Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews
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Trendy Tools
Monthly Stewardship Solutions Toolkit feature
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BC Wildlife Federation’s Wetland Education Program works to restore, enhance, and conserve wetlands across BC. They offer courses in communities to provide the knowledge and tools for participants to be wetland stewards in their own backyard.
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Highlights from the KCP Board Meeting on June 25, 2020
• Fall Gathering will be moving to a hybrid approach – online on Friday and aiming for smaller localized tours on Saturday. New date of October 2 and 3, 2020.
• BC Backcountry Hunters and Anglers has been approved as a KCP Partner.
• KCP is drafting a formal policy regarding organizations as partners (rather than individuals). This policy will be presented at the next AGM.
• KCP will be increasing communications about Local Conservation Funds and their benefits.
• An external KCP Program Review is being conducted. The Request for Proposals has been finalized and is being circulated.
• Discussion about highlighting status of Conservation Action Forum action items, including featuring actions in e-news, hosting a webinar for updates on CAF items, and other increased communications.
KCP Partner organizations are welcome to participate in a KCP Board meeting.
Our next meeting date has not yet been identified. Please contact us if you are interested!
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KCP seeking consultant for external Program Review
See full RFP for details
The Kootenay Conservation Program is seeking a qualified consultant to undertake an external program review. The objectives of the review are to ascertain program strengths, challenges and successes, evaluate current KCP activities/actions against existing strategic priorities, and define measurable outcomes (metrics) for tracking and assessing progress against strategic priorities. Proposals are due on August 4, 2020.
KCP Virtual Spring Tour
PDFs of presentations available online, webinar recording pending
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: North Kootenay Lake Water Monitoring Program with Greg Utzig (Kootenay Centre for Forestry Alternatives), Beavers along the Lardeau and Duncan River Floodplains with Brenda Herbison (BC Conservation Foundation), Knotweed removal on private lands with Erin Bates (Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society), Luxor Linkage Resilience and Forest Restoration Project with Kate Mackenzie (Nature Conservancy of Canada), and Columbia Lake Ecosystem Monitoring & Education with Nancy Wilson (Columbia Lake Stewardship Society). Due to a technical issue, the webinar recording is not yet available but as soon as it is, it will be added to the link below.
Kootenay Connect: Ecological Corridors in the Kootenays
Webinar recording available
In this special edition KCP webinar co-hosted with the BC Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Dr. Michael Proctor with the Trans-border Grizzly Bear Project presented on Kootenay Connect, the regional conservation initiative designed to enhance, restore, recognize, and establish landscape level Ecological Corridors focused on riparian-wetland complexes and the wildlife that use them. The project is bringing together local and government biologists, regional planners, First Nations, private landowners, community stewardship groups and more to apply scientifically-driven community conservation work.
Stewardship Solutions: A Landowner Tool for Realtors
Recording clip from Kootenay Lake Partnership webinar
On April 30, KCP Program Manager Juliet Craig presented on the
Stewardship Solutions Toolkit
as part of a webinar hosted by the Kootenay Lake Partnership for the Kootenay Association of Realtors that introduced a series of tools to help homeowners find relevant information on their properties and shorelines.
2020 KCP Fall Gathering: New Date & New Format!
October 2-3, Day 1 - Online | Day 2 - localized tours at sites across the Kootenays
For 2020, the KCP Fall Gathering & AGM will be moving to a “hybrid” approach with a Virtual Conference on Day 1 and localized tours at several sites across the Kootenays on Day 2. Through this hybrid approach, we’re excited to continue the KCP Fall Gathering tradition of offering professional development, knowledge sharing and networking, and we hope that cost savings through reduced travel costs will encourage participation in both the virtual and localized gatherings. Planning has begun and details will be shared as they become available. In the meantime, save the new date: October 2-3!
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CBC Documentaries
Summit Lake Western toads featured in CBC film
A beautifully filmed CBC documentary featuring Western Toad migration in B.C. and its challenges offers an intimate look at populations of toads at various places, including Summit Lake (located between New Denver and Nakusp beside Highway 6) which is one of the most significant breeding sites for Western Toads in the province. Several local Kootenay conservationists and wildlife biologist Jakob Dulisse are featured in this important film.
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Kootenay River Ranch Conservation Area expands
The Nature Conservancy of Canada's Kootenay River Ranch Conservation Area just got bigger, enhancing existing conservation efforts in the Rocky Mountain Trench, south of Canal Flats in the East Kootenay. Encompassing 260 hectares (637 acres) of prime grassland and open forest habitat, these lands feature native bunchgrass savannah with areas of ponderosa pine, larch and Douglas-fir forest, and even a small wetland. Badgers, bears, elk, deer and many species of birds are just some of the wildlife that rely on these wild lands for their survival. The valley-bottom habitat also supports several species at risk.
Canadian Columbia Basin Glacier and Snow Research Network
Columbia Basin Glacier Research Now Available
After a five-year study, the Canadian Columbia Basin Glacier and Snow Research Network is releasing the Glaciers in the Canadian Columbia Basin Technical Report. From 2014 to 2019, the Network — a partnership of universities, industry and government — monitored six glaciers through field study, automated monitoring stations and LIDAR to advance the understanding of the Canadian Columbia Basin’s snow and glaciers (also known as the cryosphere), as well as their downstream contributions to water resources and ecosystems. The Columbia Basin Trust supported the efforts of the Network by providing coordinator capacity and funding, and is pleased to be sending the final report on the Network’s behalf.
Living Lakes Canada
Columbia Basin Water Hub progress
Living Lakes Canada has recently produced a new information handout explaining the Columbia Basin Water Monitoring Collaborative and the associated Columbia Basin Water Hub, which is currently in the testing phase. As acting secretariat of the Monitoring Collaborative, Living Lakes Canada has hired a Columbia Basin Water Hub Database Manager.
Slocan Lake Stewardship Society
SLSS featured in SIFCo community documentary
Slocan Integral Forestry Coop (SIFCo) produced and funded this beautiful documentary, Conservation Through Science, Education and Advocacy. SIFCo’s goal is to participate in creating a healthy and vibrant local community built on respect for one another and respect for a healthy, fully functioning ecosystem; thus the Slocan Lake Stewardship Society (SLSS) was chosen for this first video in a series to promote remarkable work being done in the community. As an organization, SLSS stands out as knowledgeable and well organized in its focus on improving the health of the Slocan Lake watershed through science, education and advocacy. Enjoy this documentary and be inspired by the astounding beauty of the Slocan Lake Watershed and SLSS’s passion to ensure it stays this way for future generations.
Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute – Selkirk College
Human-Wildlife Conflict Indicator: trends and conditions
In 2019, a total of 63 bears were destroyed by Conservation Officers in the Columbia Basin-Boundary region, up from the 50 bears destroyed in 2018. The vast majority of these were black bears (88% in 2018 and 90% in 2019). Over the past decade, garbage has been the primary single attractant linked to the highest number of incidents resulting in destruction of a bear. Livestock/livestock feed and crops are other common attractants.
Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology
CREDtalks (Columbia Region Ecological Discussions)
The Columbia Region Ecological Discussions include speakers addressing a diversity of topics such as science communication, active ecological management, citizen science, research skills and techniques, and applied ecological research projects. Season 5 of CREDtalks series will kick off this fall and will be moving to a webinar format. Talks will be recorded and made available for later viewing. As always, these talks are available to anyone who may have interest at no cost. Speaker line-up and schedule coming soon.
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Six local environmental educators recognized
Each year the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network recognizes outstanding local educators from across the Columbia Basin region for their efforts in educating their students on environmental stewardship and sustainability. Six local educators have been awarded CBEEN’s 2020 Awards of Excellence in Environmental Education.
Salmo Watershed Streamkeepers Society
My Friend the River
My Friend the River is an artistic project that will connect participants with the Environment and guide them in expressing their thoughts and feelings around that theme. A series of online workshops (via Zoom) are offered to the public in July, starting July 2. Spaces are limited so participants must sign up in advance
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Webinar recording available: Discovering species that are uniquely Canadian
Over 300 species, subspecies and varieties of plants and animals are uniquely Canadian and found nowhere else on Earth. This webinar, titled “Ours to save, ours to lose: Discovering species that are uniquely Canadian”, shares results from a recent study by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and NatureServe Canada identifying wildlife that can only be found in Canada.
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
Webinar recording available: Reconnecting Grizzly Bears
On June 3, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative hosted the webinar “Reconnecting Grizzly Bears in the Trans-border Cabinet-Purcell Region: Past, Present, and Future” featuring researchers Michael Proctor with the Trans-border Grizzly Bear Project, and Wayne Kasworm with US Fish and Wildlife Service's Grizzly Bear Recovery Program. Watch their virtual presentation about grizzly bear connectivity in the trans-border Cabinet-Purcell region of British Columbia, Northwest Montana, and North Idaho.
Kootenay Lake Partnership
Webinar recording available: Property Information Toolkits for Homeowners
In this webinar designed for the Kootenay Association of Realtors, the Kootenay Lake Partnership introduces a series of tools for homeowners to find relevant information on their properties and shorelines. The following presentations are featured: An introduction to the Shoreline Guidance Document (Kootenay Lake Partnership and Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations Habitat Biologist), Preview of the new Regional District of Central Kootenay Web Map, Intro to Stewardship Solutions Toolkit (Kootenay Conservation Program), and Aquatic and riparian invasive species (Central Kootenay Invasives Species Society).
Miistakis Institute
Miistakis Monday Webinars
Every Monday, the Miistakis Institute has been offering free 1-hour lunch-time webinars on a variety of topics. They’ve been posting the slide decks and recordings of all their completed webinars. Past webi
nars include: Do We Need a Definition of Biodiversity Conservation?, Putting Beavers to Work for Watershed Resiliency, Biodiversity Offsets 101: Case Studies and Best Practices, and Private Land Conservation and the Pathway to Target 1.
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Planting for Pollinators, How to Create a Beautiful Bee Friendly Garden
July 8, Online
Whether you are looking to start a garden from scratch, supplement your existing gardens with bee friendly blooms, plant a wildflower meadow, replace your lawn with bee-friendly turf, or ‘re-wild’ your acreage, apiary or farm using native plants that attract pollinators, this webinar is for you. The webinar will also highlight the
PlantWise program
, an outreach initiative which educates gardening enthusiasts about horticulture’s most “unwanted” invasive plants in BC while providing a variety of non-invasive alternatives in order to prevent the spread of invasive plants into the environment. Only 100 spots available. Runs from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. PT.
CBT Environment Grants Information Session
July 8, Dial-In
If you have an idea that will strengthen environmental well-being, the Columbia Basin Trust Environment Grants program could help support it. To learn more, join CBT’s Environment Grants Information Session at 2 p.m. PT Attend this meeting by dialing: 1-855-950-3717, passcode 272595.
Creative Solutions in Our Time of Crisis – Community Discussion
July 8, Online
Promoted by CBEEN and facilitated by Green Teacher, this webinar is entirely dedicated to discussion. Each room will be dedicated to one “big question” facing educators during this tumultuous time. You’re welcome to stay in one room or switch among several. At the end of the discussions, each breakout room moderator will summarize their group’s findings so that everyone can leave with realistic solutions that can be readily applied.
Friends of Kootenay Lake’s CABIN Training Program
July 29-30, Kootenay Lake (West Arm)
Citizen Scientists will attend a 2-day workshop on the CABIN (Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Inventory Network) protocol, co-hosted by Living Lakes Canada. This program will offer an opportunity for passionate water stewardship advocates to develop the skills to monitor their watershed. This program will also assist Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society in obtaining valuable data on stream health on the West Arm.
Virtual Map our Marshes (1-day)
August 25, Online
The BC Wildlife Federation's Wetlands Education Program presents Map our Marshes, a free 1-day, virtual workshop, open to the public. Wetlands can filter water, mitigate flooding, and provide critical habitat to hundreds of species. Unfortunately, wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate and need our protection. Takes place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cranbrook Wetlandkeepers - Virtual Workshop
August 29-30, Online
The BC Wildlife Federation's Wetlandkeepers Course is a 2 Day workshop that educates participants about wetland conservation. The Cranbrook Wetlandskeepers will focus on wetland health and discuss wetland conservation and management on rangelands. Using Zoom and other online applications, the Wetlands Education Team will guide you through the workshop. Takes places Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and there is no charge to attend.
Art of Hosting Meaningful Conversations & Participatory Leadership Retreat
August 30 - September 2, Kootenay Lake (Yasodhara Ashram)
This leadership training opportunity is hosted as a partnership between CBEEN and Selkirk College. This is the first time this renowned training has been held in the Kootenays — the focus will be on climate change. This retreat at Yasodhara Ashram on Kootenay Lake will build your capacity for incorporating collaborative solutions, conflict resolution and collective wisdom building into your personal and organizational leadership practice with a focus on community action.
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., t
he 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
Promoted by CBEEN and hosted by Green Teacher, 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.
2020 KCP Fall Gathering: New Date & New Format!
October 2-3, Day 1 - Online | Day 2 - localized tours at sites across the Kootenays
For 2020, the KCP Fall Gathering & AGM will be moving to a “hybrid” approach with a Virtual Conference on Day 1 and localized tours at several sites across the Kootenays on Day 2. Through this hybrid approach, we’re excited to continue the KCP Fall Gathering tradition of offering professional development, knowledge sharing and networking, and we hope that cost savings through reduced travel costs will encourage participation in both the virtual and localized gatherings. Planning has begun and details will be shared as they become available. In the meantime, save the new date: October 2-3!
CMI Annual Researchers' Forum and Directors' Gathering — Save the Date!
October 23-24, TBD
Every year Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology (CMI) members get together to provide updates on their projects (research, field trials, new initiatives in southeastern British Columbia) and catch up on each other’s news. It’s an informal atmosphere and non-CMI members are welcome to join. More details coming.
Amphibian Inventory & Monitoring Techniques in Creston
April 13-14, 2021, Creston
This introductory course provides students with an opportunity to improve their amphibian species identification and handling skills, learn about survey design and standard inventory and monitoring techniques, and get hands-on experience surveying for amphibians in a variety of settings. Offered through Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology.
Scaling Up Camera Trap Surveys to Inform Regional Wildlife Conservation
May 18-20, 2021, Kimberley
This two-day Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology conference in Kimberley 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.
This event has been rescheduled (for the second time) to spring 2021!
Advanced Field Ornithology: Identification and Surveys by Sound and Recordings
May 31-June 3, 2021, Revelstoke
This course will combine field-experience listening to bird calls and songs during three mornings at the height of the breeding season, with hands-on recording practice to generate sound files. Each afternoon, the class will learn to edit and review their recordings using sound visualization software on their personal laptop computers. Offered through Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology.
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TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant
Deadline: July 15, 2020
The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) is a national charity that funds environmental projects across Canada. The Foundation supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary focus on environmental education and green space programs. Eligible projects include schoolyard greening, park revitalization, community gardens, park programming and citizen science initiatives. Applicants will be notified in October 2020.
Columbia Basin Trust Small Environment Grants
Deadlines: July 30, 2020 & 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 are July 30, 2020 and October 30, 2020 at 2 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. MT.
Community Gaming Environment Grants
Deadline: August 31, 2020
The Community Gaming Environment Grants program supports community-based environmental programs that benefit the citizens of British Columbia. Apply between July 1 and August 31 and receive notification by February 28, 2021.
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.
Vancouver Foundation Systems Change Grants
Deadline: Ongoing (for Develop grants)
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. The next granting cycle for multi-year grants (Test and Scale grants) opens September 2020.
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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Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
Fish Restoration Biologist, Nelson
This Fish Restoration Biologist position plans, conducts, co-ordinates, implements, delivers and evaluates lake and reservoir nutrient restoration programs and fisheries restoration programs on hydroelectric impacted lakes, reservoirs and ecosystems in the Kootenay Boundary region.
This is a temporary opportunity for approximately eleven months; this may be extended an additional six months.
Applications will be accepted until 11 p.m. PT on July 5.
South Okanagan-Similkameen Conservation Program (KCP's sister program)
Program Manager, Okanagan
The SOSCP is seeking a dynamic and skilled professional to lead and manage a unique partnership of diverse organizations working to advance biodiversity conservation goals.
Deadline to apply is noon PT on July 6.
Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors
Communications Coordinator, Kootenay Region
The Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors' team is seeking a part-time communication professional to develop and lead a communications strategy that will engage farmers and enhance information sharing in the agricultural community in the Kootenay and Boundary region. The ideal consultant will be based in the Kootenay Region and will have both knowledge and passion for the region’s agricultural sector. This contract will require a time commitment of roughly one day/week commencing on or about July 29, 2020 with an opportunity to renew based on performance and the renewal of KBFA funding.
Deadline to apply is on or before July 10, 2020.
Living Lakes Canada
Director of Fundraising and Operations, Columbia Basin Region
Living Lakes Canada is seeking a full-time Director of Fundraising and Operations to join their growing team who are all incredibly dedicated and passionate about all things water. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Fundraising and Operations will be responsible for managing and overseeing fundraising within the organization to ensure financial health. This position will also support the overall strategic and operational leadership of LLC. Preference will be given to candidates who are able to start on July 20 and who live in the Columbia Basin.
Deadline to apply is July 10, 2020.
Ktunaxa Nation
Aknusti Coordinator — Land & Resources Sector, Cranbrook
The vision of the ʔa·knusti Guardian Program is to have knowledgeable stewards out on the land to monitor resources and Ktunaxa interests. Guardians engage with Ktunaxa knowledge holders and citizens to celebrate Ktunaxa culture as it relates to stewardship. Guardians collect information that is used in stewardship decision making, share Ktunaxa covenants, and uphold the stewardship-related laws of the land.
Deadline to apply is July 13 at 4:30 p.m. MT.
Ktunaxa Nation
Aknusti Guardian — Land & Resources Sector, Cranbrook
While watching over the land, this position participates in forestry, biological, and environmental fieldwork within ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa. The position requires a willingness to undertake physical work at times, hike through forests, in wetlands, over rough and at times steep terrain, and may include some occasional night time work.
Deadline to apply is July 13 at 4:30 p.m. MT.
Ktunaxa Nation
GIS Analyst — Land & Resources Sector, Cranbrook
The Ktunaxa Nation is seeking a self-motivated individual with GIS skills and preferably a complementary skill set in another natural resource field such as forestry or earth sciences. This position operates within the objectives of conserving and restoring lands, fisheries/aquatic resources and ecosystems within ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa. It participates in the coordination, facilitation, and technical support of Ktunaxa Nation initiatives related to conservation and stewardship. Another objective is the mapping of significant sites and values that support Title and Rights.
Deadline to apply is July 13 at 4:30 p.m. MT.
Ktunaxa Nation
Strategic Initiatives Advisor — Land & Resources Sector, Cranbrook
The position is engaged in Lands Sector negotiations, consultations, and strategic initiatives with government and industry based on an annually approved work plan. The work plan may include hydro, tourism, forestry, mining, alternative energy, and inter-governmental initiatives that strive to bring about systemic change to the way that Ktunaxa and non-indigenous governments and industry make decisions regarding ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa.
Deadline to apply is July 17 at 4:30 p.m. MT.
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Wild Voices Community Educator, Columbia Basin-wide
Wild Voices for Kids is a program of the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network. It is a unique program in the Basin as it enables local specialists to develop programs connected to the local environment and tailored to their area of expertise and passion. Each educator brings their own unique knowledge of environment or natural history, adds their passion for education, and creates classroom or field-based programs that will both captivate students and satisfy the learning objectives of teachers. Wild Voices for Kids promotes presenters and their programs, and provides cash honoraria to community educators. Community Educator applications and program submissions are assessed for approval bi-annually by the Wild Voices Advisory Committee.
The Fall intake period closes annually on July 15.
Regional District of Central Kootenay
Recycling & Waste Educators, New Denver/Silverton, Balfour, Creston, Nelson, Nakusp
These positions will be a part of a new recycling and waste screening program in the RDCK.
Recycling & Waste Educators are responsible for screening recycling material or waste at a recycling facilities and sites to ensure only acceptable material is accepted, and to redirect unacceptable materials. Recycling & Waste Educators also maintain the cleanliness of sites and perform basic site maintenance.
Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.
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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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BC's Old Growth Forest: A Last Stand for Biodiversity
New report on the status old growth forests in British Columbia
Karen Price (PhD), Rachel Holt (PhD, RPBio) and Dave Daust (MSc, RPF) conducted these analyses to investigate the province’s claims about the state of old growth, and arrived at a more accurate and, unfortunately, alarming view. For example, of the 13.2 million hectares of “old-growth”, the vast majority (80%) consists of small trees, including bog forests and subalpine forests. In contrast, only about 400,000 hectares of remaining old forest supports large trees, covering less than 1% of BC’s forested land. The report includes urgent recommendations, and concludes current policy will make matters worse.
Partnership for Water Sustainability
New water conservation online tool now available
Developed by the Partnership for Water Sustainability, the BC Landscape Water Calculator is linked to a 500-metre gridded climate data set covering the entire province. The tool allows any property owner in BC to zoom in to their property and quantify their landscape water needs based on climate, soil, plant type and irrigation system.
Watch an online demo.
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
BC Wildfire Service launches official wildfire app
The official BC Wildfire Service mobile app is now available, providing real-time wildfire information and an interactive map that users can customize to display a variety of fire-related data. The app’s landing page is an interactive wildfire map and the app also offers a “Near Me” function. When users select the “Near Me” option, the app will only display information within a 50-kilometre radius of their current location, allowing them to more easily focus on wildfire activity within that area.
KCP 2019-2020 Annual Report
Available on our website
The 2019-20 year was another highly productive one for KCP. This year focused on Biodiversity Hotspots of the Kootenays and this theme was carried through all the events and initiatives that KCP delivered including the Fall Gathering, tours, webinars and forums. Receiving a federal Environment and Climate Change Canada Nature Fund grant to fund Kootenay Connect conservation and stewardship projects in four priority areas in the Kootenays over the next four years (Creston Valley, Columbia Wetlands, Wycliffe Corridor, and Bonanza Corridor); facilitating two ‘Conservation Action Forums’: one in the Elk Valley and one in the Creston Valley; and coordination of land securement amongst land trust organizations in the region with two major properties acquired through this collaborative approach.
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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