November 2014 eNews

 

Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund: Over the past month the KCP has been working very closely with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) to expand the Local Conservation Fund model to the Rural Areas around Kootenay Lake. Presentations have been made to a variety of groups and the KCP is hosting Information Sessions from October 27th through November 4th in advance of the referendum on November 15th. Click here for session dates or view them in the 'Symposium & Workshops' section below.

Professional Development Bursary Program: We are still accepting applications for our newly launched Professional Development Bursary Program. This program provides financial assistance to our partner organizations to allow their staff and volunteers to attend professional development activities. It is funded by the generous support of the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT). 
Click here to read more about the program and to apply.

Winter Webinar Series: KCP is very excited to announce that we are partnering with the Columbia Basin Watershed Network (CBWN) to host a Winter Webinar Series.
Webinar #1: Thursday, November 20: History of Salmon in the Basin and Challenges for Restoring Salmon to the Headwaters
Webinar #2: Thursday, December 11: Identifying and Investing in Resilient Landscapes
Webinar #3: Thursday, January 15: Freshwater Storytelling
Webinar #4: Thursday, February 12: Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) System
Webinar #5: Tuesday, March 10: Emerging Issues in Mountain Watershed Management

We hope you enjoy your monthly conservation update! You can click here at anytime during the month to check out current news and events on our blog.

As always, please submit any news you'd like to share with our network by the 26th of each month to duncan@kootenayconservation.ca.

Crystal Klym

Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee (CKIPC)

 

In 2010, Crystal joined the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee (CKIPC) team as the Executive Director where she works with private landowners, industry partners, stewardship groups, all levels of government, and many others to prevent and manage the spread of invasive species. "Invasive species know no boundaries. By working together we can minimize the impacts of these species on the ecosystems, recreational values, communities and economy of this incredible region". This September at the KCP AGM, Crystal was elected to the KCP's 2014-15 Executive Committee.

 

Click here to read about Crystal and her work with the CKIPC.


Local Conservation Fund Service

Regional District of Central Kootenay

On November 15, 2014 eligible voters within Electoral Areas A, D and E of the Regional District of Central Kootenay will be asked to vote on whether or not they are in favour of establishing a Local Conservation Fund service. Voters will be asked the following question: "Are you in favour of the Regional District of Central Kootenay adopting Bylaw No. 2420 [PDF - 14 KB]to provide for the following: establish the 'Regional District of Central Kootenay Local Conservation Fund Service' within Electoral Areas A, D and E; and annually requisition up to a maximum of $106,500 or $0.062 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value of land and improvements, whichever is greater, to be collected by an annual parcel tax?" The funding for this service will come from an annual parcel tax of $15 per parcel in Areas A, D and E. 

Click here for the full story.

 

Program Funds Eighty Projects

Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP)

In 2014, the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program announced funding for 80 projects to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife, and the ecosystems they rely on. Funding will go to Fish Nations, stewardship groups, agencies and consultants to fund a range of projects that align with the FWCP's conservation priorities. 

Click here for the full story.

 

Supporting Grantee Networks and Cross-Sector Collaboration

Grantmakers for Effective Organizations
In a new video, the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation shares how they employ network officers, whose responsibilities expressly include finding connections between grantees and stakeholders. 
Click here to watch the video.

 

New Signs for Boaters

Eastshore Freshwater Habitat Society

The Eastshore Freshwater Habitat Society is pleased to announce that it has installed the first of many invasive species educational signs. They are looking to post these at all marinas on the Eastshore of Kootenay Lake. 

Click here for the full story.


Selkirk Geospatial Research Centre Research Assistant

Deadline: November 3

Selkirk College is seeking an individual to serve in the role of Research Assistant in the Selkirk Geospatial Research Centre (SGRC).  Working under the direction of the SGRC Coordinator and other researchers, the position primarily includes applied research project work that may include geographic information system, remote sensing, and internet mapping technologies. The Research Assistant will provide project support to the research team on a range of projects. As such, along with geomatics expertise, the successful applicant will possess knowledge and experience in applied research. 

 

Wildsight Kimberley/Cranbrook Executive Director

Deadline: November 14

The Executive Director provides leadership and management to ensure Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook is as effective as possible in achieving the organization's mandate of preserving biodiversity and promoting environmentally sustainable communities. The Executive Director is responsible to the Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook Board of Directors, who set policy and strategic direction for the Organization. The executive director position is based in Kimberley. 

Click here for more information.  

 

Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Senior Environmental Coordinator

Deadline: November 18

As a member of the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) team, this position is responsible for managing all aspects of the FWCP in the Columbia Region, including annual work planning, Board and committee coordination, budget management, contract management, proponent liaison, strategic planning and special projects or initiatives related to the Program. 

Click here for more information.  

 

Columbia Basin Trust Economic Initiatives Manager

Deadline: November 21

The Manager, Economic Initiatives will be responsible for developing, monitoring and reporting on the strategic plan for the Economic Initiatives area; planning, developing and managing the economic programs and initiatives, conducting related research and analysis activities, assessing business plans relating to Delivery of Benefits projects and initiatives, and assessing Delivery of Benefits investment opportunities. The Manager reports to the Director, Sector Initiatives.

Click here for more information. 

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) Enhancement and Restoration Grants

Deadline: November 3

Funding for projects that focus on freshwater wild fish, native wildlife species and their habitats, have the potential to achieve a significant conservation outcome, while maintaining or enhance opportunities for fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing and associated outdoor recreational activities.

Click here for more information.


Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) Project Funding

Deadline: November 14
The Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) supports local stewardship groups, First Nations, agencies and others to deliver fish and wildlife projects in alignment with its Action Plans. Your idea for a project could be eligible for funding. This year the FWCP is offering three funding options:
1. Seed Project funding up to $5,000 to assist applicants in researching their project idea and supporting them in the development of a large project funding application in a subsequent year that aligns with FWCP's Action Plans;

2. Small Project funding - new this year - for projects that align with FWCP's Action Plans and have a total project cost of less than $20,000; and
3. Large Project funding for projects that align with FWCP's Action Plans and have a total project cost of more than $20,000.
Click here for more information.                                                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Upper Kootenay Ecosystem Enhancement Plan (UKEEP) Funding 

The new Upper Kootenay Ecosystem Enhancement Plan (UKEEP) will guide efforts to conserve and enhance lakes, streams, uplands and drylands, wetlands and species of interest in the upper Kootenay River watershed, including Koocanusa Reservoir. The plan recommends a mix of on-the ground and information gathering actions. Many of the recommended actions could be carried out by local stewardship groups and others. Review the plan, and then apply to FWCP for funding to deliver on one of the many recommended actions.
Click here to see the action plans or contact the Program Manager, Trevor Oussoren, if you have any questions: trevor.oussoren@bchydro.com or 250 365 4551.


 

National Wetland Conservation Fund (NWCF)

Deadline: November 21
The National Wetland Conservation Fund (NWCF) supports projects that: restore degraded or lost wetlands; enhance degraded wetlands; scientifically assess and monitor the health and functionality of wetlands and the species that use them; and, encourage stewardship and wetland appreciation by a wide variety of partners to build support for future wetland conservation and restoration activities. The NWCF focuses on working landscapes.
Click here for more information.                                                                                                                                                                                                   


 

Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Program (WTCP)

Deadline: January 31

The Waneta Expansion Limited Partnership (WELP), a partnership between Fortis Inc., Columbia Power Corporation and Columbia Basin Trust, is accepting applications for the 2015 Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Program (WTCP). This program provides a total of $50,000 annually to projects in the Waneta area that promote conservation and restoration through research, physical works, and other on-the-ground or applied projects.

Click here for more information. 

Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund Information Sessions
November
November 1, Nelson - 1:00pm, Nelson Rod & Gun Club Hall
November 3, Riondel - 3:00pm, Riondel Community Centre
November 3, Crawford Bay - 7:00pm, Crawford Bay Community Hall
November 4, Boswell - 3:00pm, Boswell Community Hall
November 4, Wynndel - 7:00pm, Wynndel Community Hall
Click here for more information.

Columbia Basin Trust Community Workshops
November - December
November 26, Sparwood - 4:00pm, Sparwood Recreation Complex
November 26, Trail - 11:00am & 4:00pm, Cominco Area Gymnasium
December 1, Creston - 4:00pm, Creston & District Community Complex
December 2, Rossland - TBA
December 3, Castlegar - 11:00am & 4:00pm, Castlegar & District Community Complex
December 3, Jaffray - 4:00pm, Jaffray Community Hall
Click here for more information. 

Water Stewardship in the Columbia Basin
November 6, Kimberley
This event hosted by the Columbia Basin Watershed Network will be used as a networking and learning opportunity for watershed stewards located throughout the Canadian portion of the Columbia Basin. 
Click here for more information. 

Webinar: Where People and Wildlife Intersect
November 5, Online
Prioritizing mitigation of road impacts on wildlife connectivity in the US Northern Rockies.
Click here for more information.

Climate Change and Community Solutions Forum
November 8, Castlegar
This event is intended to provide valuable opportunities to learn about climate changes and to explore alternative steps towards a healthier future. Includes key note speakers, 8 participatory workshops, multimedia presentations and displays. 
Click here for more information.

Webinar: History of Salmon in the Columbia Basin and Challenges for Restoring Salmon to the Headwaters 
November 20, Webinar
This is the first webinar in the Winter Webinar Series hosted in partnership between the Kootenay Conservation Program and the Columbia Basin Watershed Network. This first webinar will give a description of the historic distribution of salmon in the Columbia Basin in Canada and their role in the ecosystem. 
Save the date! Registration information coming soon. 

Trends Analysis & Environmental Impact Assessment
November 18 - 20, Revelstoke
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.
Click here for more information.

Wild and Scenic Film Fest Event
November 28 - 29, Invermere
15 films over 2 nights, featuring climbing, adventure, personal transformation, climate change, and local filmmakers. World renowned Canmore alpinist and guide Barry Blanchard is our special guest on Saturday who has just published his new memoir, The Calling: A Life Rocked by Mountains.
Click here for more information. 

Webinar: Identifying and Investing in Resilient Landscapes
December 11, Online
New science on climate resiliency promises to helps to identify landscapes that will continue to host biodiversity even as the climate changes. Join Steve Buttrick, Director of Conservation Science and Planning for The Nature Conservancy and to learn how to be more confident that your conservation planning will pay off in the long term. He will explain the concept of resilient landscape conservation, show how TNC is putting this into practice, and identify resources that we can use in our region.
Click here for more information. 

Regulated Rivers: Environment, Ecology and Management
May 6 - 7, Castlegar
Call for presentations now open. Through a keynote address, two days of presentations, a poster session, dialogue opportunities, and field-trips, this conference will provide a cutting-edge opportunity for scientists and managers to share results of recent research on regulated river environments, processes, and operations in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere. 
Click here for more information.
Conserving the Stage
Identifying a Resilient Network of Conservation Lands in the Northwest
The purpose of this project is to identify the most resilient sites in the Northwest that will collectively and individually best sustain native biodiversity even as the changing climate alters current distribution patterns, in order to guide future conservation investment. The central idea is that by mapping key geophysical features and evaluating them for landscape characteristics that buffer against climate effects, we can identify the most resilient places in the landscape.The Northwest study area in the 2014 report covers 67 million hectares (165 million acres) and includes all of the East Cascades/Modoc Plateau, Columbia Plateau and Middle Rockies/Blue Mts. Ecoregions and the U.S. portion of the Canadian Rockies ecoregion. This comprehensive final report describes in detail the methods used and products produced, while the geodatabase contains all the spatial data inputs and outputs for the 4 ecoregion area.

Click here to read the full report. 

The KCP/CBWN December Winter Webinar will focus on this topic. Click here for more information and to register for this webinar.

 

If you have news or announcements that you would like to share via our eNews, please email them to duncan@kootenayconservation.ca by the 26th of each month.