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Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews
KCP kicked off July with another presentation on the
Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF), this time at the Regional District of East Kootenay Area F Town Hall meeting in Windermere, where
CVLCF Technical Review Committee Chair Cam Gillies was honoured with the Volunteer of the Year award for Area F for his dedicated community service. It was then only natural to feature Cam in this month's Faces & Places - see below.
For August, we're excited to announce that an online promotional package for KCP's new
Stewardship Solutions
toolkit of resources and services to assist landowners
is now available on our website - see below for more details; and we are seeking nominations for the annual KCP Conservation Leadership Awards. Details for this are also below in the KCP News section.
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Stewardship Solutions
Online Promotional Package now available online
KCP Partners, community organizations, interested individuals, l
ocal governments, Chambers of Commerce and more who want to help promote and distribute the Stewardship Solutions Online Toolkit and accompanying printed ha
ndouts are encouraged to take advantage of our handy online promotional package, which includes easy-to-use content that can be copied and pasted into newsletters, websites and social media posts.
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.
KCP Conservation Leadership Award
Nomination Deadline: September 9, 2018
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their conservation work in the Kootenays? The annual KCP Conservation Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and dedication to conservation in our region. Nominees must be affiliated with a KCP partner organization (
click here for our partner list ) and they must show a demonstrated commitment toward the
KCP vision. We welcome your nominations before September 9. See attached nomination form. Award winners will be announced at the KCP Fall Gathering on October 4/5.
2019 KCP Fall Gathering - Save the Date!
October 4-5, Invermere
Did you have a fun, enlightening time at the 2018 Fall Gathering - or wish you did because you missed it? Mark your calendar for the 2019 event, which will be taking place in Invermere in the 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, complete with a guest speakers series, field tour, catered meals and more at no cost to attendees.
Visit the Fall Gathering page for event details as they become avaiable.
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Faces & Places Monthly Feature
Cam Gillies
Cam Gillies is the Vice President of the Wildsight Invermere branch, long-standing Chair of the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund Technical Review Committee, and a renowned ornithologist living in Windermere. In July, he was awarded the Area F Volunteer of the Year award by the Regional District of East Kootenay for his dedicated community work.
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Nature Trust of BC
Columbia River Wetlands-Edgewater property acquired
The Nature Trust of BC has announced the protection of the Columbia River Wetlands - Edgewater property in the East Kootenay. Located near the community of Edgewater in the Columbia Valley, these conservation lands cover 423 acres (171.5 hectares) and feature outstanding habitat and connectivity for Grizzly Bears and American Badgers. They also provide winter range for Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer and Moose. The Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund which KCP co-administers with the Regional District of East Kootenay was one of the key supporters of this project.
Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program
Updated draft Action Plans ready for final public review
In 2018, the FWCP's Columbia Region initiated a process to update its ecosystem-based Action Plans and species of interest Action Plan. The Action Plans guide decision-making and project funding decisions. Updated draft Action Plans for the Columbia Region are available for final public review until Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 5 p.m. PDT. Please use the
online feedback form to share your comments.
B.C. Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
Huckleberry harvesting restricted to protect grizzly habitat
The provincial government announced on July 12 that it was restricting commercial-scale huckleberry harvesting to protect grizzly bear habitat in the Kootenays, including areas around Fernie, Cranbrook and Creston.
Kootenay Bank Swallow Survey
Report breeding colonies of bank swallows in your area
In November 2017, the federal government published an Order to list Bank Swallow as threatened under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act. The Kootenay Bank Swallow Survey will give us a better picture of current status and allow comparisons with historical data. To report breeding colonies of bank swallows in your area, use the 2019 data sheet, which is available on the
KCP Stewardship Solutions website, along with the most recent Kootenay Bank Swallow Survey newsletter.
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development - Kootenay Boundary Region
Rescue performed on Ram
Kaitlin Hancock, a Habitat and Wildlife Co-op Technician Summer Student with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development in Cranbrook, submitted the following feel-good story about a successful wildlife mission that involved removing a piece of piping from a Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep ram's leg.
Guardian Watch Program
New partnership aims to protect reservoirs
The Guardian Watch Program is a partnership between local First Nations communities, BC Hydro, and the BC government to raise awareness about cultural heritage and ecological values on BC Hydro reservoirs. The Guardian Watch will be patrolling BC Hydro reservoirs in order to educate reservoir users and to report violations to the BC Compliance and Enforcement Branch.
If you see violations in a reservoir please observe and report to the RAPP hotline or call your local Compliance and Enforcement Branch directly. The Guardian Watch would be happy to submit a report anonymously on your behalf as well.
Grasslands Council of BC
Seeking submissions; welcomes new directors
The GCC is aiming to improve its outreach and communication about why the grasslands are such an important ecosystem and how they can be kept safe. Please consider submitting your photos, articles, or ideas for articles
here. The GCC has also welcomed new directors to their Board who bring a wealth of knowledge and have re-established regional representation from the Cariboo and the Kootenays. At the recent AGM, Greg Anderson, Eleanor Bassett, Bob Gray, and Mandy Ross were elected as Directors for a 2-year term.
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Flood Remediation and Landscape Level Planning
August 9, Grand Forks
The Kootenay Boundary Branch of the BC Institute of Agrologists is proud to host a presentation and field tour discussing the 2018 Grand Forks flood. Join Donna Dean, P.Ag, RDKB Manager of Planning and Development, as she gives an overview of the impacts to the landscape, infrastructure, and community resulting from last year's flood. Field site visits will highlight a variety of post-flood remediation efforts as well as discuss the emergency response and recovery from both a Professional Agrologist and Professional Planner's perspective.
Columbia River Field School
August 15-28, Columbia River
This summer, 16 inspiring Columbia Basin youth will take up paddles and navigate the complex social, economic and natural history of the might Columbia River. Traveling by canoe through key sections of the river, participants will learn from local expert voices as varied as the river itself. Participants will gain important canoe and camping skills, will earn certifications from the Recreational Canoe Association of BC and will be inspired to engage and help shape the future of the Columbia River.
Click here for more information.
The 6th International Columbia River Transboundary Conference
September 12-14, Kimberley
Online registration is open for the Columbia Basin Transboundary Conference: One River, One Future, an international conference addressing key issues related to the future of the Columbia River, its ecosystem, management, and international implications. Join Columbia Basin Trust and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council from September 12 to 14, 2019 in Kimberley, B.C. to connect and collaborate on the future of the Columbia River.
2019 Inquiring Voices Environmental Education Gathering
September 20-22, Whatshan Lake Retreat (near Nakusp, West Kootenay)
CBEEN's 2019 Inquiring Voices Environmental Education Gathering will take place at Whatshan Lake Retreat near Edgewood (south of Nakusp) from September 20-22, 2019. The goal of this annual event is to bring together educators to form a rich learning community meet to share, 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.
9th Annual Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent
September 24-26, Montana
A portion of the Kootenays is part of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem.
Explore the theme "Connecting Land and Culture" with sessions focused on: Tourism and Economic Development, Holistic Health of Human and Natural Systems, Natural Resource Use and Misuse, Landscape Connectivity, Tribal Management Issues and Crown Managers Partnership Activities.
2019 KCP Fall Gathering
October 4-5, Invermere
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.
CMI Annual Researchers' Forum
October 18, Golden
Every year CMI (Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology) members get together to provide updates on their projects (research, field trials, new initiatives in southeastern British Columbia, research techniques, etc.) and catch up on each other's news. It's an informal atmosphere and all are welcome to join us! If you would like to make a 15-20 minute presentation or want to bring a poster or display about your project or new initiative, send your abstract to the CMI office.
Submission Guidelines can be found here.
If you are willing to lead a field trip in the Golden area, please send a short description and note how many people you can accommodate - use our submission guidelines for "
Offering a field trip
" to assist you. Participants will need to provide their own transportation, and car-pooling will be encouraged. Call for Presentations and Field Trips closes September 18, 2019
Fire in the Crown of the Continent - Save the Date!
March 10-12, 2020, Cranbrook
The Crown of the Continent ecosystem (Crown) spans 72,000 km2 (almost 18 million acres) along the shared Rocky Mountain region of Montana, British Columbia and Alberta. Internationally recognized for its biodiversity, the Crown is one of North America's most ecologically diverse and jurisdictionally fragmented landscapes. Fire in the Crown of the Continent will take place at St. Eugene Resort in Cranbrook March 10-12, 2020. More details to come.
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Community Gaming Environment Grants
Deadline: August 31
Community Gaming Grants support eligible not-for-profit organizations that deliver community programs that benefit the citizens of British Columbia. The Environment grant program supports community-based environmental programs that benefit the citizens of British Columbia.
Applications are accepted July 1 to August 31 with final notification by November 30.
MEC Community Grants
Deadline: September 4
Through grants of up to $20,000 MEC supports organizations that can demonstrate their commitment to teaching responsible outdoor recreation practices and environmental stewardship. 2019 fall grants are accepted July 1 to September 4. Applicants are notified mid-November.
Columbia Basin Trust Environment Grants
Deadline: November 12
If you have an idea that will strengthen environmental well-being, this program could help support it.
If your project requires more than $5,000, the Environment Grants intake is now open and will close November 12, 2019.
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 and decisions are made the following month.
Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program
Deadline: Ongoing
Delivered for the Columbia Basin Trust 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.
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.
Columbia Basin Trust Career Internship Program
Deadline: First-come, first-served basis
CBT's Career Internship Program provides wage funding for employers to hire college and university graduates in permanent, career-focused positions. Eligible employers are businesses, registered non-profits, municipalities, regional districts and Indigenous organizations within the Columbia Basin Trust region that have a demonstrated fiscal and organizational need for an intern and wage funding. The funding is up to 50 per cent of the new employee's wage over the first seven to 12 months, to a maximum of $25,000. The intern position must include a training plan that provides structured learning to the new employee and transitions to full-time, permanent employment at the end of the internship.
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Salmo Watershed Streamkeepers Society
Program Coordinator (F/T)
The Salmo Watershed Streamkeepers Society (www.streamkeepers.bc.ca) seeks a fulltime Coordinator. The Coordinator of the SWSS builds upon and expands the organization's local and regional impact; contributing to the understanding and stewardship of the Salmo River Watershed within the Columbia Basin. They are passionate about environmental issues and ecosystem health and possess scientific and business acumen, working to ensure the organization is a true partner to community, First Nations, government, education, industry, corporations, and individuals in the region. The Coordinator will work in collaboration with the SWSS dedicated team; providing and receiving support to further SWSS Projects. The deadline for receiving applications is August 16, 2019.
Wildsight Golden
Seeking volunteers to help with 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.
Goldeneye Ecological Services
Volunteers Wanted to Assist with Marsh Bird Surveys
An opportunity to experience little visited parts of the Columbia Wetlands and hear/see secretive marsh species. No bird experience necessary, but volunteers should be proficient with use of small watercraft and be available for 6-8 hours during an early morning.
East Kootenay Invasive Species Council
Pesticide Applicator Job Opportunities
EKISC aims to increase the number of experienced, licensed Pesticide Applicators in the East Kootenay 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.
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Tools for Conservation in the Kootenays - A Local Government Approach
A presentation by Deborah Curran, Associate Professor / Executive Director of the Environmental Law Centre, University of Victoria
Delivered at the KCP Local Government Forum in Creston, BC on March 13, 2019.
Curran presents a broad package approaches and bylaws for local governments to address conservation measures. Her presentation focuses on five areas for how to integrate ecological health which includes: 1) designing biodiversity corridors; 2) containing the urban footprint (growth boundaries); 3) enhancing green infrastructure; 4) clustering development; and 5) permanently protecting important areas.
Stewardship Solutions Online Toolkit
For Landowners and Land Managers in the Kootenays
The KCP team has developed a fantastic resource for landowners and land managers in the Kootenay region featuring conservation groups engaged in landowner outreach in their respective regions. Find your "Conservation Neighbourhood" based on your location to access all the private land stewardship services available in your area. The toolkit is accessible online as an engaging and interactive website, or comes in the form of full-colour handouts that can also be downloaded from the website. The goal of this tool is to support organizations that do landowner outreach for conservation to showcase other organizations and services available in their region. This resource leverages the outreach work of partner organizations. Email
stewardship@kootenayconservation.ca if you would like print copies of the Stewardship Solutions for your region.
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Publication of proposed amendments to the Wildlife Area Regulations and comment period
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has published the proposed amendments to the Wildlife Area Regulations (modernization), and they are now available for public review and comment. All comments received will be carefully considered by Environment and Climate Change Canada before the final Wildlife Area Regulations are developed. It is anticipated that the final regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in the winter of 2020. The proposed amendments to the Wildlife Area Regulations, along with a description of the changes, can be found in the June 1, 2019 edition of the Canada Gazette, Part I.
Review article in the Journal of Biological Conservation (Volume 237, September 2019, Pages 191-199)
The Emergence of Private Land Conservation in Scientific Literature: A Review
Private land conservation is an important means for achieving global conservation targets. Researchers assessed peer-reviewed literature focusing on private land conservation to summarize past scientific evidence and to identify research trends and gaps to direct future research.
Association of State Wetland Managers
New white paper on wetlands and watershed health published
The Association of State Wetland Managers (ASWM) is excited to share their newest white paper,
Healthy Wetlands, Healthy Watersheds: Leveraging State Wetland Restoration Protection Programs to Improve Watershed Health.
Nature-based approaches for water quality, hazard mitigation, climate change, biodiversity, economic growth, agricultural productivity and other issues have received a significant amount of interest and support in recent years. However, few studies have been performed to analyze how these approaches have been implemented, what the barriers to success may have been, and what kinds of lessons learned can be shared for others interested in pursuing a nature-based approach. This white paper captures and provides in-depth analyses of eight state program integration case studies as well as nine on-the-ground watershed projects to identify what worked, what didn't work, what some of the barriers to success were, how those barriers were circumvented and lessons learned that can be shared.
Association of State Wetland Managers
ASWM-NRCS Wetland Training Webinar Series - 3 more webinars left (next one August 5)
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 Connect
Preliminary Report now available
Sponsored by KCP, Dr. Michael Proctor from the Trans-Border Grizzly Project and Marcy Mahr from EcoMosaic Consulting captured the concept of Kootenay Connect in the document "Kootenay Connect: Riparian Wildlife Corridors for Climate Change". This report outlines the concept of landscape connectivity in the Kootenays including biodiversity hot spots to focus on, provides a "proof of concept" for conservation actions to protect corridors, and outlines next steps moving forward.
KCP Local Government Forum
Access the presentations (video recordings & PDFs) online
The KCP Local Government Forum in Creston on March 13 brought almost 30 local government staff, elected officials and conservation group representatives together for a full-day workshop that showcased examples of voluntary and regulatory tools used in the Kootenays and elsewhere in B.C. to promote conservation in local government activities. The goal of this Forum was to identify specific tools/resources required by local governments of the Kootenays to integrate conservation principles into planning. Video recordings of all the speakers are now available on our website, as are PDFs of the slideshow presentations.
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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| If you have news or announcements that you would like to share via our eNews, please email them to communications@kootenayconservation.ca by the 25th of each month. |
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