Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews
April 2021
Trendy Tools
Featuring profiles from the Stewardship Solutions Online Toolkit
Report Osprey nests and sightings around Kootenay Lake to the Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society. Increasing our understanding of breeding Ospreys is extremely important as they are considered bio-indicators of aquatic health.

KCP is hiring!
We are seeking a Program Assistant, flexible within the Kootenay Region
KCP is looking for a qualified contractor to provide support services to a broad range of KCP programs and initiatives including the Stewardship Solutions landowner outreach initiative, field tours, and Local Conservation Funds. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with excellent organizational and administrative skills as well as interest in conservation. Deadline to apply is April 16.

Kootenay Connect Year 2 completed
Results available on website
We have completed Year 2 of Kootenay Connect in our four focal corridors of the Columbia Wetlands, Creston Valley, Bonanza Biodiversity Corridor, and Wycliff and have started uploading results to the Kootenay Connect page of KCP's website. This page includes reports, maps, and short videos on such topics as assessing wetlands vulnerable to climate change in the Columbia Valley and alarming declines in the number of successful Great Blue Heron nests, an on-the-ground connectivity plan for multiple species in the Creston Valley, beaver habitat assessment and discovery of nearly 1,000 species in Bonanza, grasslands health assessment and invasive species management of Wycliffe Conservation Complex, and experimenting with artificial Branden bark that mimics old growth habitat for local bat populations. Scroll to the "Highlights" section and find details by clicking on the green button of the geographic region you are interested in.

Local Conservation Funds
2021 projects announced
The projects that are receiving financial support from the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF) and the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund (KLLCF), which KCP works in partnership with the Regional District of East Kootenay and the Regional District of Central Kootenay respectively to administer, have been announced.
Click here for the CVLCF announcement and here for the detailed list of CVLCF projects.
Click here for the KLLCF announcement and here for the detailed list of KLLCF projects.

KCP Winter Webinar Series
Webinar series recordings available online
In case you missed or wanted to revisit our 2021 Winter Webinar Series on the theme “From Alpine to Valley Bottom: Conserving Essential Habitats in the Kootenays”, detailed webinar descriptions, information about the presenters and links to the recordings can be found on the Winter Webinar Series page on the KCP website.

Stewardship Solutions Promotion Toolkit
Help spread the word about Kootenays' amazing stewardship services
KCP has created a resource page full of promotional tools for use on websites, in newsletters, on social media and more to help promote the Stewardship Solutions Toolkit. Download a poster, include a pre-written summary in your newsletter, copy and paste pre-written social media posts and download accompanying images — it's all there! If you've checked out this toolkit before, we encourage you to check it out again because new services and information are being added all the time. 

Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund
Technical Review Committee Member
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.
BC Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Inspect aquariums to help prevent spread of invasive mussels
Anyone who has a moss ball in their aquarium is being asked to inspect the plant for invasive zebra mussels now that the highly invasive species has been found in a number of locations throughout the province. There is an urgent call-to-action for all aquarium owners in BC to inspect their plants. Contaminated moss balls have been discovered in BC and Alberta. They have been both bought in-store, and independently online. It is not known how many of the infested plants could be in aquariums in BC, and beyond. Avoid purchasing any moss balls, and if you have some in your aquarium currently, please inspect them immediately. How to dispose of the moss balls is explained in the bulletin.

Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
Research Brief: Ecosystem Services and British Columbia’s Inland Temperate Rainforest
New analysis by researchers from the University of British Columbia shows that across B.C.’s biogeoclimatic zones, the inland temperate rainforest is significant for many reasons. This brief provides a summary of new research on ecosystem services in B.C.’s inland temperate rainforest, as well as highlights from the Upper Columbia basin and southern mountain caribou habitat.

Nature Conservancy of Canada
Southern Canada’s crisis ecoregions: identifying the most significant and threatened places for biodiversity conservation
Identifying and protecting key areas for biodiversity is a cornerstone of effective nature conservation. This conservation assessment by the Nature Conservancy of Canada analyzes 77 ecoregions across the southern, settled part of Canada to identify priorities for conservation action. The analysis included 34 measures of biodiversity, threat and conservation response. All ecoregions were categorized based on their overall biodiversity and threat scores.

Living Lakes Canada
Water Hub is the new home for Columbia Basin water data
The Columbia Basin Water Hub is a new open source online platform for storing water-related data collected throughout the Columbia Basin region so communities and decision makers can have easy access to the important information they need for watershed management in an era of climate change. Water-related data can be submitted by community-based monitoring groups or by municipal, regional or First Nations governments, and industry. Data can be linked to any existing databases that are available openly online. 

Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society
Podcast Series: Voices of the Lake - New episodes!
In March, Friends of Kootenay Lake launched two new episodes of the Voices of the Lake Podcast: Episode 9 - Hydro Logic: Looking at Kootenay Lake’s Ever-changing Hydrology featuring Dr. Martin Carver, Hydrologist, researcher and Principal of Aqua Environmental Associates; and Episode 8 - Stop the Spread: Managing Aquatic Invasive Species around Kootenay Lake featuring Khaylish Fraser, Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator with the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society. Voices of the Lake is designed to expand understanding and awareness of place as it dives into historical, current and future narratives of the Kootenay Lake Basin. Local experts, scientists, historians, advocates, artists, cultural leaders, recreationalists, and storytellers in various fields are interviewed. All episodes are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

Cottonwood Lake Preservation Society
$400,000 raised to save Cottonwood Lake from clear-cut logging
The Cottonwood Lake Preservation Society successfully raises $400,000, meeting its February 28th deadline to purchase 49 hectares of majestic forest above Cottonwood Lake and save it from clear-cut logging. The CLPS now moves into the process of purchasing the land from the landowner, which will be done through the Regional District Central Kootenay. The project then moves towards appraising and surveying the land in preparation of handing it over to a land trust where it will be managed and protected in perpetuity.

Columbia Basin Watershed Network
Call for Proposals: 2021 Summer Mapping Program
The Columbia Basin Watershed Network, in partnership with Selkirk Geospatial Research Centre (SGRC) has announced the 2021 Summer Mapping Program. This year, four different organizations will be selected to participate in a fully-funded program to create valuable maps that engage your community. These groups will work with a supervised GIS Co-op student to communicate complex watershed information in beautiful and easy-to-understand maps. To participate in the Program, a project must be sponsored by a Columbia Basin Watershed Network member group. If you're not already a member, or have any questions, please contact CBWN Coordinator Georgia Peck at cbwn.coordinator@gmail.com. The application process is open until April 8. For more information on the program, please see the CBWN website. For examples of past mapping work, please visit the SGRC site here.

Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Non-profit Outdoor Learning Store now open Canada-wide 
CBEEN’s Non-profit Outdoor Learning Store is now officially open Canada-wide. Not only does this social enterprise provide schools and organizations with easy access to excellent outdoor learning resources, but it also provides support for outdoor learning non-profits and their educational programs, including CBEEN's. 

Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Earthy Chats: Outdoor Learning Podcast
The newest instalment of CBEEN's Outdoor Learning Podcast, Earthy Chats, is now live. Join CBEEN for wide-ranging chats with environmental educators about best practices, changing trends and new insights about the outdoor & environmental learning field.

The Nature Trust of BC
50th Anniversary Campaign Launch
The Nature Trust has been steadfast in its approach to land conservation for 50 years and to celebrate they’ve produced an anniversary campaign video. This is the first in series of videos that will tell The Nature Trust story throughout their banner year.
Green Shores Level 1 - Introduction to Green Shores
Start any time, Online learning course
This course introduces participants to basic shoreline ecosystem principles and management practices, with emphasis on the purpose and application of the Green Shores rating systems. The content is of interest to shoreline professionals, landowners, conservation organizations, local government staff, elected officials, real estate agents, and others who have a general interest in shoreline protection. Green Shores Level 1 is a prerequisite for Green Shores Level 2 for shoreline practitioners. This is an online learning course. Start any time. You have 3 weeks from the date you register to complete this course.

Earth Day 2021 Scavenger Hunt
April 1-21, Your Location followed by a Virtual Event on April 22
Participate in advance in a family friendly Earth Day scavenger hunt (this is a downloadable pdf) organized by Wildsight Golden. All entries must be in by April 21 in order to be entered in draw. To submit, please email confirmation that you completed it to Golden@wildsight.ca. (They will take your word for it). Then join for a Virtual Earth Day event on April 22. There will be two prizes awarded by draw for all scavenger hunt entries, a discussion about the hunt and video presentation of the first Ellen Zimmerman award.

April Cleanup of Kootenay Lake’s East Shore
April 1-30, Kootenay Lake East Shore
In honour of Earth Day, Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society (FoKLSS) in partnership with Trails for Creston Valley Society (TCVS) and the East Shore Freshwater Habitat Society (ESFHS) will be facilitating a garbage cleanup initiative along the east shore of Kootenay Lake between Riondel and Wynndel throughout the month of April. Garbage has been building up at popular public lake access sites along this stretch throughout the year.

Amphibian Inventory & Monitoring Techniques
April 7 & 14, Online
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. Adapted for online delivery April 7th & 14th, includes live streamed field session!

STREAM Series Webinar #2 – Introduction to CABIN
April 8, Online
The goal of this webinar is to contextualize the CABIN (Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network) methods and network developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) as the foundation for STREAM. THIS WEBINAR WILL NOT BE A REPLACEMENT FOR TRAINING but will provide participants with a general overview of biomonitoring, the Reference Condition Approach and the CABIN online tools. Hosted by Living Lakes Canada.

Carbon, water, and recreation: Protecting the land that sustains us
April 8, Online
Join this webinar with Dr. Aerin Jacob and Dr. Matt Mitchell to learn about first-of-its-kind research that maps Canada’s most important places for freshwater, carbon storage, and nature-based outdoor recreation. Researchers modelled and mapped these three benefits, and results show that existing protected areas tend to cover places with the potential to provide benefits rather than the spots that actually deliver benefits to people. Co-hosted by Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative and Wildsight, this webinar will zoom in on B.C.’s Inland Temperate Rainforest, the Columbia Basin, and southern mountain caribou habitat, and explore how this tool can inform decisions about land and water management, planning, and conservation at national, provincial, and regional scales.

Understanding Statistics & Decision-Making for Natural Resource Managers
April 20 & 27, May 4 OR May 25, June 1 & 8, Online
This course is for project managers who have to interpret the results of statistical analyses and make decisions about how much data to collect and which management actions to undertake. The course focuses on the fundamentals of uncertainty, effect sizes, significance, decision theory and the value of information. It does not require a statistical background and doesn’t involve any modeling although different types of results are presented and discussed. This three-day online course is spread out over three weeks. There are two course dates to choose from.

Imaginative Ecological Education
April 20, Online
Join Dr. Gillian Judson of imaginED and the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University as she shares some of her work around engaging students with their natural and cultural contexts, which is a central aim of Imaginative Ecological Education, or IEE. Hosted by the CBEEN Outdoor Learning Store & Partners.

STREAM Series Webinar #3 – STREAM Users: Featured Case Studies
April 29, Online
This webinar will provide case study examples of participants in the STREAM project that are utilizing the CABIN methods in a local context on the west and east slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Kootenay case studies featured will include the Elk River Alliance and the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. Hosted by Living Lakes Canada.

CBT Ecosystem Enhancement Program Workshops
April 29, May 4 or May 6, Online
Join the Columbia Basin Trust for an ecosystem enhancement project idea workshop: review the process for the fifth year of the Ecosystem Enhancement Program and collaborate and share ideas for potential projects and partnerships from across the Basin. Join us April 29, May 4 or May 6. Registrants will be emailed information and asked to provide input in advance of the workshop to assist in workshop discussions.
 
Water Testing Resources & Equipment for Educators
May 4, Online
Join Water Rangers’ Laura Gilbert (Community & Research Coordinator) and Juno Garrah (Environmental Education Coordinator) to learn about their water education resources. These include testing kits, downloadable activity sheets, their brand new teacher’s guide, and more.
Water Rangers builds the tools to help classrooms, citizens and scientists easily record and analyze water data so that they can use the data to learn about problems, share discoveries and engage with their communities. Hosted by the CBEEN Outdoor Learning Store & Partners.

Teaching Kids and Teens about Climate Change
May 6, Online
Teaching climate change to young learners is a balancing act. How can we lead explorations of difficult truths without overwhelming young minds and further exacerbating eco-anxiety?
Join this interactive workshop where we touch on systems thinking, kinesthetic learning, youth empowerment, solutions-oriented collaboration, and facilitating measurable local change. Hosted by the CBEEN Outdoor Learning Store & Partners.

Creston Valley Bird Fest — Save the Date!
May 7-9, Creston
The 2021 Festival will be proceeding with consideration to the ongoing pandemic. Check the festival website for updates closer to the festival dates. Celebrating Creston birds may happen remotely with live-streaming or webinar workshops or, if possible, small educational events. Keynote speaker John Acorn, is considering preparing a virtual presentation. 

Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival — Save the Date!
May 10-16, Columbia Valley
The Wings Over the Rockies is planning a 2021 festival with COVID protocols in place. Visit the festival website to sign up for the newsletter and receive festival updates.

The Importance of Indigenous Perspectives in Children’s Environmental Inquiry
May 13, Online
Join Haley Higdon of Natural Curiosity to learn about the 2nd edition of their resource, The Importance of Indigenous Perspectives in Children’s Environmental Inquiry. This resource supports a stronger basic awareness of Indigenous perspectives and their importance to environmental education. Hosted by the CBEEN Outdoor Learning Store & Partners.

Scaling Up Camera Trap Surveys to Inform Regional Wildlife Conservation
May 18-20, Online
This conference 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. This Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology event has been adapted to an online format — registration has re-opened! It will take place via Zoom over three mornings and will feature an incredible line-up of speakers and poster presentations addressing various aspects of camera trapping, and a panel discussion. An adapted workshop will also take place focused on coordination and standardization of key aspects of camera surveys such as sampling design, camera protocols, and data management and analysis.

STREAM Series Webinar #4 – Indigenous-led STREAM projects
May 27, Online
This webinar will feature Indigenous-led, community-based water monitoring programs including the Dene Kaska Guardians, the Blueberry River First Nations and the Environmental Stewardship Initiative. Hosted by Living Lakes Canada.
Columbia Basin Watershed Network 2021 CBWN Water Monitoring Fund
Deadline: Intake will close when fully subscribed
The Columbia Basin Watershed Network micro grant is open for applications. The funds are to assist Network member groups to: 1. Replace broken water monitoring equipment and 2. maintain or fix water monitoring equipment that is malfunctioning. To participate in the Fund, a project must be sponsored by a Columbia Basin Watershed Network member group. If you're not already a member, or have any questions, please contact CBWN Coordinator Georgia Peck at cbwn.coordinator@gmail.com

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.

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.
Kootenay Native Plant Society
Board Members
The Kootenay Native Plant Society working board is currently in the early phases of a large, grant-funded project to conserve and restore pollinator habitat at a landscape scale in the Lower Kootenay/Columbia corridor - the Pollination Pathway Climate Adaptation Initiative (PPCAI). KNPS is looking for new directors to join and to bring new ideas and skills along as we begin the PPCAI. Directors attend regular meetings, participate in KNPS outreach, and lead special projects. Directors hold a 2-year term and are appointed/elected at the annual general meeting. Email your interest by April 1.

Columbia Basin Trust
Manager - Special Initiatives, Castlegar, Cranbrook, Nakusp or Golden
The Manager, Special Initiatives supports the development of recommendations related to the research, design and evaluation of specific initiatives that support the Trust’s Columbia Basin Management Plan and broader corporate objectives, such as working with Indigenous Peoples and corporate public engagement processes. Extensive travel is required.
Deadline to apply is April 4.

BC Env & Climate Change Strategy - Environmental Protection Division
Environmental Assessment Impact Biologist, Cranbrook, Nelson
The Environmental Assessment Impact Biologist 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. Deadline to apply is
April 6.

British Columbia Conservation Foundation
WildsafeBC Coordinators (Columbia Valley, Castlegar, Rossland, Selkirk Purcells)
The WildSafeBC Community Coordinator position is more than just a job; it is a unique opportunity to make a real difference in reducing human-wildlife conflicts where you live. This position requires maturity, self-reliance and the ability to work alone for long periods of time with minimal supervision. Professionalism, commitment and good communication skills are also essential. Deadline to apply is April 7.

Regional District of Central Kootenay
Resource Recovery Educator, Nelson
The Resource Recovery Educator’s primary function is to work on behalf of the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) to ensure awareness of and compliance with RDCK Resource Recovery policy and bylaw. The Resource Recovery Educator works collaboratively with the Resource Recovery Operations Supervisor, the Resource Recovery team and other stakeholders to respond to waste acceptance enquiries and to deliver disposal/ recycling education within the regional district. Deadline to apply is April 7.

Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society
Environmental Outreach Coordinator (Summer Position)
The Environmental Outreach Coordinator will support education and outreach, social media management, member engagement, administrative tasks, and primary projects. The Environmental Outreach Coordinator will ensure that Kootenay Lake residents are kept up to date on all projects and programs happening around the lake, assist with monitoring, and coordinate engaging virtual educational programs for lake residents including K-12 students in School District 8. Deadline to apply is April 11.

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), BC Chapter
Conservation Coordinator (Terrestrial), Anywhere in BC
Reporting to the Terrestrial Conservation Manager, the Conservation Coordinator will work closely with the Terrestrial Conservation Team, Communications Team, and other staff to deliver CPAWS-BC’s terrestrial conservation work. The Conservation Coordinator will play a key role in supporting the delivery of terrestrial conservation campaigns and programs, with a primary focus on communications activities. Deadline to apply is April 11.

Masse Environmental Consultants Ltd.
Terrestrial Ecologist, Nelson
Masse Environmental is looking for an experienced terrestrial ecologist to join their team. The position will be for a six month term and has the potential to lead to full time employment. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading terrestrial field assessments, conducting Riparian Areas Protection Regulation assessments, permitting and providing technical support to project managers. Assistance in a wide range of other projects in the environmental management field will also be required. Deadline to apply is April 15.

Nature Conservancy of Canada
Executive Assistant, Invermere
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a detail-orientated Executive Assistant to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a detail-orientated Executive Assistant to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain. Deadline to apply is April 16.

Kootenay Conservation Program
Program Assistant, Flexible within the Kootenay Region
KCP is looking for a qualified contractor to provide support services to a broad range of KCP programs and initiatives including the Stewardship Solutions landowner outreach initiative, field tours, and Local Conservation Funds. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with excellent organizational and administrative skills as well as interest in conservation. Deadline to apply is April 16.

Wildsight Golden
Invasive Plant Program Coordinator, Golden
Wildsight Golden is seeking one qualified person to coordinate ‘Golden’s Community Invasive Plant Program’ and to develop and deliver public education on invasive plants. This program is jointly supported by Wildsight Golden and the Town of Golden. Deadline to apply is April 23.

Ecotrust Canada
Project Developer - Climate Innovation, Anywhere in Canada
Climate Innovation team is based in Vancouver, BC, and the position will require travel throughout Canada in the future. Position may be located elsewhere in Canada
EcotrustCanada’s Climate Innovation initiative is growing and seeks a Project Developer to drive successful execution of carbon project development, deep community engagement with our rural, remote and Indigenous partner communities, and, climate policy development with a focus on Natural Climate Solutions. Deadline to apply is April 26.

Ducks Unlimited
Chief Executive Officer, Anywhere in Canada
As CEO, you will lead a nation-wide team of approximately 400 staff and 5,200 volunteers. You will help foster a strong and inclusive work environment where diversity flourishes and all are empowered to showcase their unique backgrounds, skills, experiences and perspectives. Responsible for delivering a $100-million budget, you will oversee all DUC business operations including science, habitat conservation, fundraising, education, communications and marketing as well as political advocacy efforts.

Invasive Species Council of BC
Invasive Species Action Team Supervisor, Nelson
The Council is looking for individuals with exceptional interpersonal skills and experience to join our growing organization as an Action Team Supervisor. As an Action Team Supervisor, you will lead a team of three people in field survey and management of invasive species. The Action Team Supervisor is knowledgeable, outgoing, and confident. Successful candidates are self-motivated and highly organized individuals who enjoy being responsible for and work well with a team.

Invasive Species Council of BC
Invasive Species Action Team Member, Nelson
The Council is looking for individuals with exceptional interpersonal skills and experience to join our growing organization as an Action Team Member. As an Action Team Member, you will be part of a 4-person crew involved in field survey and management of invasive species. The Action Team Members are knowledgeable, outgoing, and confident. 

Invasive Species Council of BC
Education Coordinator, Remote
The Education Coordinator is responsible for the development, review, and delivery of new and ongoing interactive educational programming to reach schools and possibly youth, and community groups. Our ideal candidate will lead the development of a variety of provincial education resources, produce innovative online resources and provide ‘virtual classroom support and or coordinate special teacher events.

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.
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.

Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership
Indigenous-led conservation project
The Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership’s main message is one of hope. By supporting the Indigenous-led conservation movement, the Partnership aims to help bring about the bold, transformative change to heal the relationships between humans and our planet, including relationships amongst human and non-human beings. The Partnership strives to model this change by centering Indigenous leadership, mutual respect, reciprocity, shared relationships, and a deep concern for our current condition. Watch this video to hear from our Leadership Circle and Elder’s Lodge members about the Partnership’s vision for their work and for the future.

Support for Species at Risk in Grasslands and across BC
Kate McKeown et al.
British Columbia is home to the most biodiversity of any province or territory in Canada. However, probably more than 1800 of these species are in decline. BC has never had dedicated species at risk legislation and has instead relied on a combination of provincial and federal laws to determine who is responsible for managing species and habitats at risk. Because of this inconsistent framework, timelines are often not met and progress towards species recovery is slow at best.

Coastal Douglas-Fir & Associated Ecosystems Conservation Partnership
Bridging the Gap: a model for supporting local governments with shared ecological expertise
This webinar is part of a series that builds on our Conservation Planning in Coastal Douglas-fir Ecosystems: A Quick Guide for Local Government, launched last year.  The series aims to raise awareness among local governments and conservation groups of the importance of protecting Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystems, and the role this can play in climate mitigation and conservation of rare species and ecosystems.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Connectivity and climate change toolkit
The purpose of this toolkit developed for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is to provide state fish and wildlife agency planners and managers with the information necessary to ensure climate considerations are being accounted for and incorporated in the planning and implementation of terrestrial and aquatic connectivity initiatives.

Connectivity metrics for conservation planning and monitoring
Annika T.H. Keeleya et al.
Conservation plans increasingly include goals to maintain a connected network. For example, planners might design a linkage between two conserved areas, or the parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity might set targets for a well-connected system of protected areas for each nation. In this study, described are 35 metrics that can quantify connectivity of focal patches or of networks and monitor changes over time in an ecoscape (landscape or seascape). 

Climate-Wise Habitat Connectivity Takes Sustained Stakeholder Engagement
Morgan Gray et al.
Well-managed and connected protected area networks are needed to combat the 6th mass extinction, yet the implementation of plans intended to secure landscape connectivity remains insufficient. The failure to translate planning efforts into effective action (i.e., the research-implementation gap) hinders our ability to conserve biodiversity threatened by ongoing climate change and habitat fragmentation. Sustained collaboration between researchers and practitioners to co-produce conservation strategies can bridge this gap by providing end-users with implementation guidance based on legitimate, relevant, and trusted information.

TransportEcology.info
For ecologically-friendly transport planning and management.
TransportEcology.info is a globally-relevant on-line resource providing open access information to improve the ecological outcomes of transportation and linear infrastructure projects. This new information hub contains summaries of peer-reviewed research, best practice notes and case studies from around the world. The content is provided by experienced researchers and practitioners from all continents, and targets the needs of planners, engineers, ecologists, consultants, funders, researchers, regulators, builders, managers and the general community.

A Case for Conservation
KCP brochure promoting private land conservation 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.