Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews

We hope you are enjoying the beginning of the transition to warmer weather and the prospect of buds and blossoms. As you'll see below, there are plenty of opportunities and resources available this month. Please  click here throughout the month to check in on current news and events. Also, please feel free submit any 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! 

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. 



Species at Risk on Private Land Webinar
March 8, 10-11am Pacific; 11am - Noon Mountain
This webinar will examine how to better protect species and ecosystems at risk on private land including an overview of the Discussion Paper "Working Together to Protect Species at Risk: Strategies Recommended by Local Government to Improve Conservation on Municipal, Regional and Private Lands in British Columbia". Also, the webinar will provide information on how actions on species and ecosystems at risk can be taken by local governments, regional and local conservation programs, land trusts and environmental stewardship organizations. Find out more about practical and effective approaches (including incentives) to enhance protection of SEAR on private and local government lands.

Conservation on private land in the Golden area
April 5, Golden
Join the KCP at 7pm on April 5th at the Lady Grey Library in Golden. Juliet Craig, KCP Program Manager will provide an overview of the KCP and some of the tools used for private land conservation, as well as promote discussion of the interest of organizations in the Golden area to have KCP be more involved in the region.

Critter Day
May 13, Beaver Creek Provincial Park (near Trail)
The Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) and Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) are organizing another "Critter Day" this year on May 13 at Beaver Creek Park near Trail. This free, fun family event for the general public is aimed to increase awareness of the special ecosystems in the Trail and  Pend D'Oreille region and share information about the unique and at-risk plants and animals that call them home. 

KCP Strategic Planning Session: Putting Our Heads Together for Conservation
May 30, Creston
Have any thoughts on how to better support private land conservation in the Kootenays? How can a network of over 80 partners best use its energy? What priorities should we focus on in the next five years? The KCP is welcoming its partners to come to this valuable workshop to put our heads together to identify our focus. Join us at the Ramada Inn in Creston from 10 am to 5 pm PDT. Travel bursaries will be provided for those who require it. Please mark your calendar and RSVP by April 1. 

KCP Fall Gathering: Grasslands to Wetlands: Connecting Diversity
September 29 - 30, East Kootenays
The KCP 2016 Fall Gathering & AGM serves as one of the primary vehicles to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region. The organizing theme for this year's Fall Gathering is Grasslands to Wetlands: Connecting Diversity.



Faces & Places Monthly Feature
In Memory of Dave Phelps
Dave Phelps, one of the original team who managed wildlife in the Kootenays back in the 1970's, died September 27, 2016. About 100 of his friends and colleagues got together recently to celebrate his life and his contribution to wildlife and land management in the Kootenays. 


Local Conservation Fund Feature Project
Valhalla Wilderness Society - Western Toad Project
In a remote, mountain pass between Kaslo and New Denver in the Selkirk Mountains, western toads are getting some assistance from the Valhalla Wilderness Society (VWS). Slicing through this area is Highway 31A, a very popular route for summer tourists traveling between Kootenay Lake and the Slocan Valley at the exact time of year that thousands of adult western toads and tens of thousands of baby toads (called "toadlets") are attempting to cross the highway during their migration from breeding areas in shallow lakes to the surrounding forests."The annual slaughter of toads on Highway 31A was reaching a critical point by 2015 when we started our research program" explains VWS biologist Wayne McCrory. Because toads cross this highway three times a year - breeding adults cross twice and toadlets once - VWS biologists have been quickly translating everything they learn about toad behaviour and ecology into reducing vehicle mortality.



BC Community Bat Program
Public asked to be on lookout for White Nose Syndrome in bats
The Province, in partnership with the BC Community Bat Program and other concerned groups, are asking the public to be on the lookout for dead or sick bats that may have contracted an invasive fungal disease called White Nose Syndrome.  White Nose Syndrome has not been detected in British Columbia; however it was detected in Washington State in 2016 and the risk of its arrival is very high. The disease, which refers to a white fungus that grows on the muzzles or bodies of bats, has killed over 6 million bats since arriving in the eastern United States in 2006 and reaching Canada in 2010. White Nose Syndrome does not infect humans.

Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program
Wanted: Public Rep on Columbia Board
If you want to help conserve and enhance local fish and wildlife, here's your chance. The Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) is looking for a new Board member to join its Columbia Region.  Board members review and approve funding for all FWCP fish and wildlife projects in the region, and support planning and project delivery. This year, our Columbia Region Board approved $5.8 million for 55 fish and wildlife projects underway now to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife impacted by BC Hydro dams.

Regional District of East Kootenay
Recipient of Species and Ecosystems at Risk (SEAR) Local Government Working Group Award
The RDEK was recognized with it's conservation efforts through the SEAR Local Government Working Group Award. The Columbia Valley Directors of the Regional District of the East Kootenay, have demonstrated leadership and innovation in establishing the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF). The first of its kind in Canada, the CVLCF is a tax-based revenue that supports conservation efforts in the region.

Nature Conservancy of Canada
Luxor Linkage Conservation Area
In February, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) announced the successful completion of a new conservation project along the Columbia River, north of Edgewater. Luxor Linkage Conservation Area stretches from the Columbia River wetlands, across Highway 95 and into the Rocky Mountains. This area is a high-value corridor for wildlife and ecological communities. This property is home to an abundance of wildlife that relies on its grasslands, pockets of deciduous forest, wetlands and rocky outcrops. The conservation area is particularly important for bighorn sheep, which find high-quality winter habitat here. The wetlands on Luxor Linkage form part of the internationally significant Columbia River Wetlands.

Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey
Dates announced for April bird surveys
Migratory bird surveys will be occurring on the Columbia Wetlands this spring from 8am-11am on each of the three following dates:  Monday, April 3rd, M onday, April 10th,  Sunday, April 16th (please note that this is Easter Sunday). They  are currently seeking citizen-scientists to survey for birds near Golden, Parson, Spillimacheen, Brisco, Radium, Wilmer, Lake Windermere, Invermere and Columbia Lake.  A major goal of the CWWS is to collect baseline data necessary for achieving  Important Bird Area  (IBA) status for the Columbia Wetlands; data you collect may be used to help designate the Columbia Wetlands as an IBA.  We are also determining where the most significant staging and feeding areas are in the Columbia Wetlands, for more than 30 migratory bird species (including species-at-risk).

Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Recipients announced for Awards of Environmental Education Excellence
CBEEN is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017 Awards of Environmental Education Excellence. These went to Mel Reasoner (Nelson), Patty Kolesnichenko (Kimberley), Andrea Chapman (Kimberley), Sandra Beckett (Golden), Linda Out (Winlaw) and Janette Vickers (Revelstoke). These individuals  demonstrated excellence in encouraging stewardship and sustainability through environmental education in the Canadian Columbia Basin. Awards will be presented at the 2017 Celebration of Environmental Education Events in Castlegar (May 31) and Kimberley (Nov 3).

The KCP encourages partners to take advantage of our eNews - send your content to  communications@kootenayconservation.ca


Columbia River Treaty Update Webinar
March 7, Online
In this CBWN webinar, we welcome Kathy Eichenberger to lead us through a review of the Treaty, the preparations for renegotiation, and the current status of the treaty and the timeframe for possible change. Kathy is the Executive Director of the Columbia River Treaty Review Team.

Species at Risk on Private Land KCP Webinar
March 8, Online
This webinar will examine how to better protect species and ecosystems at risk on private land including an overview of the Discussion Paper "Working Together to Protect Species at Risk: Strategies Recommended by Local Government to Improve Conservation on Municipal, Regional and Private Lands in British Columbia". Also, the webinar will provide information on how actions on species and ecosystems at risk can be taken by local governments, regional and local conservation programs, land trusts and environmental stewardship organizations. Find out more about practical and effective approaches (including incentives) to enhance protection of SEAR on private and local government lands.

Putting Genomics to Work: Tools for Environmental & Agricultural Challenges
March 9, Cranbrook
Join Genome BC for a free discussion about the application of genomics in vital areas of life including the food we eat and our natural environment.

Crown Managers Partnership Forum: Improving Drought Resilience - Forest to Valley Bottom
March 14 - 16, Choteau, Montana 
The Crown Managers Partnership seeks to demonstrate leadership in addressing the environmental management challenges in the Crown region by adopting transboundary collaborative approaches to environmental management. The voluntary partnership seeks to build common awareness of Crown interests and issues, shape relationships, and identify collaborative and complementary tasks that the various participating jurisdictions can pursue.

Wildsight Regional AGM
March 20, Cranbrook
Join Wildsight for their Annual General Meeting to hear about our successes last year and where we are headed as we begin our 30th year. They will be at SoulFood, Cranbrook's newest restaurant. They will provide appetizers and you are welcome to order entrees, drinks and desserts from the menu.Doors open at 6:30pm, the half-hour meetings starts at 7pm, and you are welcome to stay and mingle with board, staff, and other members afterwards.

Pollination: Science and Stewardship
March 20, Kelowna
This symposium on pollinators will feature experts from across Canada sharing their insights into the biology of pollination and of stewardship actions that can contribute to conserving pollinators and the ecosystem services they provide. This symposium is for everyone interested in pollinators - lands managers, conservation specialists, NGOs, biologists and lands stewards across governments, farmers, naturalists, resource professionals, students and academics.

Sustainable Funding for Watershed Health CBWN Webinar
March 21, Online
In this webinar, CBWN will re-examine some of the fundamentals of 'value' in watershed stewardship, and look at different approaches to matching the values we protect and provide to sources of funds.Tara Clapp will introduce some of the 'value frameworks' that are used to create funding opportunities, and Gerry Nellestijn will relate his experience from the Salmo watershed with a encouraging a user-pay framework.

Confluence: Flow together for a night about water
March 21, Invermere
Canada Water Week is approaching, paralleling the first week of Spring when streams and rivers are once again super-charged with melted snow and ice. In the spirit of the season, the Lake Windermere Ambassadors are offering a night to come together to talk about and appreciate water; the event is called Confluence, meaning flow together. This will take place on March 21st, 2017 6-8PM at Pynelogs Cultural Centre.

Introduction to Field Ornithology
April 3 - 5, Creston
This Columbia Mountains Institute course will introduce students to field ornithology including identification of birds by sight and sound, ethical and animal care considerations for field studies and basic methods in field ornithology (optics, field guides, sound recording, digital photography, DNA sampling, banding, standard survey protocols, estimating numbers, classifying and recording bird behaviour, data acquisition and data archiving). The majority of the course time will be held in a variety of outdoor settings in the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area where students will see and hear numerous species of birds at an early stage in their spring migration.

Understanding Basin Water Resources
April 4, Online
Responding to a growing interest in current information about water resources and water monitoring efforts, Columbia Basin Trust has released a report about the current state of water knowledge in the Columbia Basin Trust region. The report is called Water Monitoring and Climate Change in the Upper Columbia Basin. Since climate change can influence the quality, quantity and timing of Basin water resources, understanding relevant changes and trends is increasingly important for Basin communities and resource managers.

Conservation on private land in the Golden area
April 5, Golden
Join the KCP at 7pm on April 5th at the Lady Grey Library in Golden. Juliet Craig, KCP Program Manager will provide an overview of the KCP and some of the tools used for private land conservation, as well as promote discussion of the interest of organizations in the Golden area to have KCP be more involved in the region.

Fields Forward Workshop
April 8 - 9, Creston
Join Fields Forward for 2 days of interactive learning on school gardens, environmental education and creative methods of teaching using local community resources.

CMI Annual General Meeting and Members Night
April 7, Creston
Every year a multi-disciplinary group of CMI members gather at a different place within our region to catch up on what members are doing, and have our short Annual General Meeting. This is a casual opportunity to rub elbows with each other, and non-members are always welcome.

Avoiding Incidental Take of Bird Nests: From law to practice
April 26 - 27, Cranbrook
This Columbia Mountains Institute forum will provide an opportunity for dialogue between an environmental lawyer, industry, regulators, and biologists whose work involves the MBCA and relevant mitigation. Registration now open! 

Environmental Education Leadership Clinic
April 29 - May 2, Kootenay National Park
The 2017 Leadership Clinic will help to facilitate the development of a Local Chapter of the Environmental Educator's Provincial Specialist Association (EEPSA) in each school district in the Columbia Basin. A Local Chapter is a teacher-driven organization that helps local teachers come together to collaborate, engage in professional development and influence curriculum.

Wings Over the Rockies Festival: Birds, Bats, Bears and Beyond
May 8 - 14, Invermere
In 2017 Canada will celebrate its 150th birthday. Canada was founded upon its nature and wildlife that remain symbols of our nation. The 21st Wings Festival appropriately explores the theme Birds, Bats, Bears and Beyond in recognition of Canada's interconnected but increasingly challenged wildlife international migratory birds; mysterious bats and grizzly bears, symbols of wilderness. The festival will bring in experts provide insights into the lives of these animals and the conservation challenges in protecting them. Danny Catt, an internationally known conservationist, photographer and environmental educator, will be the Keynote Speaker at the Gala.

Critter Day
May 13, Beaver Creek Provincial Park (near Trail)
The Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) and Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) are organizing another "Critter Day" this year on May 13 at Beaver Creek Park near Trail. This free, fun family event for the general public is aimed to increase awareness of the special ecosystems in the Trail and  Pend D'Oreille region and share information about the unique and at-risk plants and animals that call them home. 
More information coming soon! 

KCP Strategic Planning Session: Putting Our Heads Together for Conservation
May 30, Creston
Have any thoughts on how to better support private land conservation in the Kootenays? How can a network of over 80 partners best use its energy? What priorities should we focus on in the next five years? The KCP is welcoming its partners to come to this valuable workshop to put our heads together to identify our focus. Join us at the Ramada Inn in Creston from 10 am to 5 pm PDT. Travel bursaries will be provided for those who require it.  Please mark your calendar and RSVP by April 1. 

Community-based Social Marketing (CBSM) Institute
June 1 - 2, Castlegar
Registration is now open. Learn how to foster sustainable behavior.  CBEEN has engaged Doug McKenzie-Mohr, world-renowned developer of Community-based Social Marketing (CBSM), to facilitate a 2-day CBSM Institute.  This Institute will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of community-based social marketing and how it is being applied throughout the world, and in the Columbia Basin, to foster sustainable behaviour. Attendees will learn the 5 steps of community-based social marketing and be exposed to numerous case studies.

Field Soil Description & Classification Course
June 7 - 9, Revelstoke
Participants can expect to be able to describe and classify forest soils by the end of the course. They will have a couple of new field techniques to improve the quality of their soils data. They will be able to determine the % sand in the field to aid in soil texture determination, using the "spoon" method invented by the instructor. They will have applied soil properties to assess soil salvage, soil remediation, restoration and reclamation activities.

Introduction to the Wetland Plants of British Columbia
July 25 - 26, Revelstoke
This course will introduce students to the freshwater vascular plants of British Columbia, providing them with an overview of prominent and ecologically important groups as well as giving them the skills to identify many species in the field. The course will prioritize the identification of families and easily-identifiable species, but will also cover species-level identification within more challenging genera so as to introduce students to the process of species-level identification using dichotomous keys. 

Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) Conference
September 20 - 23, Nelson
Every year experts, policy makers, and practitioners come together for a conference dedicated to rural places hosted by the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF), a charity dedicated to supporting the sustainability of rural Canada through collaboration with rural community groups, the private sector, all levels of government, and researchers. Selkirk College is proud to partner with CRRF to host the 2017 conference to be held in Nelson from September 20-23, 2017.

Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent
September 23 - 25, Choteau, Montana
The Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent is an ongoing forum to bring together people who care about this special place.  Through workshops, forums, policy dialogues, and conferences, the Roundtable provides an opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and explore opportunities to work together -- to sustain the natural and cultural heritage of this remarkable landscape.

Wetlands Institute
September 23 - 29, East Kootenays
The Wetlands Institute is an intensive 7 day hands-on workshop  that educates participants about wetland stewardship, restoration and construction skills. Participants come to the Wetlands Institute with a wetland project they wish to implement in their home communities whether if be restoration, protection, enhancement, or education related. During the workshop, participants receive support from knowledgable experts from around the province and obtain hands-on training in order to successfully implement their wetland projects upon returning home. 

KCP Fall Gathering: Grasslands to Wetlands: Connecting Diversity
September 29 - 30, East Kootenays
The KCP 2016 Fall Gathering & AGM serves as one of the primary vehicles to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region.  The organizing theme for this year's Fall Gathering is Grasslands to Wetlands: Connecting Diversity.

Inquiring Voices Sustainability Symposium
September 29 - October 1, Blue Lake Centre
This annual event brings together environmental educators who live in the same bioregion to form a rich learning community meet to share, inquire, 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.

Columbia Basin Symposium
October 13 - 15, Kimberley
Symposium discussions will focus on on three global trends that are having a long-term impact in the Basin - demographics, technology and climate change. Conference participants will hear from experts and be involved in discussions about the how the region can adapt to these trends and leverage opportunities from them. 

Mountain Equipment Coop
Deadline: March 10
MEC supports impactful and strategic grassroots, not-for-profit organizations (registered charitable status is not required) and First Nations communities in otcome-oriented projects that focus on conserving ecologically or recreationally important places.

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation Acquisition  Fund
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.

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation Public Conservation Assistance Fund 
Deadline: May 16
HCTF 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.

Nature Conservancy of Canada  Round 3 of Other Qualified Organizations (OQO) Program
Deadline: Ongoing until November 1
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is pleased to announce Round 3 of the Other Qualified Organizations (OQO) Program.  Funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada and administered by NCC, the program will provide up to $5 million in support of conservation in communities across Canada. Land acquisitions closing between April 1, 2017 and January 31, 2018 will be considered under Round 3 of the OQO Program, and applications will be accepted until 5:00pm EST on November 1.

Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program
Deadline: Ongoing
Delivered for the Columbia BasinTrust 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. Currently accepting applications for projects for the 2016 funding. 

Columbia Basin Trust Small Grants Program
Deadline: Ongoing
If you have an idea that will address community priorities and encourage community development activities, including those that relate to the environment, you can apply for up to $5,000 through this program.

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. 


Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area
Wetland Naturalist
Are you a post-secondary student with a love of nature and science? Are you passionate about inspiring people with amazing facts about the natural world? As a Wetland Naturalist, you will motivate, inspire, and connect children and adults to the wonderful world of wetlands by providing quality environmental education programs and front country excursions at the Wildlife Interpretation Centre.

Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook
Interim Branch Manager
Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook is currently seeking an Interim Branch Manager to cover a maternity leave term.  The Branch Manager provides leadership and management to ensure Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook is as effective as possible in achieving the organization's mandate. This goal is achieved by working directly with the Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook Board of Directors, who set policy and strategic direction. The position is responsible for administration, communications, fundraising, management and outreach.

East Kootenay Invasive Species Council 
Program Manager (Interim), Education Coordinator & Field Assistant
The East Kootenay Invasive Species Council (EKISC) is a non-profit society formed in 2008. EKISC consists of a cross section of stakeholders who are united in their efforts to effectively manage invasive species across the region.

Wildsight Invermere
Branch Manager
This job offers flexibility and diverse aspects, but requires a motivated individual who can work independently in collaboration with our board.  The position is responsible for administration, communications, fundraising, management and outreach.

Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society
Invasive Species Technician
This position involves the manual treatment of invasive plants in priority locations (80% of activities), a ssisting with ground truthing and verify invasive species reports, a ssisting with inventory of invasive species with a tablet and associated GIS programs and collection and release of biological control agents. 


K ootenay 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, the KCP has developed a webpage that complies some of the best conservation and stewardship resources available for our region. 

 

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