KCP’s Conservation Action Forums identify shared priority actions that will contribute to maintaining healthy fish and wildlife populations and ecological functions in the region. The Action Forums bring together partners from a particular neighbourhood where there is local interest and leadership to learn from the latest science in the region to inform the development of shared action priorities. KCP is pleased to report that as of March 31, 2021, of the 32 Priority Actions identified across the first five forums for the Slocan Lake Watershed, Columbia Valley, Lower Columbia, Elk Valley and Creston (excluding the recent Golden forum in November 2020), 29 were either completed or were actively being pursued – 91%!

Last month we announced the projects that are receiving financial support from the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF) and the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund (KLLCF). The detailed list of CVLCF projects contained some errors which we've since corrected. Please see the revised list below.

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 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! We've recently added a short "how-to" video that explains how to easily navigate the website. 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. 

Click here for the full posting. 

The B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy is interested in hearing about experiences with B.C. species at risk recovery documents to gather data to improve the species at risk program. The feedback will provide data-driven insight into effectively transferring and packaging information on species at risk recovery. This survey is an initial step in reviewing how species at risk recovery documents are developed, including making space for Indigenous review, perspectives, and knowledge, where possible and applicable. This survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and the link will be open until Monday, May 10.

Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners are looking for volunteers to help monitor Western Painted Turtles at their new basking logs in Radium Hot Springs at the mill pond and at Dorothy Lake in Invermere this season. Click here for the poster.

To volunteer please email cvpaintedturtle@gmail.com.

Click here for the full announcement and here for the online library.

The Rocky Trench Ecosystem Restoration Program in conjunction with the BC Wildfire Services and the Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resources Society are planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the TaTa Creek area between April 1st - May 10th, 2021 — weather and burning conditions permitting. Prescribed burns are being conducted for ecosystem restoration purposes and will occur on the Old Kimberley Airport pasture southeast of the TaTa Creek community. The Program was also planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Premier Lake area between April 9th - April 30th, 2021, weather and burning conditions permitting.

Choose NOT to mow your lawn to allow wildflowers to grow for the bees. Flowers in your yard can provide vital pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators. Download the Black & White poster (or make your own) to put in your window to tell your neighbours why you aren’t mowing your lawn in May. Enter the colouring contest by posting a picture of your No Mow May – poster (homemade or printed)to the event. Winners will be drawn on June 1.

There will be two walks, one in the morning and one in the evening, both starting at Reflection Lake. We have very limited registration and are hoping people will only register for one of the other. Email golden@wildsight.ca to register.

The Bringing the Salmon Home Festival offers a vision, an invitation, and a shared affirmation to work together to bring the salmon home to the upper Columbia River in Canada. Enjoy a week of free online events and join diverse guest speakers including Indigenous leaders, knowledge keepers, artists, writers, nutritionists, chefs and biologists for insightful conversations and presentations. The Opening Welcome on May 10 will involve leaders of the Syilx Okanagan, Ktunaxa and Secwépemc Nations, federal and provincial ministers, and elders and young people to launch this amazing event.

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.

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.

The purpose of this four-part webinar series hosted by Living Lakes Canada is to introduce the STREAM (Sequencing The Rivers for Environmental Assessment and Monitoring) project to anyone interested in community-based water monitoring. 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.

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. 

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.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Deputy Director will be responsible for directing and managing the activities of Living Lakes Canada (LLC) in accordance with policies, goals, and objectives established by the Executive Director and the Board of Directors. The Deputy Director will ensure the achievement of short- and long-range goals for operations, human resources, financial performance, communications, public relations and growth, and oversee fundraising within the organization to ensure financial health. Preference will be given to applicants who live in British Columbia and specifically in the Columbia Basin. Deadline to apply is May 5.

This position is suited for Environmental Science (including biology, geology, oceanography), Ecological Restoration, Planning, or Environmental Engineering students enrolled in or recently graduated from university. Working from their home office, the selected applicant will gain experience and work with community partners and increase their understanding of environmental and ecological stewardship issues. They will also develop communication, outreach and education skills which are essential to achieving success in the field. Deadline to apply is May 14.

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. Positions open until filled.

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. Position open until filled.

Are you a forester or geographer? A biologist or mountain guide? A historian or Indigenous storyteller? Do you have some unique knowledge, skill, or expertise you can share with students? 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. Community Educator applications and program submissions are assessed for approval bi-annually by the Wild Voices Advisory Committee. Fall intake period closes annually on July 15.

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.

Planning is meant to be a collaborative process. The creation of Official Community Plans and Zoning Bylaws require information, feedback and review from the community. This recorded presentation provides information on Planning Tools available in the RDCK including Official Community Plans and Zoning Bylaws. For background on Community Planning, visit the RDCK website here.

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.