A Big Thank You to all our Supporters | |
Dear
As you know, the last 12 months have been very challenging for the Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society. We had a severe cash flow problem and, last Fall, we had to lay off staff, raise the funds to pay our bills, and go into hiatus.
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You responded so generously. We met our financial obligations. Then, in June, we called together the board, our members and invitees to a meeting to talk about the future. Should we disband? Is there a role for FoKLSS in the future?
The enthusiastic response was heartening. Everyone there showed how much they care about our lake. Many ideas, possibilities and suggestions were offered. Best of all, people stepped up, volunteering their time and skills to take FoKLSS into a new phase of serving the lake and its communities. In the months that followed we have met, talked and come to know one another better. We have resumed a program of beach and creek clean ups, initiated a membership drive, and accessed grants to take us into the new year.
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Last weekend, at our Annual General Meeting, we celebrated our progress and welcomed new board members and new volunteers.
We are so happy to report that we are entering 2025 with a healthier balance sheet, with plans for more clean ups, a planting project for Harrop Wetlands, and work in collaboration with Living Lakes, Canada, on Cottonwood Creek. At the AGM, we also expressed our confidence and hopes for the future by agreeing to a new constitution and bylaws. These will allow us to apply for registration as a charity.
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A corner has been turned. We are entering into a new phase and we recognize that none of this success would have been possible without supporters like you.
We are writing to you now because you have helped us work our way through a crisis. We thank you for your interest, commitment and kindness, for your support and for your belief in the value of caring for Kootenay Lake. We simply would not be reporting on this amazing revival, without people like you who have donated, volunteered your practical help and signed up, or renewed, your membership.
Thank you so much!
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Donations
We have a lot of work to do now, to take us through this transition.
Your donations will help us to continue the progress we are making and prepare for the year ahead.
Please give generously: Click here to Donate
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Some Highlights of our 2023 work reported at the AGM
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Harrop Wetlands Restoration Project
In 2023, working with the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society, (CKISS) and with Brenda from Kinseed Natives, who brought along students, we monitored survival rates of our 2022 fall plantings of sedge, grass, hawthorne. Brenda also provided more seeds to plant and, with the help of 6 active volunteers, we monitored water retention, levels in the pond, toad survival and wildlife activity .
In the Fall, we planted native grass and sedge seeds in a disturbed area and began a new phase of the project, digging a new ‘pond complex’ to the south of the PHASE II ponds. We also cleared away overgrowth to make it more snake friendly. And, with the help of volunteers, we turned over an area of Canary reed grass.This was then planted with native species.
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Bonaventure Project
The artificially controlled water levels in the western arm of Kootenay Lake lead to kokanee spawning in higher elevation gravels and to the loss of hatching fry in the spring when lake levels are low.
This project continued work begun in cooperation with provincial government, Selkirk College and the Okanagan Syilx Nation, east of 6 Mile on the north shore. It involved placing spawning gravel at lower levels to encourage lower elevation spawning, then monitoring.
In the Fall and winter of 2023-4, we worked with a consultant to assess options and completed a feasibility study for improving kokanee spawning habitat in a lagoon constructed west of 6 Mile. The design requires deepening the lagoon, installing spawning gravels, and possibly also retention walls around the perimeter. It is feasible, but potentially costly.
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Membership
We hope you will learn more about FoKLSS and reach out with any questions you have. If you haven’t already, please follow us on social media.
If you know anyone – friends, family, colleagues – who also care about our beautiful lake, please invite them to join us and share this link.
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