Conservation in the Kootenays
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The Elk River Alliance (ERA) is a community-based water group dedicated to connecting people to the Elk River watershed keeping it drinkable, fishable and swimmable for future generations. ERA engages the community to increase awareness, engagement and knowledge about Cutthroat Trout health, habitat and threats to the population.
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Special Edition Webinar! Kootenay Connect: Ecological Corridors in the Kootenays
June 10, Zoom
Dr. Michael Proctor, with the Trans-border Grizzly Bear Project, will be presenting on Kootenay Connect, the regional conservation initiative designed to enhance, restore, recognize, and establish landscape level Ecological Corridors focused on riparian-wetland complexes and the wildlife that use them. The project is bringing together local and government biologists, regional planners, First Nations, private landowners, community stewardship groups and more to apply scientifically-driven community conservation work. KCP is co-hosting this special edition webinar with the BC Chapter of the Wildlife Society taking place 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. PT/2:30 to 3:30 p.m. MT.
View the poster
for further information.
KCP Virtual Spring Tour
June 22, Zoom
Enjoy this year's KCP Spring Tour virtual-style. KCP is taking this opportunity to tour many different Local Conservation Fund projects all in one hour! On Monday, June 22 at 1 p.m. PT / 2 p.m. MT, learn more about important local projects on water, wildlife, fire management and invasive species that are being funded through the Columbia Valley and Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Funds. For more information, please contact
marcy@kootenayconservation.ca.
Soft Launch of new KCP Website
We’ve upgraded our website!
The KCP team is excited to present a newly designed and expanded website for the Kootenay Conservation Program. As the KCP service area covers such a vast region and involves many partners and initiatives, there was a lot of content to migrate over from the old site to the new. While the process isn't quite done, we didn't want to wait any longer before sharing KCP's new look with our community. We’ll be continuing to refine and add content over the coming month — if you happen to see anything that needs correcting, please email
nicole@kootenayconservation.ca. We look forward to your feedback!
KCP Kootenay Connect
Year 1 highlights now available
Year 1 (2019-2020) of Kootenay Connect included scientific analysis, mapping, and local engagement to advance connectivity conservation in the four focal connectivity areas. Highlights for each area include maps, reports and videos and are available on the Kootenay Connect page of the KCP website.
KCP 2019-2020 Annual Report
Available on our website
The 2019-20 year was another highly productive one for KCP. This year focused on Biodiversity Hotspots of the Kootenays and this theme was carried through all the events and initiatives that KCP delivered including the Fall Gathering, tours, webinars and forums. Receiving a federal Environment and Climate Change Canada Nature Fund grant to fund Kootenay Connect conservation and stewardship projects in four priority areas in the Kootenays over the next four years (Creston Valley, Columbia Wetlands, Wycliffe Corridor, and Bonanza Corridor); facilitating two ‘Conservation Action Forums’: one in the Elk Valley and one in the Creston Valley; and coordination of land securement amongst land trust organizations in the region with two major properties acquired through this collaborative approach.
2020 KCP Fall Gathering — Save the Date!
October 16-17, Creston
Did you have a fun, enlightening time at the 2019 Fall Gathering - or wish you did because you missed it? Mark your calendar for the 2020 event, which will be taking place October 16 and 17 in the West Kootenay. The KCP Fall Gathering & AGM serves as one of the primary vehicles to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region, complete with a guest speakers series, field tour, catered meals and more, at no cost to attendees.
Plans for this event will be adapted this summer based on public health recommendations.
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Miistakis Institute
Miistakis Monday Webinars
Every Monday, the Miistakis Institute has been offering free 1-hour lunch-time webinars on a variety of topics. They’ve been posting the slide decks and recordings of all their completed webinars, as well as the registration link for the upcoming webinar on their website. Past webinars include: Putting Beavers to Work for Watershed Resiliency, Biodiversity Offsets 101: Case Studies and Best Practices, and Private Land Conservation and the Pathway to Target 1.
Wildsight
Wildlife connectivity explained
Wildlife need room to roam; connectivity is the term used to explain the degree to which a landscape can either help or cut off wildlife movement. An excellent animated graphic explaining this movement can be found in the blog “What is connectivity?” on the Wildsight website.
BC Community Bat Program
Information bulletin on bats in BC, COVID-19, and WNS
The BC Community Bat Program aims to share current, accurate information about bats in BC, and issues around bat and human health. The program strives to educate people about bats and dispel misinformation that may lead to persecution of bats.
Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners
Looking for Freshwater Turtle Sightings in the Columbia Valley
The Painted Turtle is the only native freshwater turtle found in B.C. No monitoring or inventory work has ever been conducted for the Western Painted Turtle in the Columbia Valley, so it is unknown how many turtles reside there, or where their important habitat areas (such as breeding grounds) are located. This year, the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners (CWSP) are initiating a new turtle conservation project. The goal of the project is to learn the locations of any important habitat areas for turtles in the Columbia Valley, in large part by using sighting and observational information provided by the public. The CWSP are requesting that anyone who has seen a turtle in the Columbia Valley (Canal Flats to Donald) to please submit their observational records. This includes past and present turtle sightings, and whether they were seen dead or alive. To submit your observational records, or if you have any questions about this program, please email
cvpaintedturtle@gmail.com
.
Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation
HCTF Announces 2020-21 list of approved Conservation Projects
The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) is proud to
announce $9.2 million in funding
for more than 180 individual wildlife, freshwater fish, and habitat conservation projects across British Columbia this year. The 2020/21 grant season has set a record for the Foundation’s highest annual investment and reflects the contributions and hard work of many British Columbians that fund and implement these projects. See page 15 for the approved projects in the Kootenay Region.
Calgary Zoo
Video: Northern leopard frog translocations
In this Daily Dose video (2:05 minutes) produced by the Calgary Zoo, Conservation Research Population Ecologist Lea Randall takes the viewer on a conservation translocation journey as they move northern leopard frog eggs and tadpoles from one wild site to another. Reintroducing Northern Leopard Frogs to the Columbia Marshes is a Calgary Zoo project receiving financial support from the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund, which is administered by KCP on behalf to the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund. The project has
exceeded the target number of tadpoles translocated this year.
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
BC Wildfire Service launches official wildfire app
The official BC Wildfire Service mobile app is now available, providing real-time wildfire information and an interactive map that users can customize to display a variety of fire-related data. The app’s landing page is an interactive wildfire map and the app also offers a “Near Me” function. When users select the “Near Me” option, the app will only display information within a 50-kilometre radius of their current location, allowing them to more easily focus on wildfire activity within that area.
Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society
Invasive Species organizations urge boaters to be diligent about Clean-Drain-Dry and watercraft inspection
It is boating season and, especially in light of the COVID situation, many people will be seeking outdoor activities like boating and fishing. To prevent the spread of aquatic invasives, awareness about them is all important and the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society is reminding boaters to be diligent about Clean-Drain-Dry and watercraft inspection.
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN)
Finding Hope through Connecting to the Land
In this webinar that aired May 28, Nasuʔkin (Chief) Joe Pierre Jr. shares the Ktunaxa Creation Story to inspire educators to help connect their students to the land. Chief Joe Pierre was elected to the position as the Chief for the ʔaq̓am Community in 2016. He is an incredible storyteller, and is the “go to” person for sharing the ʔaq̓am version of the Ktunaxa Creation Story. He has worked with the CBC production “North of Sixty” and was a storyteller at the very first Proctor Storytelling Festival. The webinar was recorded with permission.
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Reconnecting Grizzly Bears in the Trans-border Cabinet-Purcell Region: Past, Present, and Future
June 3, Zoom
Join researchers Michael Proctor with the Trans-border Grizzly Bear Project, and Wayne Kasworm with US Fish and Wildlife Service's Grizzly Bear Recovery Program for a virtual presentation about grizzly bear connectivity in the trans-border Cabinet-Purcell region of British Columbia, Northwest Montana, and North Idaho. Hosted by the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative at 10 a.m. MT.
Recovery Planning for Non-Profits
June 3, Online
In partnership with the CBT
Non-profit Advisors Program
, Selkirk College has been hosting a series of spring webinars designed to provide operational guidance for non-profit organizations in the Columbia Basin as they navigate the impacts of COVID-19. This webinar focuses on supporting organizations to develop a Non-Profit Recovery Plan for both current and future events. The discussion will cover: an overview of the hazard risk assessment process, how lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic can support the creation of an All Hazards Recovery Plan for the future, and how non-profits can identify where/when to trigger the plan's effective use.
Friends of Kootenay Lake Annual General Meeting 2020
June 3, Zoom
Join the Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society’s first online AGM to get informed on where FOKLSS is working and how to get involved in stewarding the Kootenay Lake ecosystem. The meeting will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. PT.
Wild Voices Online
June 3 • 4 • 10 • 11 • 17, Zoom
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) is continuing to present Wild Voices Online, an online learning program for students. These free webinars are designed for students learning at home and will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays in June.
Kootenay Connect: Ecological Corridors in the Kootenays
June 10, Zoom
Dr. Michael Proctor, with the Trans-border Grizzly Bear Project, will be presenting on Kootenay Connect, the regional conservation initiative designed to enhance, restore, recognize, and establish landscape level Ecological Corridors focused on riparian-wetland complexes and the wildlife that use them. The project is bringing together local and government biologists, regional planners, First Nations, private landowners, community stewardship groups and more to apply scientifically-driven community conservation work. KCP is co-hosting this special edition webinar with the BC Chapter of the Wildlife Society taking place 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. PT/2:30 to 3:30 p.m. MT.
View the poster
for further information.
Spring Invasive Plant ID and Management Training goes online!
June 16 • 30, Zoom
Want to know how to identify and manage invasives? Join one of two free training sessions the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) is offering online this June. CSISS will be hosting one-hour online workshops that are applicable to industry, forestry, Indigenous Peoples, municipal and regional staff, landscapers, gardeners, stewardship groups and other interested individuals. Learn to identify key invasive plants in your area and implement best management practices in the field to prevent the spread of invasive species. The ID portion of the course this year will focus on the carrot family species – such as Giant Hogweed, Wild Chervil, Wild Parsnip and others. These workshops are free however pre-registration is required. The June 16 workshop will take place 10-11 a.m. PT, and the June 30 workshop will run 2-3 p.m. PT.
Getting Hands-on with Invasive Species
June 17, Online
Join this virtual exploration of hands-on approaches to teaching about invasive species at 7:30 p.m. EST on June 17 hosted by Green Teacher in partnership with the Columbia Basin Environmental Network (CBEEN). Sue Staniforth is a biologist, educator, facilitator, and evaluation consultant who excels in working as part of a team in facilitating collective learning and success. Her emphasis is on transformational educational approaches that go beyond information transfer to promoting awareness, inspiration, empowerment, and action. Sue believes strongly in the participatory process, working closely with stakeholders in the development and assessment of projects, learning resources, and strategies.
GRASS Talks: Learn more about the secrets of BC’s grasslands
June 19, Online
Current and former Directors of the Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia (GCC) will talk about current grassland research and studies during a free, 90-minute online forum at 3 p.m. PT on Friday, June 19. Registration is required for this free event and attendance is limited to less than 100 people. Register today by sending an email to:
info@bcgrasslands.org
KCP Virtual Spring Tour
June 22, Zoom
Enjoy this year's KCP Spring Tour virtual-style. KCP is taking this opportunity to tour many different Local Conservation Fund projects all in one hour! On Monday, June 22 at 1 p.m. PT / 2 p.m. MT, learn more about important local projects on water, wildlife, fire management and invasive species that are being funded through the Columbia Valley and Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Funds. For more information, please contact
marcy@kootenayconservation.ca
.
Click here to register.
Invasive Plant ID and Edible Weeds Workshop
June 24, Online
Okanagan College will be hosting a one -our online workshop with CSISS on Wednesday, June 24 at 1:30 p.m. PT
to explore the topic of invasive plants, with a special focus on their edible properties. The goal is to prevent spreading of these species, while harvesting their beneficial properties and reducing waste. There will also be identification guides and recipes to share.
Graphic Facilitation Workshop 2020
July 22-23, Rossland
If you plan and assess projects, facilitate meetings and write reports – the skills from this workshop are applicable immediately. You do not need to be an artist and everyone can learn the basics to help enhance your meetings, engagement, and sense making.
In the case that face-to-face meetings are not possible in July, other options for delivering this workshop are being considered.
Art of Hosting Meaningful Conversations & Participatory Leadership Retreat
August 30 - September 2, Kootenay Lake (Yasodhara Ashram)
This leadership training opportunity is hosted as a partnership between CBEEN and Selkirk College. This is the first time this renowned training has been held in the Kootenays — and it is focussed on climate change. This retreat at Yasodhara Ashram on Kootenay Lake will build your capacity for incorporating collaborative solutions, conflict resolution and collective wisdom building into your personal and organizational leadership practice with a focus on community action.
In light of COVID-19, a series of online discussions and training opportunities leading up to the in-person training is being offered.
Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society CABIN workshop
TENTATIVELY RE-SCHEDULED FOR LATER IN 2020
This summer the Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society (FOKLSS) will be launching their latest citizen science water monitoring program on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. Interested volunteers are invited to attend this 2-day workshop on the CABIN protocol, co-hosted by Living Lakes Canada. This program will offer an opportunity for passionate water stewardship advocates to develop the skills to monitor their watershed. This program will also assist FOKLSS in obtaining valuable data on stream health.
KCP Fall Gathering & AGM — Save the Date!
October 16-17, Creston
The KCP Fall Gathering & AGM serves as one of the primary vehicles to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region. The Fall Gathering is a wonderful opportunity to learn about conservation projects in the Kootenays, share knowledge and information, and network with other organizations in the Kootenays. All KCP Partners and members of the public are invited to this free event.
Plans for this event will be adapted this summer based on public health recommendations.
Scaling Up Camera Trap Surveys to Inform Regional Wildlife Conservation
October 20-22, Kimberley
This two-day Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology conference in Kimberley will address key questions in the development and application of camera trap methods. By showcasing established and emerging case studies, the conference will be a forum for sharing lessons on fundamental topics such as sampling design, data management and analysis, and multi-project collaboration.
Conference was postponed due to COVID-19 crisis (originally was scheduled for May 5-7, 2020).
Amphibian Inventory & Monitoring Techniques in Creston
April 13-14, 2021, Creston
This introductory course provides students with an opportunity to improve their amphibian species identification and handling skills, learn about survey design and standard inventory and monitoring techniques, and get hands-on experience surveying for amphibians in a variety of settings. Offered through Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology.
Advanced Field Ornithology: Identification and Surveys by Sound and Recordings
May 31-June 3, 2021, Revelstoke
This course will combine field-experience listening to bird calls and songs during three mornings at the height of the breeding season, with hands-on recording practice to generate sound files. Each afternoon, the class will learn to edit and review their recordings using sound visualization software on their personal laptop computers. Offered through Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology.
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TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant
Deadline: July 15
The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) is a national charity that funds environmental projects across Canada. The Foundation supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary focus on environmental education and green space programs. Eligible projects include schoolyard greening, park revitalization, community gardens, park programming and citizen science initiatives.
Vancouver Foundation Systems Change Grants - Develop Grants
Deadline: Ongoing
Systems Change Grants support projects that take action to address the root causes of pressing social, environmental or cultural issues by influencing the behaviours of populations, organizations, and institutions. Short-term grants (Develop grants) are a one-time application that can be submitted any time throughout the year; decisions are made the following month.
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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Shuswap Indian Band
Professional Biologist, Invermere
The Shuswap Band is looking for an experienced Professional Biologist to support their growing organization in the conservation and management of natural resources. The position will involve supporting the Shuswap Band and the Secwepemc Nation in Columbia River Treaty negotiations through study initiation, technical support and project management/guidance. The Biologist will also be responsible for assisting the Director of Territorial Stewardship with the implementation of natural resource management projects and initiatives by providing biological support, project management, administration, training and education to community members.
Deadline to apply is June 2 at 4 p.m. MT.
BC Public Service — Environment & Climate Change Strategy
Environmental Impact Assessment Biologist, Cranbrook/Nelson
This position is a regional specialist in aquatic environmental impact assessment and provides recommendations and guidance on monitoring, mitigative or remedial activities. In this role, you represent the Ministry, working with all levels of government, industry, land users, members of the public and the media, to lead education and awareness and promote environmental stewardship. This position can be based out of a number of Ministry Office locations, subject to operational requirements and constraints at the time of offer, including Cranbrook and Nelson.
Deadline to apply is June 2.
Ktunaxa Nation
Citizen Engagement Coordinator, Cranbrook
This position ensures Ktunaxa citizens, regardless of where they live, are provided with the opportunity to receive information, provide input, and make well-informed decisions regarding treaty and other Nation rebuilding related activities. The emphasis is primarily, but not exclusively, to be on those areas where ratification votes are intended. The position works in collaboration with the Treaty Negotiations team and the Ktunaxa Nation Communications department.
Deadline to apply is June 9 at 4:30 p.m. MT.
Regional District of Kootenay Boundary
Planner, Trail
Reporting to the Manager of Planning and Development, the Planner is primarily responsible for processing development applications such as bylaw amendments, development permits; and subdivision and Agricultural Land Commission referrals. Other general duties include undertaking special planning projects and preparing formal planning documents. The ideal candidate should have a degree in urban or regional planning, or a related discipline, and some experience in a planning office, preferably at the local government level.
Deadline to apply is June 26.
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Wild Voices Community Educator, Columbia Basin-wide
Wild Voices for Kids is a program of the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network. It 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. Wild Voices for Kids promotes presenters and their programs, and provides cash honoraria to community educators. 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.
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COVID-19 Principles and Emerging Practices for Led Outdoor Activities in Canada
Resource for planning outdoor field-based activities
This document is the 1st Edition (May 22nd, 2020) and offers guidance for activities and conditions found in the Canadian Led Outdoor Activity (LOA) sector, focusing on core or common considerations for COVID-19 hazard management applicable to a broad diversity of contexts. This is the result of an on-going iterative process which will involve updated editions as information evolves. As these changes occur, it is the user’s responsibility to ensure they remain informed.
Conservation of Threatened Canada-USA Trans-border Grizzly Bears linked to Comprehensive Conflict Reduction
Paper shortlisted for 2020 TWS Wildlife Publication Awards
The Wildlife Publication Awards Committee
has shortlisted this paper
by Dr. Michael Proctor and co-authors as one of five in the journal and monograph categories. This paper details a 15-year successful effort to re-establish connectivity between populations of grizzly bears in one of the most threatened and isolated population in North America, the transborder area of southeastern BC, northwestern Montana and northern Idaho. In the process it was discovered that these grizzly bear corridors — as well as other grizzly bear corridors across southeastern BC — overlapped amazingly well with biologically important riparian-wetland complexes. This research and conservation story became the genesis for the recently initiated project,
Kootenay Connect
, that has captured the attention of many cooperating conservation biologists across the Kootenays to protect habitat connectivity in our region.
BC's Old Growth Forest: A Last Stand for Biodiversity
New report on the status old growth forests in British Columbia
Karen Price (PhD), Rachel Holt (PhD, RPBio) and Dave Daust (MSc, RPF) conducted these analyses to investigate the province’s claims about the state of old growth, and arrived at a more accurate and, unfortunately, alarming view. For example, of the 13.2 million hectares of “old-growth”, the vast majority (80%) consists of small trees, including bog forests and subalpine forests. In contrast, only about 400,000 hectares of remaining old forest supports large trees, covering less than 1% of BC’s forested land. The report includes urgent recommendations, and concludes current policy will make matters worse.
Podcast — Corridor Ecology: Linking Landscapes for Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Adaptation
Dr. Jodi Hilty speaks about the second edition of "Corridor Ecology"
In this lively interview, Dr. Jodi Hilty describes the consequences of fragmented landscapes and defines corridors, speaks honestly about potential pitfalls or disadvantages of linking landscapes, and discusses the current tools and technologies available today that are helping the field continue to make advances and aid in science-based decision-making.
Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund
2020 funded projects announced
KCP works in partnership with the Regional District of Central Kootenay to administer the
Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund (KLLCF). The purpose of the KLLCF is to provide local financial support for important local projects that will contribute to the conservation of valuable natural areas in Electoral Areas A, D and E of the RDCK. For 2020, 7 projects were funded for a total of $65,000.
Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund
2020 funded projects announced
KCP works in partnership with the Regional District of East Kootenay to administer the
Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF). The purpose of the CVLCF is to provide local financial support for important local projects that will contribute to the conservation of valuable natural areas in the Columbia Valley subregion of the RDEK. For 2020, 8 projects were funded for a total just over $114,000.
A Case for Conservation
New KCP brochure promoting private land conservation now available
KCP has created the “Case for Conservation” tri-fold brochure, which 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 Manager Juliet Craig at
manager@kootenayconservation.ca.
Kootenay 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, KCP has developed a webpage that compiles some of the best conservation and stewardship resources available for our region.
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