Kootenay Conservation Program eNews
March 2016 

Welcome to the March addition of your KCP eNews. We are happy to report on the successful launch of the Kootenay Lake Conservation Fund (KLLCF). With the 2016 Request For Proposals (RFP) now closed we are beginning the process of reviewing applications, selecting Technical Review Committee (TRC) members, and working with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) to select only the very best projects for funding. While the initiative was launched later in the year than anticipated, we will improve on that for 2017. Good luck to all of the grant-seeking organizations!

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  info@kootenayconservation.ca.


Margie Jamieson
Founding Member of Wildsight 
A stalwart environmental activist, Margie is a founding member of Wildsight, formerly the East Kootenay Environmental Society, and has roots in the early years of the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy, where she advocated for larger areas of conservation.  She is one of two female charter members of the Canadian Avalanche Association, and taught professional-level CAA industry avalanche courses. 
Click here for Margie's full story and photo.

The Nature Trust of BC 
Celebrating 45 years of Land Conservation Work in BC 
Since 1971, this non-profit land conservation organization and has secured over 70,000 hectares (170,000 acres) of critical habitat across the province for wildlife, fish and plants. TNT protects nature through direct acquisition, donation, covenant and lease. You can support the important work they do here in the Okanagan by giving a gift of cash, of land, securities or in memory of a loved one.

The KCP encourages partners to take advantage of our eNews - send your relevant content for submission to info@kootenayconservation.ca 
Mountain Equipment Coop
Deadline: March 10     
Access and Activity and Capacity Building Grant deadlines. 

Osprey Community Foundation
Deadline: March 31     
Intake for our 2016 grants program is now open.
  • General grants-what most groups will be applying for.
  • BC Festival of the Arts Legacy Fund Grants (or 'Arts Legacy Fund' grants)-grants from a fund specifically designated for supporting artists. Each year a different discipline is selected. (If your arts-related proposal doesn't fall into this category, you may still apply for a general grant.) In 2016 the discipline is Dance.
Review 2016 Granting Guidelines  before applying for any grant. If you are applying for an Arts Legacy Fund grant, you will also need to review the 2016 Arts Legacy Fund Guidelines . The same 2016 Grant Application form can be used for both general grants and Arts Legacy Fund grants.
 
Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation Acquisition Grant
Deadline: March 31
The Acquisition Grant is designed for projects that acquire land or interests in land to secure the value of those areas for conservation of fish and wilflife habitats and populations. 
Click here for more information. 

Vancouver Foundation:  Neighbourhood Small Grants
Deadline: April 4
Grants of up to $500 for individuals with ideas to help connect and engage residents in their neighbourhood. Because small is beautiful. And small things can have a big impact.

Vancouver Foundation:  Field of Interest Grants
Deadline: April 22
Grants of up to $75,000 for organizations with innovative projects in our four fields of interest: Arts and Culture; Education and Training; Environment and Animal Welfare; and Health and Social Development.
Columbia Basin Trust
Request for Qualifications: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Consulting Services
Deadline: March 2 at noon PT/1 p.m. MT
The Trust is seeking submissions to develop a list of Qualified Respondents who may be requested to support the Trust with analysis, research and implementation of energy efficiency and conservation activities and investigation, assessment and development of renewable energy projects.  A detailed description of duties, skills and qualifications can be viewed here .

Contact:
Heather Mitchell
hmitchell@cbt.org
1.800.505.8998

Government of British Columbia
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations: Geospatial Analyst
Deadline: March 2

Seasonal Wetland Naturalist
Deadline: March 4
Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA) is hiring a Seasonal Wetland Naturalist to be a member of their team dedicated to providing quality environmental education programs and front country excursions.
Click here for more information.

Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society
Operations Program Coordinator
Deadline: March 7
Are you curious as to the issue and impacts of invasive species in the Central Kootenay region? Do you want to minimize the impacts of invasive species on the ecosystems, communities, and economy of the Central Kootenay region? Do you have extensive knowledge of integrated pest management, with proven experience in on-the-ground activities? Do you possess strong communication and leadership skills? If you do, then there is an exciting opportunity for you to join the team at CKISS!

West Kootenay EcoSociety
Executive Director
Deadline: March 31
West Kootenay EcoSociety seeks a passionate and experienced team player to lead our organization as Executive Director. Working with board, staff, and volunteers, the Executive Director will oversee day-to-day operations and long-term planning, including fundraising, project administration, operational planning, staff supervision, and program evaluation.
Click here to find out more.

Nature Conservancy Canada
Manager, Media Relations, Western Provinces
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for an energetic, motivated professional to join our team as Media Relations Manager, for Western Canada.

Winderberry/Edibles Farm - Windermere
Soil and Farm Technician
The applicant will be working with both Winderberry Nursery (garden centre) and certified organic Edibles Farm and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), which are both located on the same property. Winderberry Nursery is a family run business specializing in the greenhouse production of annual bedding plants, planters and vegetables, as well as selling trees, shrubs, and perennials. Edibles has 30 CSA members, sells at the Invermere Farmer's Market, Kimberley Farmers Market, Fairmont Market and to restaurants and health food stores in the valley.

We are seeking a physically fit, self motivated individual for the 2016 season. We are looking for someone who is interested in horticulture and organic agriculture, has experience with gardening and wants to learn about farming. Join the Winderberry team in the field as we seed, weed, grow and harvest our abundant veggie crops.
The job begins April and runs until September 2016, with potential of extension.

Clear Sky Centre
Food Forest and Farm Manager
Clear Sky Centre is seeking an individual with experience developing value-added products from farm produce. This position will be crafting products from their cold climate farm and food forest. Note: application deadline is not noted.
Click here for more information.  
Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology

Climate Change in the North Columbia Mountains

March 11, 2016

Predator-Prey Dynamics: From Theory to Management conference

April 05, 2016

Computer Modelling Workshops during the Predator-Prey conference

April 06, 2016

Introduction to "R" Software

April 25, 2016

Stats Refresher for Biologists in "R" software

April 26, 2016 


 Wildsight Kimberley/Cranbrook - Net-zero Speaker Series
March 4
On Friday, February 19th, Dave Spencer, founder of EchoHaven, a sustainable development in Calgary and builder of his own net-zero home, will present in this Net-zero series. March 4th wraps up the series with Shafraaz Kaba of Manasc Isaac Architects in Edmonton.
For more information click here.
 
Climate Change in the North Columbia Mountains
March 11
T he Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology presents this climate change workshop at the Revelstoke Community Centre, Revelstoke BC.
Greg Utzig of Kutenai Nature Investigations Inc. will explain how changes might impact forestry, tourism, recreation and other land-based activities.
This workshop is comprised of a series of presentations and interactive sessions whereby participants will apply new information about climate change in the North Columbia mountain area to their responsibilities and interests.
For more information click here.
 
Crown Managers Partnership Annual Forum
March 15 - 17  
The Crown Managers Partnership will be holding it's 16th annual forum in Fernie, British Columbia on March 15 - 17, 2016. The topic of the Forum is " We Need the Needles: Coordinating Action to Conserve 5-Needle Pine Forests in the Crown of the Continent"
Click here for more information.

16th Annual Fly Fishing Symposium 
March 19 - 20 
The place to be for all fly-fishing enthusiasts is the 16th Annual Fly Fishing Symposium taking place on March 19 - 20, 2016 at the Castlegar Complex. Admission is free! Come out for a chance to win great door prizes, attend free seminars and find out about some sweet Kootenay fishing spots. Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) will be there to promote the CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY campaign.
Click here for more information.

IUCN World Conservation Conference
September 1-10
Hawaii
 
Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent 
October 13 - 14 
Save the dates!  The Roundtable is coming to the northwest part of the Crown of the Continent for its fall gathering in Fernie, BC.
Click here for more information.
Environment Canada - Species at Risk Annual Report
On February 17, 2016, Environment Canada posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry the " Species at Risk Act - Annual Report for 2014"


The Conservation Fund

 

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