by September 11.
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Society
New online Outdoor Learning Store is now open!
This social enterprise offers class sets of outdoor learning equipment and supplies for organizations and educational institutions across British Columbia. The purpose of this store is to provide a hub to offer class sets of outdoor learning equipment and supplies to schools and organizations at great prices. This is achieved through a seasonal bulk order purchase where CBEEN provides schools and organizations a 2-3 week order window each season to order their equipment for the upcoming season. The pilot order closes September 9. Learn more about this launch in the opening blog
Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society
Kootenay Lake Watershed Monitoring Program now underway
In August 2020, Friends of Kootenay Lake volunteers and staff started gathering data on streams along the West Arm of Kootenay Lake using a standardized water monitoring protocol known as the Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) after a training workshop with seven local volunteers was hosted by FOKLSS with Living Lakes Canada CABIN trainers Raegan Mallinson and Kyle Prince on July 29-30.
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
2019 Impact Report
In partnership with many groups including but not limited to non-governmental organizations, communities, Indigenous governments and entities, land trusts, biologists, ranchers and more, Y2Y collectively accomplished numerous projects in 2019 in the Yellowstone to Yukon region, which have been mapped out. Even more projects are listed in Y2Y’s 2019 Impact Report.
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
Blog: Indigenous Peoples leading the way on conservation in Y2Y region and beyond
Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs), sometimes called Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in Canada, play an important part, as does supporting conservation of natural heritage including culturally significant plants and animals. New Indigenous-led conservation areas have proliferated in Canada including in the Yellowstone to Yukon region recently. The current federal government has committed to ensuring that Indigenous leadership is engaged in conservation advances. In the coming years, up to 27 Indigenous protected areas are expected to be established under the Canada Nature Fund’s Target 1 Challenge.
University of Northern British Columbia
New recreation ecology research project in southeastern BC
A new recreation ecology research project is happening in southeastern BC. Dr. Karine Pigeon is leading the research and is a postdoctoral fellow working with Dr. Pamela Wright (University of Northern BC) and Dr. Aerin Jacob (Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative). View the informative 4-page brochure here. The goal of this collaborative research project is to understand when, where, and how people are recreating in the Columbia Headwaters region of BC (and in the Kananaskis-Ghost area of Alberta). Using this information alongside current wildlife research can assist in better planning to ensure that both wildlife and people are safe. If you have any feedback or know of any potential synergies or data on specific recreation activities, please contact Karine Pigeon directly at karine.pigeon@unbc.ca or 780-223-7317.
Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society
Threat of Invasive Mussels Continues as Domestic Travel is Encouraged
Invasive zebra and quagga mussels have been introduced into many water bodies in eastern Canada, but as yet, are not known in parts of Canada west of Manitoba. Increased domestic travel due to the pandemic could see many more infested watercraft traveling west and increasing the risk of infesting British Columbia waters.
Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society
Video offers highlights of 2020 summer field work
Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) staff are hard at work this summer. This video highlights some of the locations where CSISS staff are completing aquatic and terrestrial surveys and monitoring for invasive species.
Wildsight Golden
Short film: Old Growth Logging in Golden’s Blaeberry Wilderness
Wildsight Golden is supporting the release of a new short film that celebrates the beauty and biodiversity of the headwaters of the Blaeberry River, while offering a reminder of what we stand to lose under current forestry practices in BC. This five-minute film offers a breath-taking glimpse into this relatively intact wilderness on the edge of Banff National Park, with its old-growth forests and associated at-risk species.
Regional District of East Kootenay
Columbia Lake Management Plan Online Engagement
The Columbia Lake Management Strategy adopted in 1997 is being updated. The Columbia Lake Management Plan will help guide local government decisions related to Columbia Lake and is anticipated to be adopted by both the RDEK and Village of Canal Flats. Until September 7, the RDEK is asking the public to complete six short surveys that present the issues identified in the first round of public engagement and draft management options to address the issues: boating, in water structures and lake access, environmental quality, foreshore and upland management, winter use, and stewardship/management/enforcement.
Kootenay Association for Science & Technology
BiodiversiTV Multimedia Learning: Highlighting Kootenay Biodiversity
BiodiversiTV is a multimedia STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts & Math) + Careers learning experience for youth ages 10 to 18. From September 21 to 25, BiodiversiTV will showcase organizations working to protect biodiversity within the Kootenay region: Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society, Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society, Elk River Alliance and the Okanagan Nation Alliance. This back to school program was designed just for educators (and everyone who identifies as one in this unique time in history) to provide engaging, multimedia content to learners throughout the Kootenay region.
Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society
Knotweed Cost-Sharing Program taking applications
Thanks to the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund and the Regional District of Central Kootenay, residents of Area A, D and E can access a cost-sharing program to control knotweed on their property. Costs of knotweed treatment are shared, with landowners only contributing 50% of the costs. The Project Goal is to support private landowners to protect native habitat, keep their property safe, and fulfill their legal responsibility by controlling knotweed on their land
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EKISC Priority Plant ID + Reporting Webinar
September 8, Online Webinar (via Zoom)
Join the East Kootenay Invasives Species Society for a webinar on priority invasive plants in the RDEK area. This is a course for anyone interested in increasing their invasive plant identification skills. This course introduces participants to invasive plant identification with a focus on priority invasive species in the East Kootenay region. Basic reporting and how to use Report-A-Weed will also be discussed.
Understanding Statistics & Decision-Making for Natural Resource Managers
September 15 • 22 • 29, Online
This Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology course is for project managers who have to interpret the results of statistical analyses and make decisions about how much data to collect and which management actions to undertake. Taught by Dr. Joseph Thorley, R.P.Bio., a Senior Computation Biologist at Poisson Consulting Ltd., the course focuses on the fundamentals of uncertainty, effect sizes, significance, decision theory and the value of information. This course is full and a wait-list is in effect.
Nature-Based Biology Activities from a Distance
September 16, Online Webinar
Hosted by Green Teacher in partnership with the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN), this webinar focuses on getting kids outside to learn science. Outdoor learning activities based on inquiry and discovery make your students’ learning experience both meaningful and memorable, but most importantly, fun! Join in on the adventure and preview labs for yourself and see how you can bring excitement into your classroom by not using one. These activity ideas work really well for students under quarantine, too. Separately but together, students will enjoy learning in the finest class setting of them all — Mother Nature.
Fundamentals of science-based vegetation surveying and how to include the bryophytes and lichens
September 23-24, Revelstoke (with an online lecture)
This Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology course taught by Dr. Peter Whitehead offers a pragmatic, common sense approach to surveying and learning and has a strong component helping surveyors to include bryophytes and lichens in their surveys. A basic understanding of plant identification would be helpful for attendees of the course. The dates noted are for the field component of this course. There is an additional online lecture to complete prior to the field days that students may complete at a time that works best for them.
Valuing Individuals with Disabilities in the Outdoors
September 30, Online Webinar
This session hosted by the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
will provide the space to have conversations about strategies of the inclusion of students with disabilities in the outdoors. Facilitator Karen Lai works as an independent consultant in accessibility and inclusion. She works with businesses and organizations to increase the accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities. She holds a Master of Arts in Human Kinetics where she examined the social theories behind social inclusion of people with disabilities. She has more than 20 years of working alongside with individuals with disabilities in the field of recreation, employment, government, and other community involvements.
FWCP Online Grant Information Sessions
October 1, Online
The Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) is now accepting grant applications for fish and wildlife projects that align with their Columbia Region actions plans, and will host a provincial online information session on Thursday, October 1, 2020, between 1 and 2:30 p.m. PDT for anyone who wants to learn more about FWCP grants, action plans, and how to align your project idea with their priorities. Meet the three regional managers and the rest of the FWCP team.
2020 KCP Fall Gathering — Save the Date!
October 2-3, Day 1 - Online | Day 2 - Localized tours at 4 sites
For 2020, the KCP Fall Gathering & AGM will use a “hybrid” approach with a Virtual Conference using Zoom on Day 1, based on this year’s theme of “Conservation in a Time of Uncertainty: Adapting to Challenges”; and localized tours at 4 different sites across the Kootenays on Day 2, each in a different “Conservation Neighbourhood”: Kootenay Lake (Fish/Bear Lakes), Creston Valley (Yaqan Nukiy Wetlands), Columbia Valley (Galena Creek), and Elk Valley (Morrissey Meadows). View the draft agenda HERE. The field tours will be limited to a maximum of 15 in light of COVID-19 physical distancing measures. Please note that priority registration for the field tours will be given to representatives of KCP partner organizations; you will be sent confirmation following your field tour registration once numbers are tallied.
The Nature Trust of BC Together for Nature Virtual Gala
October 7, Online
Join The Nature Trust of BC on Wednesday October 7 for their first-ever
virtual Gala, Together for Nature, to celebrate their land conservation work in BC. Gather your bubble and plan for an entertaining evening, from the comfort of your home. In early October, all registered participants will receive a link to the live stream.
Tips and Tricks for the Organization and Analysis of Camera Trap Data
October 8, Online Webinar
In this Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology CREDtalk (Columbia Region Ecological Discussions), presenter Chris Bierne will take you on a whistle-stop tour through the process of getting a memory card out of a camera trap through to producing useful and simple data exploration in R. Participants will gain an understanding of what it takes to create a ‘good’ camera trap data set which is suitable for sharing with other researchers and collaborators. No experience in R is required to participate, but it will help.
Getting comfortable with outdoor learning (in all kinds of weather)
October 14, Online Webinar
This webinar is hosted by Green Teacher in partnership with the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN). Outdoor Educator Dave Quinn will explore some of the basic techniques and simple tools you can use to normalize outdoor learning for your students, and make it easier and more effective for you as a teacher to teach outdoors safely and effectively in all kinds of weather. Dave Quinn is a wildlife biologist, a BC-certified teacher, and a certified wilderness guide leading expeditions in the Kootenays, the Canadian Arctic and West Coast, as well as overseas.
Classrooms to Communities Virtual Conference
October 23, Online
The Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) is partnering with the Classrooms to Communities (C2C) 2020 Conference, which aims to support the practice of place-based learning. This virtual conference will consist of a variety of place-based workshops, experiences and opportunities for collaboration and dialogue. The C2C 2020 Conference will be held from Prince George but will be available online from anywhere.
Introduction to Forest Fungi – bringing them out of the dark
October 24, Revelstoke
This Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology is for ecologists wanting to gain a greater appreciation and awareness of the diversity and ecological roles of fungi. This workshop is entirely field based and is intended to inspire appreciation for the diversity and importance of fungi in terrestrial ecosystems, while providing some practical hands-on identification and collection techniques. Registration for the original workshop on October 23 filled quickly so a second workshop was added. The instructor will be Tyson Ehlers, a professional biologist and a forest ecologist from the Slocan Valley
Rocky Mountain Mammal Communities: Camera Trapping Brings the Effects of Development into Focus
October 29, Online Webinar
A Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology CREDtalk (Columbia Region Ecological Discussions). The east slopes of the Canadian Rockies face extensive disturbance from forest harvesting, energy extraction, roading, and largely unregulated intensive recreation pressure. The sum of these effects on mammal communities remain unknown, as do the prospects for these species under future plans to develop swathes of the slopes for coal mining. Camera trapping over the last decade has cast new light on the effects of disturbance, and highlight the need for integrated landscape management spanning all these sectors to maintain the mountain mammal biodiversity.
Land-Based Learning
November 4, Online Webinar
Join Nasuʔkin (Chief) Joe Pierre Jr. in this follow-up webinar to his Take Me Outside webinar. Nasuʔkin Joe has a vast cultural knowledge and incredible story telling ability. He is the “go to” person for sharing the ʔaq̓am version of the Ktunaxa Creation Story. Along with his wife Jen and son, Jude, Joe is a proud Ktunaxa member and a long time resident of Cranbrook. Cost is by donation and registration will be opening soon. Hosted by Green Teacher in partnership with CBEEN.
The Swallow Hotel: Compensation Habitat for Barn Swallows in the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area
November 12, Online Webinar
A Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology CREDtalk (Columbia Region Ecological Discussions). You probably already know that the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA) provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species, but did you know the CVWMA is also in the barn swallow hospitality industry? Their “Swallow Hotel” provides nesting habitat for barn swallows and is one of only a few such structures. In this webinar, Blaire will describe the history leading up to the installation of the Swallow Hotel, explain why this compensation habitat was required, and provide an overview on monitoring and success to date.
Climate Change and the Biodiversity Crisis
November 26, Online Webinar
Join presenter Greg Utzig, MSc, PAg, with Kutenai Nature Investigations (Kootenay Resilience) for this Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology CREDtalk (Columbia Region Ecological Discussions). While the pandemic is creating a major crisis for Homo sapiens, climate disruption and the biodiversity crisis are affecting virtually all species. What do past experiences and current trends tell us about where we are likely headed in the next few decades? Are we living up to our Latin species and subspecies names?
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Columbia Basin Trust Large Environment Grants
Deadline: September 2, 2020
If you have an idea that will strengthen environmental well-being, this program could help support it. If your project requires $5,000 or more, you can apply for a large Environment Grant. Deadline to submit an Expression of Interest online is September 2, 2020.
Columbia Basin Trust Small Environment Grants
Deadlines: October 30, 2020
If you have an idea that will strengthen environmental well-being, this program could help support it. If your project requires $5,000 or less, you can apply for a small Environment Grant. There are multiple intake dates throughout the year. The next deadlines is October 30, 2020 at 2 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. MT.
Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Grants
Deadline: October 30, 2020
The Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) is now accepting grant applications for fish and wildlife projects that align with their Columbia Region actions plans. Grant applications are due by 5 p.m. PDT on Friday, October 30, 2020. FWCP will host a provincial online information session on Thursday, October 1, 2020, between 1 and 2:30 p.m. PDT for anyone who wants to learn more about FWCP grants, action plans, and how to align your project idea with their priorities.
Vancouver Foundation Systems Change Grants
Deadline: October 16
Systems Change Grants support projects that take action to address the root causes of pressing social, environmental or cultural issues by influencing the behaviours of populations, organizations, and institutions. There are three different grant types available, depending upon the stage of your project.
Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program
Deadline: Ongoing
If you have an idea that will maintain or enhance grassland resources while meeting conservation, environment and recreation objectives, this program could help support it. This program is delivered by the Kootenay Livestock Association.
Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Community Engagement Grants
Deadline: Ongoing
Community Engagement Grants are typically $500 to $1,000 and help stewardship groups and others take action to benefit local fish and wildlife.
Columbia Basin Trust Career Internship Program
Deadline: First-come, first-served basis
The Columbia Basin Trust Career Internship Program provides eligible employers with up to 50 per cent of an intern’s salary (up to $25,000 over a seven to 12 month term) for full-time, career-focused positions that lead to permanent employment. Eligible employers are businesses, registered non-profits, municipalities, regional districts and Indigenous organizations within the Columbia Basin Trust region.
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Invasive Species Council of BC
PlantWise Coordinator
The Invasive Species Council of BC is seeking an enthusiastic, collaborative PlantWise Coordinator to coordinate horticulture and landscape professionals and the public at a provincial level to update and revise PlantWise guidelines and best practices. Location is flexible but must be based in BC. Deadline to apply is September 11, 2020 or until position is filled.
Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund
Technical Review Committee Member, Kootenay Lake Region
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) in partnership with the Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) are seeking to fill one vacancy on the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund (KLLCF) Technical Review Committee (TRC) with an expertise in wildlife. The role of the TRC is to make recommendations on allocating annual funding for conservation projects in the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund Service Area. Deadline to apply is October 1, 2020.
Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund
Technical Review Committee Alternate, Columbia Valley Region
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) in partnership with the Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) are seeking qualified members for the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF) Technical Review Committee (TRC). The role of the TRC is to make recommendations on allocating annual funding for conservation projects for the area from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen. Applications will be received on an ongoing basis.
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For a comprehensive list of up-to-date job postings, check the CBEEN Job & Volunteer Board, an excellent resource for Kootenay conservation career and volunteer opportunities.
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Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Guidelines for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation During Road Building and Management Activities in British Columbia
Amphibians and reptiles are the most at risk species assemblages in British Columbia (B.C.), with more than 50% of species in each group listed provincially and/or federally as species of conservation concern. Road mortality is identified as a significant threat to amphibians and reptiles, and mitigating this threat is identified as a priority action in the recovery planning documents for most of these species. The purpose of Guidelines for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation during Road Building and Management Activities in British Columbia (hereafter referred to as Guidelines) is to provide comprehensive information on assessing, avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating road impacts on amphibians and reptiles in B.C. Please contact LeighAnne.Isaac@gov.bc.ca, Small Mammal and Herpetofauna Specialist, if you have any questions about this material.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
New research article: The Ecology of Human-Carnivore Coexistence
PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America) has published a research article by Dr. Clayton Lamb, Dr. Michael Proctor and co-authors on grizzly bear behaviour. Using 41 years of demographic data for over 2,500 brown bears over a 378,191-km2 area in and around British Columbia, the researchers discovered a human-induced shift to nocturnality facilitated lower risks of bear mortality and rates of conflict with people.
KCP Virtual Spring Tour
Webinar recording now available
This year's KCP Spring Tour went virtual! On June 22, KCP hosted a webinar featuring five different Kootenay conservation projects that are being funded through the Columbia Valley and Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Funds. The webinar recording can now be viewed on the KCP YouTube channel.
A Case for Conservation
New KCP brochure promoting private land conservation now available
KCP has created the “Case for Conservation” tri-fold brochure, which details 9 different reasons why conserving private land is so crucial to the health of the region’s ecosystems that support a myriad of plant, fish and animal species — many of which are currently rare or endangered or at risk of becoming so. The brochure opens up into an attractive poster that can be easily posted in offices, public spaces and homes. Printed brochures are available for distribution. If you would like copies, please contact KCP Program Manager Juliet Craig at manager@kootenayconservation.ca.
Kootenay 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, KCP has developed a webpage that compiles some of the best conservation and stewardship resources available for our region.
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