Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews
January 2020
Ecologists from the University of Sydney now estimate 480 million mammals, birds and reptiles have been lost in the Australian bushfires since September and that figure is expected to grow. Given this alarming global context, the conservation work that KCP Partners are engaged in to help make the Kootenay region resilient to climate change is more important than ever. And the impact of the KCP Partnership is growing.

In 2019, 62 Kootenay-based organizations participated in KCP activities, 34 organizations attended the 2019 Fall Gathering, and 5 new groups became KCP Partners. There’s more: the KCP Kootenay Connect project is facilitating 64 different on-the-ground conservation activities by 25 KCP Partners over the next 4 years; of the 27 Priority Actions identified across four different KCP Conservation Action Forums, 22 are underway; over 700 people have accessed the KCP Stewardship Solutions Online Toolkit almost 1,000 times and KCP Partners distributed roughly 1,500 handouts in 14 different Conservation Neighbourhoods.

Together KCP Partners are making a difference — we hope 2020 will be our strongest year yet!
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Faces & Places
The coordinator for the Kootenay & Boundary Farm Advisors (KBFA) and an Environmental Farm Plan Advisor, Rachael Roussin has over 15 years’ experience coordinating environmental and agricultural programs. Her technical background includes soil science, soil capability for agriculture, watershed management and climate change impacts for agriculture. A taxpayer-funded extension program, the KBFA provides producers with free, technical production support and information from a network of specialized resources, including independent consultants and academics. 

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Monthly Stewardship Solutions Toolkit feature
The Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors (KBFA) program provides information and services to strengthen sustainable agriculture. KBFA works one-on-one with producers to identify challenges, and provide information and resources.

Highlights from the KCP Board Meeting on December 18, 2019

  • KCP 2019/20 Workplan is on track with most items being completed or being worked on.
  • There will be approximately $5,000 remaining in the budget for 2019/20. Ideas for use of these funds include a facelift for the KCP website, telling the story of how KCP Conservation Neighbourhood Action Forums and Stewardship Solutions has benefited local organizations and/or developing an interactive map for locations and stories of KCP partner projects in the region.
  • The KCP Securement Committee will be meeting in January to discuss candidate properties for evaluation in 2020.
  • Two new partners were approved: Golden District Rod and Gun Club and Kootenay Centre for Forestry Alternatives.
  • KCP Program Manager will be providing delegations to City of Nelson, Village of Kaslo, and RDCK Board in the new year to promote expansion of the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund.
  • Board decided that since KCP represents a partnership and is not a legal entity, it cannot sign on as a partner to other organizations.

KCP Partner organizations are welcome to participate in KCP Board meetings.
Our next meeting is the afternoon of February 7, 2020. Please contact us if you are interested! 
KCP Conservation Action Forums
22 of 27 identified Priority Actions are in progress!
From 2017 to 2019, KCP facilitated Action Forums with Partner organizations in four Conservation Neighbourhoods: Slocan Valley, Columbia Valley, Lower Columbia and Elk Valley. Overall, 27 priority actions were identified that will contribute to maintaining healthy fish and wildlife populations and ecological functions in the region for the next 5 years. As of the 2019 year-end, 22 of these actions are underway!

KCP Winter Webinar Series
Registration opening soon!
This four-part series on "Biodiversity of the Kootenays" will follow up on the Fall Gathering theme of "Biodiversity Hotspots of the Kootenays". We will be sending out an invitation to register later this month when details are finalized.

2020 KCP Fall Gathering - Save the Date!
September 25-26, West Kootenay (location TBA)
Did you have a fun, enlightening time at the 2019 Fall Gathering - or wish you did because you missed it? Mark your calendar for the 2020 event, which will be taking place September 25 and 26 in the West Kootenay. The KCP Fall Gathering & AGM serves as one of the primary vehicles to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region, complete with a guest speakers series, field tour, catered meals and more, at no cost to attendees. 

Stewardship Solutions
Help promote our new Kootenay conservation resource
Share and promote Stewardship Solutions with this handy online promotional package. You can also inquire about presentations for your organization or region. KCP will coordinate a limited number of presentations about Stewardship Solutions on a request basis.
Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute
Region-wide check-up now available
The Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute at Selkirk College has just released the 2019 State of the Basin Snapshot Report. This region-wide check-up investigates economic, social, environmental and cultural indicators for the Columbia-Basin Boundary.

B.C. Government
Public input sought on hunting regulation changes
Proposed hunting, trapping, motor vehicle restriction and firearms restriction regulation changes for 2020 to 2022 are online and available for public review and feedback.
Based on regional requirements and conditions, the intent of these regulation adjustments is to promote the conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat, as well as to optimize sustainable hunting and trapping opportunities. The public comment period will end Jan. 17, 2020.

Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
Columbia Headwaters report: the need to balance economy and environment
A new Y2Y-commissioned report for the Columbia River headwaters — Exploring Emerging Economic Opportunities in the Columbia River Headwaters Region of British Columbia — aims to spark discussion on how to balance the economy and environment. The study area is from Invemere and Kaslo northwards through Revelstoke to Kinbasket Lake and researchers in the study interviewed more than 30 community leaders in the region.

Columbia Basin Watershed Network
CBWN 2019 Fall Meeting Report available
This year the Columbia Basin Watershed Network (CBWN) took a different approach for its annual fall meeting and held meetings in multiple locations; Nelson, New Denver, Invermere and Cranbrook. The Fall Meeting Report highlights changes within the CBWN, collaboration with Living Lakes Canada through the Columbia Basin Water Monitoring Collaborative and updates from groups with regard to current monitoring. 

RoadwatchBC (Wildsight/Y2Y/Miistakis Institute)
2019 amendment to Highway 3 transportation and wildlife report
Since the Highway 3: Transportation Mitigation for Wildlife and Connectivity report was released by Clevenger et al. in 2010, progress has been made on the ground in British Columbia to advance science on wildlife movement, establish relationships with implementing agencies and grow public support for investment in wildlife transportation mitigation measures. In light of these changes and progress, the amendment for the BC portion of Highway 3 was undertaken.

Slocan River Streamkeepers
Gap Analysis report published
In October, the Slocan River Streamkeepers published their Slocan River Streamkeepers’ Gap Analysis. The gap analysis informs and provides recommendations on ecosystem-based management strategies to maintain the ecological and hydrological integrity of the watershed.

Trail Wildlife Association
Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area update
The Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area, located seven kilometres south of Trail, BC is home to as many as 29 rare species of wildlife. A signed agreement between The Land Conservancy of British Columbia, Teck Metals Ltd., the Trail Wildlife Association, and the Province will continue to guide the management of this site. Recent stewardship initiatives now focus on identifying and enhancing the ecological and cultural values at Fort Shepherd.

Wildlife Conservation Society Canada
The Long Shot: Saving Western Bats
A documentary about WCS Canada's work to save western bats. WCS Canada have partnered with researchers from Thompson Rivers University to test a new probiotic treatment to protect bats from white-nose syndrome - touted as the most catastrophic wildlife disease to ever hit North America.
BC Hydro "Community Grant" workshops
Sparwood, January 15 / Kimberley, January 22
BC Hydro is hosting a couple of "Community Grant" workshops in the Columbia Basin this January. Representatives from non-profit organizations and community groups in the East Kootenay are invited to attend. Both workshops will run from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. To attend a workshop, please RSVP to Sally MacDonald at sally.macdonald@bchdyro.com or 250-489-6841. The 2020 intake period for the BC Hydro Grants for Community Groups is February 3 to March 31. See Funding Opportunities below for more information.

Wild and Scenic Film Festival 
February 1, Creston
Join the Creston Valley Branch of Wildsight for the 5th annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival, an evening of outdoor adventure, at the Prince Charles Secondary School Auditorium. The film festival starts at 7 p.m. and will show 10 films of varying lengths. The evening will include two short films by local artists and eight tables of local outdoor education and activities.

Occupancy Modelling
February 11-13, Revelstoke
The presence or absence of a species in a set of units (polygons, landscape units, territories, etc.) is a fundamental concept in many ecological studies (e.g. resource selection modelling, biodiversity, range). This Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology workshop covers methods for modelling species occurrence while accounting for potential false negatives. Alternate dates have been selected in case of poor winter conditions on roads.

Introduction to Wildlife Bioacoustics
March 3-5, Revelstoke
The main goal of this Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology course is to provide attendees with hands-on knowledge of available technology, techniques, and assessment capabilities so they can confidently make decisions on when and how to implement bioacoustical surveys for vocal terrestrial species (birds, anurans, and mammals including bats). There is no field component, however, there will be plenty of opportunity to get hands-on with devices and software.

19th Annual Crown Managers Partnership Forum
March 10-12, Cranbrook (submit poster abstracts by March 2)
The Crown Managers Partnership is a multi-jurisdictional partnership amongst federal, state, provincial, tribal and First Nation agency managers and universities in Montana, Alberta and British Columbia. The Crown of the Continent ecosystem is one of North America's most ecologically diverse and jurisdictionally fragmented landscapes. The theme of the 2020 Forum is "Fire in the Crown of the Continent: Trans-boundary Collaborative Solutions to Landscape Scale Ecosystem Management". The forum will take place at St. Eugene Resort in Cranbrook.

Environmental Education Leadership Clinic
April 24-26, Nipika Mountain Resort, Kootenay National Park
The 2020 Leadership Clinic is an opportunity for EEPSA Local Chapters to come together to share, plan and collaborate. It will provide time and opportunities to do so in a beautiful setting, while also providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and rejuvenation. Must be a CBEEN member to participate. Registration is through EEPSA Local Chapters.

Scaling Up Camera Trap Surveys to Inform Regional Wildlife Conservation
May 5-6, Kimberley
This two-day Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology conference will address key questions in the development and application of camera trap methods. By showcasing established and emerging case studies, the conference will be a forum for sharing lessons on fundamental topics such as sampling design, data management and analysis, and multi-project collaboration. 

Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network – Save the Date!
May 6-9, West Kootenays (location TBA)
Learning Retreat: Art of Hosting Meaningful Conversations and Participatory Leadership
The Art of Hosting is an approach to leadership that scales up from the personal to the systemic using personal practice, dialogue, facilitation and the co-creation of innovation to address complex challenges. Registration will open soon.

KCP Fall Gathering & AGM – Save the Date!
September 25-26, TBA (West Kootenay)
The KCP Fall Gathering & AGM serves as one of the primary vehicles to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region. The Fall Gathering is a wonderful opportunity to learn about conservation projects in the Kootenays, share knowledge and information, and network with other organizations in the Kootenays. All KCP Partners and members of the public are invited to this free event.

Columbia Basin Symposia – Save the Date!
October 2-4, Trail / October 23-25, Golden
Every three years, Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) offers this free opportunity for the people of the Basin to get together, connect with each other and the Trust, work toward solutions to common issues and celebrate collective accomplishments and CBT’s 25th anniversary. In 2020 CBT will be offering two symposia in two locations. That way, more people can take part. The agendas will be identical, so save the date to attend only one. Anyone who lives in Columbia Basin Trust region is welcome to attend one of the symposia. And if you won’t be able to come in person, plan to participate online. More details to come. Registration opens Spring 2020. Be one of the first to register and learn about speakers and agenda highlights by subscribing to receive email updates about the Symposia.
Vancouver Foundation Systems Change Grants - Test & Scale Grants
Deadline: January 27
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.Test grants are multi-year grants to help project teams test their influence on systems and to learn what leads to change. Scale grants are multi-year grants to help project teams extend the influence of an existing systems change project to a different scale within the system. January 27 is the deadline to complete the Stage 1 online application process.

RBC Tech for Nature
Deadline: February 3
The RBC Foundation works with partners to leverage technology and innovation capabilities to solve pressing environmental challenges. RBC Tech for Nature funding is supporting technology-driven programs in three key areas: Data, Innovation Ecosystem, Behaviour Change. RBC Foundation is now accepting applications until February 3, 2020.

Brink McLean Grassland Conservation Fund
Deadline: February 14
The objective of the Brink/McLean Grassland Conservation Fund is to promote research, habitat restoration and other stewardship activities that will assist in the management of the land, plants and animals of BC’s native grasslands. All applications must be received on or before February 14, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.

BC Hydro Grants for Community Groups
Deadline: March 31
For the 2020 grant cycle, BC Hydro is offering two types of grants to support non-profit organizations and registered charities that are making a difference in their communities. The next annual intake for applications opens February 3, 2020 and will run until March 31, 2020.

Vancouver Foundation Systems Change Grants - Develop Grants
Deadline: Ongoing
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. Short-term grants (Develop grants) are a one-time application that can be submitted any time throughout the year; decisions are made the following month. 

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
Wildsight Kimberley-Cranbrook
Sustainability Coordinator
The Wildsight Kimberley/Cranbrook branch is currently seeking a dynamic and organized individual for the position of Sustainability Coordinator. The Sustainability Coordinator is responsible for the successful operation of the Kimberley Farmers’ Market as well as the Apple Capture Project. This position encourages creativity in identifying and building new projects based on sustainability needs within the community. This is a part-time permanent contract position, based from a home office and/or situated in Wildsight’s 1650 Warren office space in Kimberley. Applications will be closed when the suitable candidate is found.

Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Interim Wild Voices Program Manager
CBEEN is looking for an interim Wild Voices Program Manager to cover a maternity and parental leave. This is anticipated to be 1 year in length. The ideal candidate will be an excellent administrator who is highly organized and computer savvy, has great communication skills, and has experience as an educator. The deadline to apply is January 12, 2020 and CBEEN would like to have someone in place by mid-February. 

Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Wild Voices for Kids program looking for Community Educators
Are you a forester or geographer? A biologist, climate scientist, or mountain guide? A historian or holder of traditional knowledge? Do you have some unique knowledge, skill, or expertise you can share with students? Wild Voices supports individuals who have specific knowledge or expertise connected to the local environment that can be shared with students in the Columbia Basin region of British Columbia. Wild Voices is seeking community educators in the Golden area, as well as the Nakusp/Burton/New Denver area, though interest from community educators throughout the Columbia Basin is welcome. If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact Mia King at wildvoices@cbeen.org. The next Community Educator application intake deadline will be January 15, 2020.

East Kootenay Invasive Species Council
Interim Field Operations Manager
The East Kootenay Invasive Species Council (EKISC) is looking for an interim Field Operations Manager to cover a parental leave. The Field Operations Manager will play a key role in overseeing EKISC’s Field Operations program, with a focus on work plan development, contract management, treatment monitoring, data management, and delegation of duties to EKISC staff and sub-contractors. This is anticipated to be 14.5 months in length. The deadline to apply is January 19.

BC Parks
Senior Park Ranger - Seasonal
BC Parks is looking for qualified individuals to work as seasonal Senior Park Rangers in provincial parks throughout the province. Positions will include frontcountry, backcountry or marine parks. A season can last from 5 - 7 months. This competition will create an inventory of pre-screened candidates for seasonal vacancies These are auxiliary opportunities until March 31, 2021 in various locations, which may include Cranbrook and Nelson. The deadline to apply is January 19.

BC Parks
Park Ranger - Seasonal
BC Parks is looking for qualified individuals to work as seasonal Park Rangers in provincial parks throughout the province. Positions will include frontcountry, backcountry or marine parks. A season can last from 3 - 5 months. This competition will create an inventory of pre-screened candidates for seasonal vacancies. These are auxiliary opportunities until March 31, 2021 in various locations, which may include Cranbrook and Nelson. The posting closes January 19.

Ktunaxa Nation
Request for Proposals – Expertise in water treatment technologies
The Ktunaxa Nation Council is seeking qualified experts in geochemistry and/or water treatment to provide technical review on water treatment technologies required as a result of coal mining in the Elk Valley (Qukin ʔamaʔkis), located in the homeland of the Ktunaxa Nation (ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa). The Ktunaxa Nation Council recognizes that a single proponent may not be an expert in all water treatment technologies and/or regulatory permitting requirements, and encourage proponents from various specialities to apply. Proposals must be submitted no later than the end of day January 24.

Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area
Wildlife Technician
CVWMA is looking for a driven and passionate Wildlife Technician to conduct wildlife monitoring and surveys for a variety of wildlife species. This position will offer the successful candidate the chance to apply and grow his or her knowledge and skills directly in the field. This is a seasonal position from March 9 to Dec 18, 2020. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 31 by 4:30 p.m. MST.

Wildsight Golden
Seeking volunteers for the Golden Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Project  
The Golden Rocky Mountain Bighorn herd has reduced in size since 2016 and Wildsight Golden has begun the Golden Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Project in hopes of helping this herd of sheep survive. They are asking for help looking for dead or alive sightings of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep along Highways 95 between Radium and Golden and along Highway 1 east of Golden to the ten mile bridge. With the widening of Highway 1, these animals could face additional stressors and decline in number. Reporting of bighorn sheep and other   wildlife   takes place using the free   MAPS.ME app .
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Updated Climate Change Education Resources
CBEEN has compiled an online library of climate change resources on its website. This is a one-stop shop that provides access to easy-to-use, localized and credible climate change resources and information for the Columbia Basin.

Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society
7th Annual Kootenay Lake Summit notes now available
The theme of this year’s FKLSS Summit was "Climate Change Impacts on Kootenay Lake" and featured presentations from climate scientists, conservation ecologists, wildfire specialists, local non-profits, and youth climate leaders. Detailed notes on the presentations at the 2019 Kootenay Lake Summit are available online.

Association of State Wetland Managers
ASWM-NRCS Wetland Training Webinar Series - 2 more webinars left 
This webinar series has been designed to provide participants with a general level of knowledge about wetlands and wetland restoration options and considerations. Participants will come away from trainings with key knowledge, the ability to be more conversant about wetland issues, knowing what questions to ask when looking at restoration opportunities, and knowing when to contact or bring in an expert.

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.