Voters say 'Yes' to clean water, wildlife, and open space

Regional District of Central Kootenay

The rural areas around Kootenay Lake have become the second region Canada to adopt a comprehensive local conservation fund tax. On November 15, 2014 voters in the Regional District of Central Kootenay (Areas A, D, and E) around Kootenay Lake said 'yes' to clean water, wildlife, and open space. The Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund represents an investment of over $1 million in conservation over the 10-year term of the fund. The fund was established through a service bylaw, which ensures that the funds can only be spent on conservation within the service area. Click here for more information. 

Re-licensing of Mica, Hugh Keenleyside (Arrow Lakes), and Duncan Dams under the International River Improvements Act

Environment Canada

The federal Minister of the Environment has received applications by the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) for the re-licensing, under the International River Improvements Act (IRIA), of the Mica, Hugh Keenleyside (Arrow Lakes) and Duncan dams and their associated water storage reservoir on the Columbia River. The current IRIA licences, which authorize the construction, operation and maintenance of these dams and the storage of water upstream of the dams, will expire on August 1st, 2015. BC Hydro is applying of the continued operations and maintenance of the facilities for a second 50 year term. Background information on the IRIA can be found byclicking here. The re-licensing of the three above noted facilities does not require an environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. For more inforrmation on the IRIA, the regulations made, or the re-licensing process under the IRIA, or to share any views or concerns you may have, please contact Ms. Manon Lalonde at manon.lalonde@ec.gc.ca or at (613) 943-8063, prior to February 7, 2015. 

Trust receives environmental award

Columbia Basin Trust

Throughout the Columbia Basin, many educators, volunteers, community groups and organizations dedicate themselves to enhancing environmental well-being through education. As a supporter of these efforts, Columbia Basin Trust has earned an award from the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication. It received a 2014 Award of Excellence in Environmental Education and Communication.The award was presented to the Trust by the nominating organization Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN). "We were both surprised and humbled by this recognition," said Neil Muth, Columbia Basin Trust President and CEO. "This achievement would not be possible without the incredibly committed and passionate educators, volunteers, community groups and organizations in the region, like CBEEN, that help us deliver on our mandate to enhance environmental well-being in the Basin. We accept this award on behalf of all of our environmental partners." 

Click here for more information. 

Stewards of the Future

Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia 

The Stewards of the Future program stems from the Lieutenant Governor's long-standing connection to the land and the importance of biodiversity. Its purpose is to promote the concept of a holistic approach to our endeavors based on respect, relationships and the responsibility of all for the future. Stewards of the Future encourages and supports our emerging leaders to get outside and explore their own communities to discover and document unique attributes, identify and research key issues of concern, and investigate stewardship initiatives. Stewards of the Future provides funding and support for high school teachers and other educators to go on field trips, visit local sites of interest, and engage in stewardship projects in their communities.

Click here for more information. 

Conservation Double Shot

Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC)

Kicking Horse Coffee, NCC's long-time corporate partner, has pledged to match $1,000 for the next 101 supporters who join the Leaders in Conservation program. NCC's Leaders in Conservation are among the most important investors in our conservation work in British Columbia. By making an annual gift of $1,000 or more in support of NCC's core work, Leaders in Conservation provide the critical funding that makes possible the due diligence activities that need to occur before every conservation land purchase or stewardship project can go ahead. This reliable, annual funding allows NCC to conduct field work, property research and analysis, scientific evaluation, education and public outreach.

Annual Report

Wildsight

Connection. Community. Commitment. Wildsight's Annual Report is hot off the press! Read about everything Wildsight accomplished together in 2014 by clicking here.