Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews

Registration for the 2019 KCP Fall Gathering is now open! The Fall Gathering is taking place October 4-5, 2019 in Invermere and participants can choose to attend one or both days. Details and the link to online registration are in the KCP News section below. And w e are still accepting nominations for the annual KCP Conservation Leadership Awards, which will be presented at the Fall Gathering. Details for this are also below . 
 
For more information about our Partners, access our new online KCP Partner Directory here.  You can also like us on  Facebook  for current news from partners throughout the month. And don't forget to keep an eye on our online Events Calendar which we maintain in collaboration with 3 other Columbia Basin environmental networks (CBEEN, CBWN & CMIAE) to help you keep track of everything going on.

See our Photo Gallery HERE for new photos submitted by Larry Halverson with Friends of Kootenay National Park. Please feel free to submit any photos, news or events you'd like us to share in our monthly eNews by the third week of each month to communications@kootenayconservation.ca.
 
As always, a big thanks goes out to our supporters !
 


KCP in the News
Stewardship Solutions featured on CBC Radio West!
KCP hit the airwaves on August 22 when CBC Radio West host Sarah Penton interviewed KCP Stewardship Coordinator Marcy Mahr about t he KCP Stewardship Solutions Online Toolkit (visit  www.kootenayconservation.ca/toolkit ).
KCP Conservation Leadership Award 
Nomination Deadline: September 9, 2018   
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their conservation work in the Kootenays? The annual KCP Conservation Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and dedication to conservation in our region. Nominees must be affiliated with a KCP partner organization ( click here for our partner list ) and they must show a demonstrated commitment toward the  KCP vision. We welcome your nominations before September 9. See attached nomination form. Award winners will be announced at the KCP Fall Gathering on October 4/5.

2018 KCP Fall Gathering:  Biodiversity Hotspots of the Kootenays
October 4-5, 2019
Join us in Invermere on October 4-5, 2019 for the 2019 KCP Fall Gathering! This year's theme is Biodiversity Hotspots of the Kootenays. Day 1 (Friday) will take place at Copper Point Resort and  will feature engaging speakers about key biodiversity hotspots in the Kootenays and current conservation projects to protect them.   The banquet dinner on Friday night will showcase this year's Conservation Leadership Awards and the new Stewardship Solutions toolkit.  Day 2 (Saturday)  we will head out to the new Columbia River Wetlands Edgewater Conservation property and other areas rich in biodiversity. A Casual Social at the Nature Conservancy of Canada office in Invermere will follow the field tour.  All KCP Partners and members of the public are invited to this free event and we offer the choice to attend either Day 1 or Day 2, or the full two days. Seats do fill up quickly - especially on the field tour - so be sure to register soon. The  Copper Point Resort  is offering a special rate for KCP Fall Gathering guests until September 16 on a limited number of rooms. Call  250-341-4000  and let front desk know you are booking from the Kootenay Conservation Room Block.  

Columbia Lake Local Conservation Fund - Call for proposals now open!
Deadline: November 1  
KCP in partnership with the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) provides funding for projects that benefit conservation in the area from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats through the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF). 
 
Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund - Call for proposals now open! 
Deadline: November 1  
KCP in partnership with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) provides funding for projects that benefit conservation in the rural areas around Kootenay Lake, specifically Electoral Areas A, D, and E ( click here for map) within the RDCK through the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund (KLLCF).  

Stewardship Solutions
Online Promotion Package now available online
KCP Partners, community organizations, interested individuals, l ocal governments, Chambers of Commerce and more who want to help promote and distribute the Stewardship Solutions Online Toolkit and accompanying printed ha ndouts are encouraged to take advantage of our handy online promotional package, which includes easy-to-use content that can be copied and pasted into newsletters, websites and social media posts.  You can also inquire about presentations for your organization or region. KCP will coordinate a limited number of presentations about Stewardship Solutions on a request basis.



Faces & Places Monthly Feature
Richard Klafki
Richard Klafki is the Director for the Nature Conservancy of Canada's Canadian Rockies Program, which encompasses key properties throughout the Kootenays, from the Rocky Mountain Trench and Elk and Flathead Valleys, westwards to the South Selkirk Mountains.
Click here to read about Richard's background in biology and his work helping to conserve these lands.
 


Environment and Climate Change Canada
Wildlife Area Regulations public comment period extended
The public comment period has been extended to September 30, 2019, for the proposed Regulations Amending the Wildlife Area Regulations and Other Department of Environment Regulations. The notice informing Canadians of the extension of the comment period has been published in the  Canada Gazette, Part I, on Saturday, August 17, 2019. All comments may be submitted to  ec.reglementsfaune-wildliferegulations.ec@canada.ca. You may also go to the  consultation page to find out more about the proposal and to provide comments. All comments received will be carefully considered by the Department of the Environment before the final Regulations Amending the Wildlife Area Regulations and other Department of Environment Regulations are made.

Wildsight Golden
Columbia Valley Osprey Survey reveals 42 active nests in 2019
This summer, biologist Rachel Darvill inventoried Ospreys nesting in the Columbia Valley and determined their population and breeding success. This survey data along with data collected through the Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey will be used to nominate the Columbia Wetlands into the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) program. For information about volunteering for the Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey, which will take place over three dates in September and October, see the Employment & Volunteer section below.

Living Lakes Canada
Full STREAM ahead
Living Lakes Canada has recently started a project called  STREAM (Sequencing The Rivers for Environmental Assessment and Monitoring) to carry out a 3-year community-based project which aims to assess river health across Canada. This year's focus is on 5 priority watersheds, one being the Columbia Basin. The STREAM project is unique in that it replaces standard taxonomy with a new and upcoming technology called DNA metabarcoding. DNA metabarcoding requires a sample of bugs on the bottom of streams which is then used for DNA analysis. This new technology generates biodiversity data in a more time efficient and cost effective way than standard invertebrate taxonomy, as well as providing more accurate data down to the species level. The goal of STREAM is to collect 1,500 benthic macroinvertebrate samples over the three years by recruiting and working with community members. Invertebrate analysis is free of charge for groups participating in the project.

Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program
Toadfest turned 10!
Toadfest celebrated its 10th anniversary at Summit Lake Provincial Park on August 21 and 22, 2019 with 500 celebrants who learnt all about Western Toads and other species in the local area. They also helped collect and transport 21,300 toadlets safely across the highway.

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation 
2019 Photo Contest Now Open
The HCTF Photo Contest is back and this year HCTF is giving away a total of three prizes - one for each photo category. (1) BC Wildlife or Freshwater Fish prize: VISA Gift Card $400 CAD. (2) BC Landscape prize: VISA Gift Card $300 CAD. (3) People in Nature prize: VISA Gift Card $300 CAD. Simply fill out the contest form located on the HCTF website or Facebook page and upload your photo to enter.  Contest runs until September 30th, 2019. 

Calgary Zoo / Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund
Overwintering success for Northern Leopard Frog project
Lea Randall, a Conservation Research Population Ecologist with the Calgary Zoo, which is part of the BC Northern Leopard Frog Recovery team, provides an update with photos on the reintroduction project currently taking place in the Columbia Marshes.

Valhalla Wilderness Society / Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund
Preparing for large toadlet migration at Fish Lake
The Valhalla Wilderness Society submitted this article to the Valley Voice newspaper about the Fish/Bear Lake Western Toad Ecology and Hwy 31A Mortality Mitigation Study, which we've re-published with permission. 

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The KCP encourages partners to take advantage of our eNews - send your content to  communications@kootenayconservation.ca.   


Spawning Channel Open House
September 7, Meadow Creek
Talk to biologists, learn more about Kokanee, the Kootenay Lake Nutrient Restoration Program, and how to co-exist with Grizzly Bears.
This free, family event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is hosted by the FWCP in partnership with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.
For more information about the open house, please call 250-352-1300 or email  fwcp@bchydro.com.

Webinar: Introducing the Columbia Basin Climate Source
September 9, Online
Mark your calendars: learn about the region's new Columbia Basin Climate Source - an online source for people seeking easy-to-understand information and data on climate change specific to the Columbia Basin and Boundary regions. Register for the webinar scheduled for Sept 26, 2019 at 10 am PT / 11 am MT. The Basin Climate Source will be live and available for all to view September 9, 2019.  For more information contact Dr. Adela Kincaid, RDI Research Lead at the Applied Research and Innovation Centre at akincaid@selkirk.ca .

Learn more about the CBT Environment Grants Program
September 10, via Teleconference
This is the first of two information meetings the Trust will be holding to review the Environment Grants Program and answer questions about the application and selection processes. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an information meeting.  Information meetings will be hosted by teleconference and the same content will be covered at both information meetings. If you are unable to attend an information meeting via teleconference, please reach out directly to Trust staff to discuss your application at 1-800-505-8998 or email  envirogrants@ourtrust.org .

6th International Columbia River Transboundary Conference
September 12-14, Kimberley
Online registration is open for the Columbia Basin Transboundary Conference: One River, One Future, an international conference addressing key issues related to the future of the Columbia River, its ecosystem, management, and international implications. Join Columbia Basin Trust and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council from September 12 to 14, 2019 in Kimberley, B.C. to connect and collaborate on the future of the Columbia River.

Edible Invasive Plant Workshop
September 16, Revelstoke
The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) and the North Columbia Environmental Society (NCES) are hosting this by-donation workshop from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Revelstoke Workers Memorial. Get specifics on how to ID plants and how to choose a safe harvest location. There will also be a selection of free recipes and the opportunity to partake in some edible invasive treats.
Email kkaiser@columbiashuswapinvasives.org for more information.

2019 Inquiring Voices Environmental Education Gathering
September 20-22, Whatshan Lake Retreat (near Nakusp, West Kootenay)
CBEEN's 2019 Inquiring Voices Environmental Education Gathering will take place at Whatshan Lake Retreat near Edgewood (south of Nakusp) from September 20-22, 2019. The goal of this annual event is to bring together educators to form a rich learning community meet to share, support, and collaborate with one another. These retreats are a great opportunity to network, share resources and stories, inspire one another and have fun through dialogue and activity.

9th Annual Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent
September 24-26, Montana
A portion of the Kootenays is part of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem.  Explore the theme "Connecting Land and Culture" with sessions focused on: Tourism and Economic Development, Holistic Health of Human and Natural Systems, Natural Resource Use and Misuse, Landscape Connectivity, Tribal Management Issues and Crown Managers Partnership Activities.

Free Online Information Session about FWCP Grants
October 2, Online
Learn about Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Grants and regional Action Plans on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 10 a.m. PDT.
Register for the information session at  fwcp@bchydro.com.

2019 KCP Fall Gathering: Biodiversity Hotspots of the Kootenays
October 4-5, Invermere
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. Join us in Invermere on October 4-5, 2019. This year's theme is Biodiversity Hotspots of the Kootenays. Day 1 (Friday) will take place at Copper Point Resort and will feature engaging speakers about key biodiversity hotspots in the Kootenays and current conservation projects to protect them. The banquet dinner on Friday night will showcase this year's Conservation Leadership Awards and the new Stewardship Solutions toolkit. Day 2 (Saturday) we will head out to the new Columbia River Wetlands Edgewater Conservation property and other areas rich in biodiversity. A Casual Social at the Nature Conservancy of Canada office in Invermere will follow the field tour. All KCP Partners and members of the public are invited to this free event and we offer the choice to attend either Day 1 or Day 2, or the full two days. Seats do fill up quickly - especially on the field tour - so be sure to register soon. The  Copper Point Resort  is offering a special rate for KCP Fall Gathering guests until September 16 on a limited number of rooms. Call  250-341-4000  and let front desk know you are booking from the Kootenay Conservation Room Block.  

Learn more about the CBT Environment Grants Program
October 16, via Teleconference
This is the second information meeting the Trust will be holding to review the Environment Grants Program and answer questions about the application and selection processes. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an information meeting.  Information meetings will be hosted by teleconference and the same content will be covered at both information meetings. If you are unable to attend an information meeting via teleconference, please reach out directly to Trust staff to discuss your application at 1-800-505-8998 or email  envirogrants@ourtrust.org .

CMI Annual Researchers' Forum
October 18, Golden
Every year CMI (Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology) members get together to provide updates on their projects (research, field trials, new initiatives in southeastern British Columbia, research techniques, etc.) and catch up on each other's news. It's an informal atmosphere and all are welcome to join us! If you would like to make a 15-20 minute presentation or want to bring a poster or display about your project or new initiative, send your abstract to the CMI office.  Submission Guidelines can be found here.  If you are willing to lead a field trip in the Golden area, please send a short description and note how many people you can accommodate - use our submission guidelines for " Offering a field trip " to assist you. Participants will need to provide their own transportation, and car-pooling will be encouraged. Call for Presentations and Field Trips closes September 18, 2019
Please send submissions to  office@cmiae.org  and click  here  for more details as they emerge.

LakeKeepers Workshop
October 19-20, Invermere/Premiere Lake
This chance to become a LakeKeeper, and steward for the lake is an exciting opportunity to connect with Lake Windermere and the other lakes in our region. It will be facilitated by Norm Zirnhelt with BC Lakes Stewardship Society and will cover a variety of topics related to lake health in the Columbia Basin. This is a free workshop, however you must register by September 30th to reserve your spot as spaces are limited. The workshop will be two days, starting with a classroom (9am to 4pm) session hosted at Pynelogs Cultural Centre and the second day heading out on a field trip to Premiere Lake (10am to 2pm) to get some hands on training. Lunches and snacks will be provided.

FOKLSS 7th Annual Kootenay Lake Summit - Save the date!
November 8, Nelson
Registration is opening soon for the 2019 Kootenay Lake Summit that will be hosted at Taghum Hall this winter. The Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society's Kootenay Lake Summit is a free event offering an opportunity for community members to engage by attending presentations hosted by experts in their field. Last year's event allowed over 120 residents to participate and the chance to learn about the history of Kootenay Lake including related cultural and archaeological history. The focus of the 2019 Summit will be to provide residents with sound knowledge on the impacts that climate change will have on the Kootenay Lake community and ecosystem. Come and enjoy a delicious meal, locally sourced (alcohol-free) beverages and engaging conversation! This is a free event, however, there is a recommended donation of $15 to help the organization cover the costs associated with this event. For more information contact us at  info@friendsofkootenaylake.ca
Click here for updates.

Fire in the Crown of the Continent - Save the date!     
March 10-12, 2020, Cranbrook
The Crown of the Continent ecosystem (Crown) spans 72,000 km2 (almost 18 million acres) along the shared Rocky Mountain region of Montana, British Columbia and Alberta. Internationally recognized for its biodiversity, the Crown is one of North America's most ecologically diverse and jurisdictionally fragmented landscapes. Fire in the Crown of the Continent will take place at St. Eugene Resort in Cranbrook March 10-12, 2020. More details to come.


MEC Community Grants
Deadline: September 4
Through grants of up to $20,000 MEC supports organizations that can demonstrate their commitment to teaching responsible outdoor recreation practices and environmental stewardship. 2019 fall grants are accepted July 1 to September 4. Applicants are notified mid-November.

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation Land Stewardship Grant program
Deadline: October 16
The Land Stewardship Grant program provides three-year funding for operations and management activities on conservation lands owned and managed by non-profit organizations. This program was made possible through an endowment contribution from the Province of British Columbia. Application forms and instructions are available on the HCTF website, with a deadline of October 16, 2019. This opportunity for funding only comes once every three years.

Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Grants
Deadline: October 25
The annual intake for Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Grants  is open. All grant applications are due Friday, October 25, 2019, by 5 p.m. PDT. The FWCP funds projects that align with priorities in their regional Action Plans.

Columbia Lake Local Conservation Fund
Deadline: November 1  
KCP in partnership with the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) provides funding for projects that benefit conservation in the area from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats through the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF). 
 
Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund
Deadline: November 1  
KCP in partnership with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) provides funding for projects that benefit conservation in the rural areas around Kootenay Lake, specifically Electoral Areas A, D, and E ( click here for map) within the RDCK through the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund (KLLCF).  

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation Enhancement & Restoration Grants 
Deadline: November 1 
HCTF's online application portal for Enhancement & Restoration Grants will open mid-September with an application deadline of November 1st, 2019. Each year, HCTF provides approximately $6 million dollars in Enhancement and Restoration (E&R) Grants. These grants are provided to projects that: focus on native freshwater fish, wildlife and their habitats; have the potential to achieve a significant conservation outcome; align with our purposes as laid out in the  Wildlife Act. One of HCTF priorities is to support habitat enhancement and restoration, therefore proposals that involve on-the-ground habitat enhancement and/or restoration activities are strongly encouraged.

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation Caribou Habitat Restoration Grants
Deadline: November 1
HCTF's online application portal for Caribou Habitat Restoration Grants will open mid-September with an application deadline of November 1st, 2019. The Caribou Habitat Restoration Fund (CHRF) is managed by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation for the purpose of restoring high-value habitat for caribou in BC using functional and ecological restoration methods. The CHRF is made possible by a $2 million grant from the Province of British Columbia to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.

Columbia Basin Trust Environment Grants
Deadline: November 12
If you have an idea that will strengthen environmental well-being, this program could help support it.  If your project requires more than $5,000, the Environment Grants intake is now open and will close November 12, 2019.

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 and decisions are made the following month. 

Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program
Deadline: Ongoing
Delivered for the Columbia Basin Trust by the Kootenay Livestock Association, the Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program supports efforts to maintain and/or enhance grassland resources while meeting conservation, environmental and recreational objectives. Objectives include promoting the stewardship of the grassland resource, striving to maintain and enhance biodiversity and long-term fish and wildlife productivity in public grassland ecosystems and improving compatibility between livestock management and recreation use.

Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Community Engagement Grant
Deadline: Ongoing
The goal of the Community Engagement Grant is to provide an opportunity for FWCP stakeholders (e.g. environmental groups, rod and gun clubs, non-profits, stewardship organizations, government, and First Nations), to apply for small amounts of funding to support their conservation and enhancement work. 

Columbia Basin Trust Career Internship Program
Deadline: First-come, first-served basis
CBT's Career Internship Program provides wage funding for employers to hire college and university graduates in permanent, career-focused positions. Eligible employers are businesses, registered non-profits, municipalities, regional districts and Indigenous organizations within the Columbia Basin Trust region that have a demonstrated fiscal and organizational need for an intern and wage funding. The funding is up to 50 per cent of the new employee's wage over the first seven to 12 months, to a maximum of $25,000. The intern position must include a training plan that provides structured learning to the new employee and transitions to full-time, permanent employment at the end of the internship.
 

BC Ministry of  Environment & Climate Change Strategy
Ecosystem Information Technologist
The Ecosystem Information Technologist provides technical advisory services pertaining to the information and data collected, stored, managed, analyzed and used by staff and clients of the Ecosystems Information Section in support of Natural Resource Sector decision-making. There are currently 2 temporary vacancies. One temporary vacancy until March 31, 2020 and one temporary vacancy until July 30, 2021.Preferred location for this position is Victoria, however, either of these positions could work in any of the following regional offices dependent on operational requirements, space, and availability: Smithers, Ft St John, Prince George, Williams Lake, Kamloops or Nelson. The deadline to apply is September 8. 

BC Ministry of FLNRO and Rural Development
Wildlife Management Specialist
As the provincial expert on small game [including game birds] and furbearers, the Wildlife Management Specialist provides authoritative advice and recommendations regarding all aspects of species management including science, policy, best practices, predator-prey dynamics and human dimensions. The Specialist leads and contributes to research, policy and management projects and collaborates with a wide network of internal and external stakeholders and other jurisdictions to conduct consultations, develop partnerships, exchange information and advance provincial bird, small game, and furbearer management objectives and programs. This position is located in Victoria, BC; the following Regional Office locations may be considered, subject to Ministry operational requirements: Cranbrook, Fort St John, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Prince George, Smithers, Surrey, Williams Lake. The deadline to apply is September 13.

Selkirk College
Seeking ideas for environmental/social justice student projects that lead to paid internships
Dr. Adela Kincaid, Peace and Justice Studies Instructor and RDI research lead at Selkirk College, is extending an invitation to all environmental and social justice-oriented NGOs who have ideas for undergraduate student projects. Dr. Kincaid teaches an independent studies course at Selkirk College where students are required to complete a project that benefits NGOs. She has also applied for funding to continue these projects into the summer as paid internships. Your organization would benefit because each project is supported by research faculty expertise and students have access to software and various tools available at Selkirk College and the Applied Research and Innovation Center. Students benefit by gaining invaluable and experiential experiences by working directly with local NGOs. 
Contact Dr. Adela Kincaid at akincaid@selkirk.ca to discuss any environmental or social justice ideas for projects that you might have.

Wildsight Golden
Last chance to volunteer for the Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey
This fall will be your last chance to participate in the five-year Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey (CWWS) project. The CWWS is currently seeking citizen-scientists to survey for birds near Parson, Spillimacheen, Brisco, Radium, Wilmer, Windermere, Invermere and Columbia Lake. Data collected will be used to nominate the Columbia Wetlands into the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) program. Bird surveys during fall migration will occur in the Columbia Wetlands from 10am-1pm on each of the three following dates: Sunday, September 29th, Saturday, October 5th and Tuesday, October 15th. A limited number of high-quality optical gear sets can be lent to those in need. Free bird ID training is available to all participants. In-class training sessions with emphasis on bird identification (including eclipse plumage) will take place in Golden on Monday, September 23rd, 5-7 p.m., and in Invermere on Thursday, September 26th, 5-7 p.m. Building on bird identification skills in the field (weather permitting) will take place in Golden on Tuesday, September 24th, 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m., and in Wilmer on Saturday, September 28th 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
If you are interested in participating in the CWWS or have questions, please email  racheldarvill@gmail.com or call 250-344-5530.

Wildsight Golden
Seeking volunteers to help with Golden Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Project 
The Golden Rocky Mountain Bighorn herd has reduced in size since 2016 and Wildsight Golden has begun the Golden Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Project in hopes of helping this herd of sheep survive. They are asking for help looking for dead or alive sightings of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep along Highways 95 between Radium and Golden and along Highway 1 east of Golden to the ten mile bridge. With the widening of Highway 1, these animals could face additional stressors and decline in number. Reporting of bighorn sheep and other  wildlife takes place using the free  MAPS.ME app.

East Kootenay Invasive Species Council
Pesticide Applicator Job Opportunities
EKISC aims to increase the number of experienced, licensed Pesticide Applicators in the East Kootenay region. If you are currently licensed and would like more information about contract opportunities, please contact Katie Reid, EKISC's Field Operations Manager, at  katie@ekisc.com for more details. 
For information about the provincial Pesticide Applicator's Certificate, visit the  Ministry of Environment website.


Tools for Conservation in the Kootenays - A Local Government Approach
A presentation by Scott Boswell, Program Manager, Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program
Delivered at the KCP Local Government Forum in Creston, BC on March 13, 2019. In his presentation "Creating a Multi-Jurisdictional Wildlife and Landscape Corridor", Boswell discusses the 60-km Ecological Corridor in the Okanagan, which encompasses the use of EDPAs, OCPs, and bylaws, and works with First Nations and many levels of government, to support conservation through many jurisdictions. 

Forest Fuel Treatments for the Southern West Kootenays
New report explores effective fuel treatments
This report prepared by Greg Utzig of Kutenai Nature Investigations Ltd. explores what types of fuel treatments would likely be most effective for application in forests in the Southern West Kootenays. The project has primarily involved a focused literature review of studies that assessed the efficacy of fuel treatments where those treatments have been tested under active wildfire conditions.

Stewardship Solutions Online Toolkit
For Landowners and Land Managers in the Kootenays
The KCP team has developed a fantastic resource for landowners and land managers in the Kootenay region featuring conservation groups engaged in landowner outreach in their respective regions. Find your "Conservation Neighbourhood" based on your location to access all the private land stewardship services available in your area. The toolkit is accessible online as an engaging and interactive website, or comes in the form of full-colour handouts that can also be downloaded from the website. The goal of this tool is to support organizations that do landowner outreach for conservation to showcase other organizations and services available in their region. This resource leverages the outreach work of partner organizations. Email stewardship@kootenayconservation.ca if you would like print copies of the Stewardship Solutions for your region.

Association of State Wetland Managers
ASWM-NRCS Wetland Training Webinar Series - 2 more webinars left 
This webinar series has been designed to provide participants with a general level of knowledge about wetlands and wetland restoration options and considerations. Participants will come away from trainings with key knowledge, the ability to be more conversant about wetland issues, knowing what questions to ask when looking at restoration opportunities, and knowing when to contact or bring in an expert.

Kootenay Connect
Preliminary Report now available
Sponsored by KCP, Dr. Michael Proctor from the Trans-Border Grizzly Project and Marcy Mahr from EcoMosaic Consulting captured the concept of Kootenay Connect in the document "Kootenay Connect: Riparian Wildlife Corridors for Climate Change". This report outlines the concept of landscape connectivity in the Kootenays including biodiversity hot spots to focus on, provides a "proof of concept" for conservation actions to protect corridors, and outlines next steps moving forward.

KCP Local Government Forum
Access the presentations (video recordings & PDFs) online
The KCP Local Government Forum in Creston on March 13 brought almost 30 local government staff, elected officials and conservation group representatives together for a full-day workshop that showcased examples of voluntary and regulatory tools used in the Kootenays and elsewhere in B.C. to promote conservation in local government activities. The goal of this Forum was to identify specific tools/resources required by local governments of the Kootenays to integrate conservation principles into planning. Video recordings of all the speakers are now available on our website, as are PDFs of the slideshow presentations.

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. 

 

If you have news or announcements that you would like to share via our eNews, please email them to communications@kootenayconservation.ca by the 25th of each month.