Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews
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The Kootenay Camas Project seeks to engage the public in making observations and collecting and recording data about camas populations in the Kootenays. Get involved by reporting camas patches (photo and location) and join “Camas Watch” to help learn more about the timing of key seasonal events (phenology) of camas.
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2022 KCP Fall Gathering - Save the Date!
September 23-24, Creston
KCP is excited to host a celebration of 20 years of partnership for the Kootenay Conservation Program! This event will showcase the achievements of KCP partner organizations in the past 20 years in conservation in the Kootenays. It has been a few years since the KCP Fall Gathering has taken place in person and it will be an excellent opportunity to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region. The organizing theme for this year’s Fall Gathering is “Celebrating 20 Years of Conservation Partnership”. The event will showcase achievements in private land securement, landscape connectivity, local conservation funds and much more. Guest speakers will provide insights on looking forward into the next 20 years and preparing for conservation. Stay tuned for more details.
Kootenay Connect website updated
Year 3 highlights available in new online format
KCP's multi-year Kootenay Connect project wrapped up Year 3 at the end of March, and the highlights of all the work accomplished to date are now available in a new user-friendly layout on the Kootenay Connect website where you'll find reports, maps and videos. Check back as new files get added.
Technical Project Planning Workshop
Recording and resources now available
On June 15th, the Columbia Basin Trust in partnership with the Kootenay Conservation Program offered a Technical Project Planning Workshop to support capacity to plan and deliver large multi-year projects focused on climate, ecosystem, and wildfire resiliency. Key processes and deliverables of a large multi-year project (i.e. scope, budget and schedule) were explored using real project examples.
KCP Stewardship Committee Meetings & Spring Tours
East and West Kootenay events took place in June
We were so happy to hold our spring stewardship committee meetings and field tours in person, although both meetings had the option of virtual attendance via Zoom. The East Kootenay meeting took place in Cranbrook on June 2 followed by a field tour at the Wycliffe Conservation Complex, and the West Kootenay meeting happened in Nelson on June 7 followed by a field tour at the Queen Victoria Mine area near Beasley.
KCP Stewardship Solutions Toolkit
Resource updated with growing number of stewardship listings
In 2019, KCP launched Stewardship Solutions, an easy-to-access stewardship resource for landowners and land managers in the Kootenays available both in print and online. In late 2021, we completed a full review of the toolkit and updated all the available stewardship "solutions" (i.e. services and resources) available in each of the 14 Conservation Neighbourhoods. Visit the website, select your location on the homepage map, and you'll be brought to the growing list of stewardship options available in your region.
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Nature Conservancy of Canada
Family donates Bonanza Marsh for conservation
After more than half a century of caring for the forests and wetlands on their property on Slocan Lake, the Alvarez family has ensured a permanent conservation future for their land by donating it to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). The five-hectare parcel includes a significant portion of an ecologically important wetland complex known as Bonanza Marsh. This wetland supports an incredible diversity of wildlife and sensitive ecosystems and plays an essential role in maintaining water quality in the lake.
Government of BC
Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy
This strategy strengthens B.C.’s capacity to anticipate, prepare for and respond to the changing climate. This includes sudden events like wildfires, floods and heatwaves as well as changes that happen more slowly like receding glaciers, rising sea-levels and shifting ecosystems. Actions fall under four key pathways that work to strengthen our foundations for success, build safe and healthy communities, foster resilient species and ecosystems and advance a climate-ready economy and resilient infrastructure. Learn more about the strategy by attending an informational webinar on July 7 and by visiting: www.gov.bc.ca/BC-Adapts.
Regional District of East Kootenay
Final draft of Columbia Lake Management Plan
The final draft of the Columbia Lake Management Plan was presented to the RDEK Board of Directors for consideration and adoption last month. The plan was presented to the Village of Canal Flats Council during its June 27th Council meeting. The planning process started in the spring of 2020 and has involved extensive engagement. Once adopted, the Plan will replace the existing 1997 Columbia Lake Management Strategy, and will guide local government decisions affecting Columbia Lake and its shoreline.
Living Lakes Canada
Lake survey reports available online
Living Lakes Canada's Foreshore Inventory Management Planning (FIMP) program is mapping or re-mapping priority lakes in the Columbia Basin to assess the rate of change in ecological and urban development parameters. The FIMP findings for two of the lakes re-surveyed in 2021 are now available on the Columbia Basin Water Hub: Slocan Lake and Columbia Lake.
Living Lakes Canada
28 volunteer groundwater wells monitored in Columbia Basin
This spring, the Living Lakes Canada Columbia Basin Groundwater Monitoring Program team made their rounds to the program’s Volunteer Observation Wells (VOWs) and installed six more, bringing the total number of VOWs in the program to 28.
Columbia Basin Trust
Taking aim at wildfire
As the days warm up and the wildfire season approaches, communities and groups in the Columbia Basin can access new supports for their efforts to protect people and the places they love. To help them prepare for and reduce the threat of wildfire, Columbia Basin Trust and the Province of British Columbia are partnering to support projects that build community wildfire resiliency, especially in rural areas that face high risk.
BC Sheep Separation Program and partners
Disease screening aims to improve health of wild sheep
This spring, rather than landfilling or burning their waste wool, domestic sheep producers in the East Kootenays can have it turned into environmentally friendly fertilizer pellets while supporting wild sheep conservation. In an initiative that partners hope will grow to include all wild sheep areas in the province, British Columbia shepherd Jennifer Bowes is spearheading a pilot project that will pay producers 50 cents per pound for their waste wool, which she plans to turn into fertilizer pellets for retail sale. Participating producers will be offered the chance to participate in workshops and have their flocks tested for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, M. ovi, free of charge. This project is supported by the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund.
Creston students restore wetlands
Wildsight
Creston students got their hands dirty and their heads full of knowledge thanks to a recent environmental education program. Students in Brian Ewashen’s Grade 3-5 class at Canyon-Lister Elementary explored the forest ecosystem in the Creston Valley and took part in a collaborative restoration project that saw them plant 150 trees and shrubs.
Real Estate Foundation of BC
Land Awards winners announced
At the Real Estate Foundation of BC’s 2022 Land Awards, Wayne McCrory of the Valhalla Wilderness Society and Valhalla Foundation for Ecology won the “Land Champion” award; Wildsight’s Columbia River Field School was a finalist in the Fresh Water category; and the Stewardship Centre for British Columbia’s Green Shores program (used in the Kootenays) was a finalist in the Land Use and Conservation category.
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QGIS Level I & II: Remote Attendance
Online, dates arranged by you and the instructor
The free, open source QGIS program is used and supported by a world-wide array of developers. Learn how to use this program to produce maps from public databases and your own knowledge. In a hands-on environment, students will load basic maps, add lines, shapes, overlay images, create contour maps, add labels and produce high quality maps for print or digital presentation. This popular course continues to receive great reviews from students. Hosted by Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology.
2nd Annual National Lake Blitz & Lake Biodiversity Photo Challenge
May-September, Lakes everywhere
From May to September, Living Lakes Canada is hosting the National Lake Blitz, an entry-level citizen science program whereby volunteers are sent easy-to-use kits to monitor the lake of their choice. All data collected will be shared online in a Lake Observation Map. Concurrently, from May to July, the Lake Biodiversity Photo Challenge will be accepting photo submissions of lakes across Canada with prizes awarded in four categories. The challenge is open to the public and anyone can participate by submitting photos online either via the website or on social media.
Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy Informational Webinar
July 7, Online
Canal Flats Wetlandkeepers and Fencing Workshop
July 22-24, Canal Flats
Join the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s Wetland Education Program for this free 2.5-day Wetlandkeepers workshop. This workshop will be focusing on exclusion fencing for wetlands as an impact mitigation tool and discuss the merits and problems with exclusion fencing. Site visits will include wetland restoration projects in Canal Flats and discuss impacts due to a steady concentration of wildlife or cattle. Wetlandkeepers is a mix of hands-on fieldwork and in-class presentations that provide participants with the technical skills to steward their own wetland. Upon completion of the workshop, participants receive a Wetlandkeepers Certificate and are provided follow-up support from the Wetlands Education Program Manager.
Toadfest 2022 – Save the Date!
August 17-18, Summit Lake Provincial Park near Nakusp
Bring the family and learn more about western toads and other species that call the region home. Toadfest 2022 is organized by the FWCP, BC Parks, Ministry of Forests, and the Okanagan Nation Alliance. Special thanks to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. On August 17 Toadfest will run from 4-7pm PT; on August 18 it will run from 9 am until noon PT.
B.C. Wildlife Federation's Wetlands Institute
September 19-25, Grand Forks, Slocan and Trail
The B.C. Wildlife Federation's Wetlands Institute, a 7-day environmental stewardship workshop, is coming to Grand Forks, Slocan and Trail, B.C. This course will be free of charge for those that have a Wetland project that benefits British Columbia, and sign up before July 15 (worth over $1000 per participant). This workshop is suitable for consultants, planners, environmental and conservation groups, government representatives, First Nations, and engaged community members. Participants are expected to come to the course with a wetland project or program that they wish to implement in their community or have a high propensity to initiate a project/program in the future. Apply soon, as this course has been known to fill quickly and a maximum of 25 participants will be accepted.
2022 KCP Fall Gathering – Save the Date!
September 23-24, Creston
KCP is excited to host a celebration of 20 years of partnership for the Kootenay Conservation Program! This event will showcase the achievements of KCP partner organizations in the past 20 years in conservation in the Kootenays. It has been a few years since the KCP Fall Gathering has taken place in person and it will be an excellent opportunity to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region. The organizing theme for this year’s Fall Gathering is “Celebrating 20 Years of Conservation Partnership”. The event will showcase achievements in private land securement, landscape connectivity, local conservation funds and much more. Guest speakers will provide insights on looking forward into the next 20 years and preparing for conservation. Stay tuned for more details.
Fungal Ecology: Beyond Decomposition
September 23-24, Revelstoke
This is a 1.5 day workshop with Tyson Ehlers and Robert Macrae. It'll be an expanded version of the popular workshop we delivered in 2019 that filled very quickly, so be sure to register right away.
Classrooms to Communities: Reconnecting Ourselves with Landscapes, Waterways and Each Other
October 21-22, Revelstoke
Registration is now open for the C2C 2022 Conference. CBEEN is partnering with many C2C Partners to host the 2022 C2C Conference in Revelstoke. Join educators, change makers and community partners from across B.C. for this 2-day, in-person conference. The Classrooms to Communities (C2C) 2022 Conference aims to support the practice of learning connected to landscapes, waterways and communities. The conference will feature a variety of indoor and outdoor sessions, workshops, gatherings and other opportunities for professional learning, celebration and dialogue.
An Introduction to Camera Trap Data Management and Analysis in R
October 26-28, Revelstoke (full - waitlist available)
The number of projects employing camera traps to understand ecological phenomena is growing rapidly – as are the number of statistical tools to analyze the resultant data. Consequently, the management and analysis of camera trap data can seem complex and overwhelming. This course aims to guide participants in effective ways to store, manipulate and analyze camera trap data within the R statistical environment.
An Introduction to Camera Trap Data Management and Analysis in R
October 31-November 2, Revelstoke (additional course added)
The number of projects employing camera traps to understand ecological phenomena is growing rapidly – as are the number of statistical tools to analyze the resultant data. Consequently, the management and analysis of camera trap data can seem complex and overwhelming. This course aims to guide participants in effective ways to store, manipulate and analyze camera trap data within the R statistical environment. Registration has re-opened for additional course dates. This is a popular course with just a few seats left.
Intro to R Software: Course Description
November 22-25, Online
An introduction to the programming language R. This course hosted by the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology will include installation of R and RStudio, installation of R packages and libraries, introduction to base R objects and data types, the power of variables, exposure to functions, for loops and conditional statements, reading data from common file types (csv/xlsx), and how to do mathematical operations and linear regression. 9am - 12pm PT.
Data Manipulation & Visualization.
November 29 - December 2, Online
Taught by Alya Pearson over 4-half days (slightly longer days than the Intro to R). This Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology course will provide students with the tools they need to effectively tidy, transform and visualize their data in R.
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Columbia Basin Trust Ecosystem Enhancement and Restoration Program
Deadline: July 21
Basin residents confirmed that on-the-ground ecosystem enhancement remains an important priority and the Columbia Basin Trust is committed to maintaining and improving the ecological health and native biodiversity in a variety of ecosystems. The Trust is continuing to fund landscape-scale restoration and enhancement projects through its Ecosystem Enhancement Program and this year is a Basin-wide call for eligible project ideas that restore and/or enhance a variety of ecotypes, including terrestrial, aquatic and wetlands. The Trust will identify projects focused on enhancement and restoration by seeking input from community groups, First Nations representatives and government experts, and existing regional plans and research.
Columbia Basin Trust Climate Resilience Program
Deadline: August 30
Does your organization have a large-scale, shovel-ready project to help the Basin become more Climate Resilient? This Climate Resilience Program helps communities in the Basin become more climate resilient by supporting large-scale, multi-year, shovel-ready climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience projects that address sources of climate change or manage the risks of climate change impacts. If you have questions or a project that isn’t shovel ready but you want to talk about an idea for your community, reach out the Program Coordinator at climateresilience@ourtrust.org.
Vancouver Foundation LEVEL BIPOC Grant
Deadline: November 2
The LEVEL BIPOC Grants Program offers flexible, operating grants of up to $50,000 to BIPOC-led charities and other qualified donees to cover costs that will contribute to their stability and capacity to advance racial equity and racial justice within their communities and programs. Addressing racial inequities and injustices is important systems change work and racialized communities are at the forefront of solutions by and for their communities. These grants are intended to be used at the discretion of these organizations based on their need and priorities to ultimately support the aspirations and hopes of BIPOC leaders in their work to advance racial justice.
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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College of the Rockies
Environmental Science Lab Instructor, Cranbrook
The University Math and Science department at College of the Rockies requires an auxiliary instructor to teach a first year Environmental Science lab in the Fall semester. The instructional assignment is expected to be ENSC 101 Lab (Introduction to Environmental Science). The lab is expected to be face-to-face at the Cranbrook campus. The successful candidate will have a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or equivalent. A Master's Degree in Environmental Science is preferred. Deadline to apply is July 5.
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Wild Voices Community Educator, Flexible within Columbia Basin
Wild Voices for Kids 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. 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.
Wildsight Revelstoke
Environmental Educator, Revelstoke
Wildsight has been delivering environmental education programs in schools throughout the Columbia Basin for 22 years. They are seeking an environmental educator to deliver their Winter Wonder, Classroom with Outdoors, EcoStewards and Beyond Recycling programs. You will join their team of 20 environmental educators delivering programs to kids throughout the Columbia Basin, connecting kids to nature and inspiring a stewardship ethic. Position will remain open until filled.
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y)
Conservation Organizer, Flexible within British Columbia
Y2Y is seeking a Conservation Organizer to join our British Columbia program team in building support for Indigenous-led conservation/stewardship. The Yellowstone to Yukon region encompasses the traditional territories and lands of many Indigenous Peoples, who have title, rights, and cultural interests across this region, and often decision-making powers. Flexible within B.C., with Vancouver, Victoria or the Y2Y geography preferred. Our B.C. team is distributed; shared offices are possible in Victoria and New Denver. Position open until filled.
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y)
Program Director, Flexible within British Columbia
Yellowstone to Yukon is seeking a senior professional to be their next Program Director. This position would lead their work advancing protected areas especially through supporting Indigenous-led efforts, maintaining landscape connectivity given a changing climate, and promoting people and wildlife coexistence. All Y2Y work is highly collaborative and requires working from local to regional scales and on key national and global enabling policies. This individual will report to directly to the President and will assume primary oversight of Y2Y programs and associated administration. As such, this person will be responsible for directing these programs, and providing oversight and support of planning, implementation and management of projects and programs that advance the Y2Y vision and deliver on the strategic plan. Preference is for the position to be based at or within driving distance of the main office in Canmore. Position open until filled.
Ktunaxa Nation Council
Biodiversity and Reclamation Specialist: Lands and Resources Sector
The Biodiversity and Reclamation Specialist is a member of the Mining Oversight Team. The team is engaged in the protection and resource management of ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa with a focus on mining. The position requires a background in biology and natural resource management and provides technical expertise with a strong focus on biodiversity stewardship and reclamation. The team ensures that Ktunaxa Aboriginal title, rights and interests, including stewardship principles, are protected and enhanced in any mining related and regulatory decision-making processes in ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa. Position open until filled.
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Outdoor Learning Orders Coordinator – CBEEN’s Outdoor Learning Store, Invermere
The purpose of The Outdoor Learning Store is to provide easy access to excellent outdoor learning equipment and resources to schools and organizations, while providing financial support for our host charity, the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) and added capacity for our numerous Outdoor Learning Partners. This role will take the lead on getting orders out the door. Drawing from our supply of over 100 different resource & equipment options, this position will ensure that orders are boxed and bagged to ensure they arrive in great condition. Position open until filled.
BC Conservation Foundation
WildSafeBC Community Coordinators, East Kootenay
WildSafeBC Community Coordinators are needed for the Columbia Valley and Kimberley/Cranbrook areas. This position is a unique opportunity to make a real difference in reducing human-wildlife conflicts where you live. Professionalism, commitment and good communication skills are essential for success with this position. Additionally candidates should be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Community coordinators will be trained in the use of proven education and delivery techniques, which they will then implement within their communities regarding conflict-reduction information about all species of wildlife as part of BCCF’s WildSafeBC program. Positions open until filled.
Invasive Species Council of BC
Multiple positions, Remote
The Invasive Species Council of BC is a provincial non-profit organization working to protect and restore BC’s landscapes and habitats from the devastating impacts of invasive species. The Invasive Species Council of BC is hiring for several positions.
Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society
Board Member, Kootenay Lake Region
Becoming a Board Member is an impactful way to turn your concerns for Kootenay Lake into action. As a board member, you volunteer your time to provide guidance and feedback at FOKLSS meetings, help out at events and workshops, and offer your expertise in all aspects of project planning and implementation. You support staff with making important decisions regarding the organization and play a significant role in moving projects and programs forward.
Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund
Technical Review Committee Member, Columbia Valley Region
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) in partnership with the Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) are seeking qualified members for the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF) Technical Review Committee (TRC). The role of the TRC is to make recommendations on allocating annual funding for conservation projects for the area from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen. Applications will be received on an ongoing basis.
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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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Province of BC in partnership with Thompson Rivers University
New Reptiles & Amphibians website for B.C.
B.C.’s new B.C. Reptiles & Amphibians website features our provincial reptiles and amphibians. The website was updated in 2021/2022 with additional content and features added; the website will be updated as information is acquired, and changes are needed. On the new website you will find updated species accounts and range maps, interactive video content, an indigenous knowledge section and a fantastic photo gallery.
Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative
Bringing the Salmon Home Festival recordings available online
The online Bringing the Salmon Home Festival took place May 3 and 4. This year’s festival featured six online events over two days, with 50 guest speakers and hosts, and over 1,000 audience registrations. People tuned in from all over, including from the Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Guest speakers included representatives of the Syilx Okanagan, Ktunaxa, and Secwépemc Nations and US Tribes, and BC and Canada, and included an inspiring array of leaders, youth, elders, knowledge keepers, artists, musicians, and scientists.
A Case for Conservation
KCP brochure promoting private land conservation available
KCP's “Case for Conservation” trifold brochure 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 Director Juliet Craig at: juliet@kootenayconservation.ca.
Kootenay Conservation Program
Conservation Resources for our Region
The Kootenay Conservation Program 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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