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Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews
Happy New Year! We hope you enjoyed a holiday and had time to reflect on 2017. It was a busy a productive year for KCP including the finalizatoin of strategic priorities, several land acquisition projects completed, spring tours in Columbia Valley and Meadow Creek, a fabulous Fall Gathering, conservation neighbourhood planning in Slocan Lake and Columbia Valley, a webinar series on "Toolbox for Private Land Conservation" and so much more. We are excited for another productive year ahead and look forward to supporting our Partners in their initiatives and projects that maintain and restore the rich biological and social heritage of this amazing region in the coming year.
We are sad to say goodbye to Marcy Mahr who has been with KCP on and off over the years. She stepped back in the role as Stewardship Coordinator while Adrienne Shaw was on maternity leave for the past year and a half. Marcy brought her breadth of knowledge, experience and expertise that has benefited KCP tremendously, and now she is off to enjoy the Nordic lifestyle of Norway for the rest of the winter. We are pleased to welcome back Adrienne Shaw in the role of Stewardship Coordinator and look forward to her insights, expertise, and knowledge in this role.
Please feel free to submit any photos, 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!
Please click
here
throughout the month to check in on current news and events. 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. You can also "like" us on
Facebook
to hear more news from partners throughout the month.
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KCP Winter Webinar Series
2017-2018 Theme: Grasslands to Wetlands: Connecting Diversity
KCP is pleased to bring back the Winter Webinar Series starting next month and ending in March. This four-part series will focus on the Fall Gathering theme of "Grasslands to Wetlands: Connecting Diversity" and will feature John Cathro, Albert Chirico, Deepa Filatow and David Poon, and Paul L. Hansen as presenters. See the Upcoming Events section below for details.
KCP Conservation Neighbourhood
Columbia Valley Conservation Action Forum Summary Report
Over 35 representatives from various organizations came together on December 6 at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce to identify and begin to take collaborative conservation actions that would benefit important species and habitats in the Columbia Valley. The "Conservation Neighbourhood" meeting was co-sponsored by the Kootenay Conservation Program and the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners, and included local ranchers, the Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club, the Lake Windermere and Columbia Lake stewardship societies, the Shuswap Band and Akisqnuk First Nation, ecosystem specialists and scientists, local provincial and federal government, and other conservation groups. Discussion centred on priority conservation actions in the region including such topics as maintaining wildlife corridors for east-west movements of grizzly bears, badgers, bighorn sheep and other mammals, maintaining wetland functions in drought conditions, restoring fish breeding and rearing habitat, reducing recreational pressures on wildlife and fish, and monitoring endangered birds and bats.
South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program.
NEW - Just Released:
Local Conservation Funds in British Columbia
The second edition of
Local Conservation Funds in British Columbia: A Guide for Local Governments and Community Organizations has been published! Print and electronic versions of the guide will be widely shared as more and more people in various regions of B.C. and beyond express interest in establishing conservation funds in their communities. The guide web page, hosted on the South Okanagan-Similkameen Conservation Program website, includes - in addition to the guide itself - links to KCP's two Local Conservation Funds. An Executive Summary PDF (2-pager) will soon be available to view and download.
2018 KCP Fall Gathering
Save the Date! October 12-13, 2018
Please join us in the West Kootenay on October 12-13, 2018 for the 2018 KCP Fall Gathering! Please "Save the Date" by marking it in your calendars. We will be announcing the location in the coming weeks.
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Faces & Places Monthly Feature
A former B.C. Conservation Officer, Rick Hoar is the president of the Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club, a very active organization in the East Kootenay that has a 99-year history of initiating and support conservation action both locally and further afield.
Click here to read about Rick's background and his role as club president.
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Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program - Kootenay-Boundary Region
Chance for Public Comments on Proposed Seasonal Road Closure
The Northern Leopard Frog Recovery Team (NLFRT) is concerned with road mortality rates of Northern Leopard Frogs at Duck Lake. The NLFRT has submitted a proposal for a legal regulation change under the Wildlife Act to institute a seasonal motorized use closure during the spring (March 15 - April 30) and fall (August 15 - October 15) migration periods for the Northern Leopard Frog. There is an opportunity for public comments through an online portal on the Ministry of Forest, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development website. The comment period closes on January 19th.
Wildsight Golden
Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey 2017 Results
In total, 50,820 individual birds were counted during the three bird counts held on September 29th, October 5th and October 15th as part of the Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Fall Survey. This includes data for at-risk bird species such as the Western Grebe, Horned Grebe and California Gull that are utilizing Columbia Wetlands habitat. In order to count and identify all of these birds, 87 volunteers went to 95 survey stations located throughout the Columbia Wetlands, from the south end of Columbia Lake northward to Donald. Wildsight Golden graciously acknowledges the financial support of the Columbia Basin Trust, Wildlife Habitat Canada, RDEK Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund, Province of BC Gaming Grant and the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund of Bird Studies Canada with funds raised through the annual Great Canadian Birdathon.
Living Lakes Canada
A Glance Back at the Water Data Hub Dialogue
On November 29 and 30, residents, guests and water experts gathered in Invermere, B.C. to discuss current water monitoring initiatives and water data storage hubs used in B.C., Canada and in the USA, and what the next steps are towards developing a collaborative water monitoring framework and data hub for the Columbia Basin. The event - A Water Data Hub Dialogue: Cracking the Code in 3D - focused on two days of learning, sharing, and creative brainstorming amongst scientists, government, industry, community groups, First Nations, and technology experts with the goal of moving toward integrating the region's water knowledge through freely accessed open source data and applied decision making. A full proceeding of the dialogue including speaker presentations, breakout session brainstorming, survey results and next steps will be available mid-January.
Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology
CRED Talks (Columbia Region Ecological Discussions)
There are three more CRED Talks coming up, ending March 31, 2018. The Columbia Region Ecological Discussions taking place at the Revelstoke Community Centre will include speakers addressing a diversity of topics such as science communication, active ecological management, citizen science, research skills and techniques and the influences that our natural environment has on art and culture. The talks are recorded and posted to the CRED Talks event page so anyone can listen in.
Click here for more information.
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Multi-Species Action Plan for Species at Risk - Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks
The final Multi-Species Action Plan, Mount Revelstoke National Park of Canada and Glacier National Park of Canada, has been posted to the Species at Risk Public Registry.
The action plan outlines measures that will be taken over the next five years to support protection and recovery of five species at risk - whitebark pine, woodland caribou, two species of bats, northern myotis and little brown myotis, and one bird, olive-sided flycatcher - that occur regularly in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. These five species are listed as endangered or threatened under Canada's Species at Risk Act.
Click here for the action plan.
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Changes to Species at Risk Act
Environment and Climate Change Canada has recently announced proposed changes to Schedule 1 listings under Canada's Species at Risk Act. It has been recommended to add wolverine and the western population of grizzly bear, both species found in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks, as Species of Special Concern. These and other proposed changes are open for a 30-day public comment period ending January 15.
Canadian Conservation Achievement Awards Program
Let's nationally recognize someone from the Kootenays who is doing amazing conservation work!
Who is making a difference in the conservation of our wildlife? Whose efforts are inspiring great strides in conservation education? Whose project will result in long-term conservation benefits to a community? Who is using an artistic platform to stir passions about wildlife conservation? Which youth have taken it upon themselves to do something profoundly impactful for wildlife? The Canadian Wildlife Federation is inviting nominations for their Canadian Conservation Achievement Awards Program. Chosen recipients of the 2018 Conservation Awards will receive an expenses paid trip to Regina, Sask. to attend the CWF Awards Banquet in June, 2018. Winners will also be professionally photographed and receive a full feature story in the July/August edition of both
Canadian Wildlife and
Biosphere magazines, available in Chapters stores across Canada. Entry deadline is
January 31, 2018.
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Preservation of Ecosystem Function in the Columbia Headwaters: Caribou, Wolverine and Climate Change Webinar
January 16 (online)
Yellowstone to Yukon presents the next presentation in the Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor (CPMC) Webinar Series. The Columbia Headwaters is located in the heart of the Canadian Columbia River drainage. This area is the northern part of the larger Y2Y focus area of the Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor, an important linkage area between the Salmon Selway Bitterroot Area and Canada's National Parks. There are several important focuses for conservation in this region. The area contains key parts of the habitat for the Endangered Mountain Caribou, Wolverine (Special Concern in Canada) and the Western Population of Grizzly Bear (Special Concern). Additionally, the area is projected to be an area where the interior wet belt, characterized by high snow falls, will continue to exist on the land base as climate change progresses. Unique ecosystem functions, including hydrological, may have the chance to be conserved and restored in this area if the threats from forestry, road building and mechanized recreational access are mitigated. Webinar starts at 11 a.m. PST/12 p.m. MST.
Call for Abstracts: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Managing Health of Fish and Wildlife
"Interdisciplinary Approaches to Managing Health of Fish and Wildlife" is a two-day conference taking place at the Kimberley Conference Centre May 1-2, 2018. This upcoming conference, hosted by the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology, will provide an opportunity for improved dialogue among experts; First Nations, veterinarians, academics, epidemiologists, wildlife biologists, stakeholders, managers, stewardship groups, and the public to ensure proactive conservation of wildlife populations. Presentations, posters and displays are welcomed and encouraged.
Film Screening: The Messenger
January 25, Golden
Wildsight Golden is screening an award-winning eco-documentary film called
The Messenger in Golden on Thursday, January 25 at 7 p.m. "An essential film for anyone who cares about the environment and nature, The Messenger explores mankind's deep-seated connection to songbirds and the devastating impact humans have had on bird species, from urbanization, climate change and pesticides."
Agency Use of Karelian Bear Dogs for Carnivore Conservation and Management
January 25 (online)
Presented by Rich Beausoleil, Bear & Cougar Specialist with the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife.Learn the fascinating role that Karelian Bear Dogs play in the conservation and management of carnivores. This free interactive webinar takes place 12 - 1 p.m. PST and includes an opportunity to ask questions.
Taste the Wild
January 27, Nelson
The Kootenay Native Plant Society is holding a gala evening with a tasting menu featuring camas and other wild foods, presentations celebrating camas restoration in the West Kootenay, and a silent auction. All proceeds will support the Camas Conservation Area in Millennium Park, Castlegar. KNPS is also looking for sponsors and donations for the silent auction. KNPS is also looking for event sponsors and silent auction donations.
Trends Analysis and Environmental Impact Assessment
February 7-9, Revelstoke
Instructor: Carl Schwarz Environmental impact assessments want to know if trends over time differ between control and impact sites. Statistical methods for the analysis of trends over time use many of the same methods as the analysis of experimental data (e.g. ANOVA, regression) but must now deal with problems such as autocorrelation and process error. This course can accommodate students using both R and JMP software. This course will run on a schedule that will allow students to take up local winter recreation opportunities in the morning and/or by staying in Revelstoke for the weekend following the course.
KCP Winter Webinar Series - Fire and Forests: What we need to know in the Kootenays
February 8 (online)
Join forester John Cathro on Thursday, February 8, 10am-11am PST/11am-noon MST to learn about the importance of fire in healthy forest ecosystems, and strategies to manage for fire on private properties in the Kootenays.
KCP Winter Webinar Series - Fish and Wildlife Mapping: Tools everyone should know about
February 29 (online)
Do you want to be able to access fish and wildlife data for your projects? Or create maps with fish and wildlife locations? Join Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy Fish and Wildlife Information Specialist Albert Chirico, R.P.Bio. on Wednesday, February 28, 10am-11am PST/11am-noon MST to learn about data standards and requirements for submitting fish and wildlife data, a demonstration of BC Government digital libraries (CLIR, EcoCat and SIWE) and spatial tools (Habitat Wizard, iMap), and a look into what the future holds.
Climate Change Education Workshop - CBEEN
March 3, Nelson
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) will work with local and regional partners to offer 1-day workshop for educators to learn more about climate change science in the Columbia Basin, and best practices for sharing this information with audiences of all ages. Registration will open soon.
KCP Winter Webinar Series - BC Soil Information Finder Tool: Because what's underground matters
March 8 (online)
Join Deepa Filatow and David Poon from the BC Government on Thursday, March 8, 10am-11am PST/11am-noon MST to learn more about the SIFT tool that can help identify restoration sites and opportunities. This webinar is relevant for many sectors including agriculture, restoration and natural resource management.
KCP Winter Webinar Series - Lentic and Lotic Riparian Assessment: A standardized approach
March 12 (online)
Did you miss the lentic and lotic workshop in the Kootenays last summer? Did you attend and would like a refresher? Join Dr. Paul Hansen on Monday, March 12, 10am-11am PST/11am-noon MST to learn about a set of tools for collecting standardized site inventories and for assessing functional health of riparian and wetland sites. Since 1988, Dr. Hansen and his team have worked with a large number of North American organizations in a collaborative effort to create standardized forms for lotic and lentic wetland assessment. Learn about each of the seven forms, which have corresponding user manuals with discussions on proper application and explicit itemized instructions for their use. The information from this work is used extensively in riparian and wetland mitigation throughout North America and in parts of Europe.
Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Spring Survey (CWWS)
April 3,10 & 16, Golden
The CWWS is a coordinated bird count that uses citizen scientists to gather baseline data with the goal of having the Columbia Wetlands designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). The 2018 spring waterbird surveys are set for April 3, 10 and 16 (8 a.m. - 11 a.m.). If you are keen to get involved in these surveys, please contact CWWS Program Biologist Rachel Darvill at
racheldarvill@gmail.com, or call 250-344-5530.
CVLCF 10-Year Community Celebration
April 10, Invermere
Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund. The first of its kind in Canada and a model for other regions in B.C., the CVLCF has supported valuable conservation initiatives since its inception. Don't miss this engaging evening to learn more about the CVLCF and its achievements in the past decade.
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Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Program (WTCP)
Deadline: January 31
The WTCP provides up to $50,000/year for research or restoration projects in the Waneta/Trail, B.C. area. Preference is given to projects that focus on species at risk, or mitigating impacts related to the construction of the Waneta Expansion Project.Applications will be accepted from non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, and individuals.
The Nature Trust of BC
Deadline: February 9
The Brink/McLean Grassland Conservation Fund application for 2018 is now available. This fund was established by The Nature Trust of BC in May 2001 and it honours two of Canada's most celebrated conservationists and past Board members (Dr. Bert Brink and Dr. Alastair McLean) who devoted much of their lives to conserving B.C.'s native grasslands. 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 9 at 4:30 p.m.
Columbia Basin Trust Environment Small Grant
Deadlines: February 28
Environment Small Grants funds projects that take place within the Columbia Basin Trust requesting up to $5,000 that will strengthen the environmental well-being and address one of the following four categories: Ecosystems, Climate, Water and Environmental Education.
Click here for more information about the Environment Small Grants and how to apply.
Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation Acquisition Grants
Deadline: March 31
HCTF accepts proposals for projects that acquire land or interests in land to secure the value of these areas for conservation of fish and wildlife habitats and populations. The deadline for submitting an HCTF Acquisition Proposal is March 31, 2018 at 4:30 PM PST.
Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation Public Conservation Assistance Fund
The Public Conservation Assistance Fund provides small grants to organizations and individuals who have a conservation project in mind but need financial help to make it happen. Projects must be of a conservation nature, with priority given to projects that focus on activities that maintain, conserve or restore native (indigenous) fish and wildlife species and their habitats. PCAF will fund eligible expenses up to $10,000 in any one year. The annual application deadline is May 16th at 4:30 PM PST.
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.
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UBC Biodiversity Research Integrative Teaching and Education (BRITE) Internship Program
Deadline: January 15
Does your organization have a project that could benefit from working with a UBC graduate student? If so, you can advertise an internship through the UBC Biodiversity Research Integrative Teaching and Education (BRITE) internship program, run by the Biodiversity Research Centre (BRC). BRITE is planning to contribute $6,000 for upto six internships, at a pay rate of $900/week. Funding from the partner organization is not necessary, but would certainly help, both lengthening the period of the internship and also increasing the chances of being sponsored under the BRITE program (if there are more than six good matches). Advertisements must be submitted by January 15 (earlier would be appreciated).
Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society
Volunteer Opportunities
If you want to get more involved in your community, and want an opportunity to learn more about science, fish or wildlife in and around Kootenay Lake, Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society are seeking volunteers for a host of positions in the following areas: Administrative (data entry); Outreach support (website, public events); Annual General Meeting; Water Quality Monitoring; Wildlife Tree Monitoring; and Swallow and Nest Box Building.
Email
info@friendsofkootenaylake.ca to sign up as a volunteer today!
East Kootenay Invasive Species Council
Contractors
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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.
KCP & Columbia Basin Watershed Network
Creating Sustainable Funding for Ecosystems and Watersheds Webinar Video
The first part of this webinar focuses on watersheds and opportunities for new partnerships that can bring new dollars to watershed protection. The second part of this webinar focuses on the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund, a tax-based fund for conservation that was the first of its kind in Canada. Speakers are Dr. Tara Lynne Clapp (Senior Manager for the Columbia Basin Watershed Network and Adjunct Professor, Great Plains IDEA Program, Iowa State University) and Juliet Craig (KCP Program Manager).
Click here for the the direct link to the YouTube video.
Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute
Climate Adaption Indicators Project: Piloting the SoCARB Suite in 2016 and Beyond
The purpose of this RDI-led project is to pilot, evaluate, refine, and support uptake of the State of Climate Adaptation and Resilience in the Basin (SoCARB) indicator suite. SoCARB was developed in 2014 as a result of a research partnership between Columbia Basin Trust's Communities Adapting to Climate Change Initiative and the RDI. It is a "made in the Basin-Boundary" approach to measuring progress in adapting to climate change.
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.
Click here to read more.
BEC (Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification) for the Kootenays
LMH#70 A Field Guide to Ecosystem Classification and Identification for SE British Columbia - Volume 1: South-Central Columbia Mountains
This field guide presents an updated and expanded site classification for the South-central area of the southern interior area, British Columbia.
Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC)
CEC unveils new website to foster Monarch Butterfly Conservation and Habitat Restoration
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) has launched a new website aimed at increasing participation in conservation efforts for North America's most iconic butterfly. Through the website, farmers, landowners and the general public can explore best management practices, incentive programs, and pilot projects intended to restore, enhance and manage monarch habitat in Canada, Mexico and the United States, so that they can apply them on the land they own or manage. The website allows users to: find specific tools to guide agricultural practices that help to maintain healthy monarch habitat; explore opportunities to receive financial support to create and/or preserve monarch habitat; learn from others who have applied monarch-friendly land management practices; and get involved in monarch conservation efforts.
Click here for the Monarch Conservation Toolbox website.
Stewardship Centre of BC
Stewardship Practices Guides
The Stewardship Centre of BC offers a diverse and comprehensive set of resources for the stewardship community of B.C., including four Stewardship Practices Guides on the following topics: Drainage Maintenance in Agricultural Waterways; Guidance for Restoration Activities in Riparian Areas; Riparian Areas in Settled Landscapes; and Reducing Domestic and Feral Cat Predation.
Species and Ecosystems at Risk Local Government Working Group
SEAR LGWG Symposium notes posted
The notes from the January 13 - February 1, 2017 Species and Ecosystems at Risk Local Government Working Group Symposium have just been posted online.
Click here and look under "workshops" for the February 2017 links.
Click here for a
Full Report (PDF, 22MB)
and here for a
Highlights Report (PDF, 4MB)
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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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