KCP and CMI present 2024 Winter Webinar Series

Webinars continue on February 1, 15, 22, 29 & March 14, 21

Each year KCP offers a webinar series to facilitate the sharing of technical resources among partners and others so that local conservation activities consider the best available information and practices. The 2024 webinar series is once again hosted in partnership with the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology (CMI) on the theme of “Wildlife Corridors and Ecological Connectivity". During the eight webinars, wildlife corridors and ecological connectivity will be discussed from different perspectives that provide a wide view that can inform conservation of connected and resilient landscapes in the Columbia Basin. We’ll explore corridors and connectivity through the lenses of wildlife biology and landscape architecture; Indigenous stewardship principles in forestry practices and fire management; road ecology and highway crossing structures; human-wildlife coexistence; and how connectivity is embedded in a larger context of ecological integrity and functioning ecosystems. Thanks to the generous support of the Columbia Basin Trust, LGL, and CMI, this series is offered free of charge. Note that the recordings of the first two webinars are available on the main winter webinar page below.

Click here for more information and to register. 

KCP's "For the Love of the Kootenays" returns!

Register today for the Daily Video Series starting February 14

KCP's "For the Love of the Kootenays" Daily Video Series is returning for 2024! Register to receive an email in your inbox with a link to a daily video each weekday morning starting on February 14 (excluding Family Day on Monday February 19). Videos range in length from 2 to 16 minutes and feature a broad range of 11 amazing local projects carried out by KCP partners through Kootenay Connect, a national Community-Nominated Priority Places project We encourage you to watch the daily videos with your morning coffee or beverage of choice to help jump-start your day in an inspiring way. Enjoy!

Click here for more information and to register.

Wildlife Conservation Society Canada

Can fake old-growth trees help the endangered northern myotis bat?

Endangered northern myotis bats require mature and old-growth trees for roosting. In BC's inland temperate rainforest, most of those trees have disappeared and biologists are experimenting with fake old-growth bark to help the bats survive. Cori Lausen, director of bat conservation for the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, and her team members use BrandenBark™ to imitate old-growth trees. The modified trees are an essential component of a larger plan to create corridors for northern myotis bats and other wildlife dependent on old-growth trees. Lausen and her team are part of the Kootenay Connect project, which aims to create ecological corridors linking wildlife habitats, biodiversity hotspots, protected areas and climate refugia. 

Click here to read the full article in The Narwhal.

Wildlife Conservation Society Canada

Interview on CBC Daybreak - Singing Bats

Researchers in the West Kootenay have discovered that silver-haired bats have recognizable songs. Cori Lausen, Director of Bat Conservation with the Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada (WCSC), was interviewed by Chris Walker for CBC Daybreak on January 24. These sounds are not echolocation; the bats sing when they are communicating with each other, potentially to attract mates or to identify their territory. Humans can't normally hear the songs of bats, because the sounds are ultrasonic signals in a frequency range that we don't hear, but these songs can be heard through a bat detector. Many of these songs were recorded at two abandoned mine sites in the West Kootenay. Silver-haired bats are a migratory species of bat that are designated as endangered by the federal Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). 

Click here to listen to the interview with Cori Lausen (begins at 1:15:40)

Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resources Society

Ecosystem Restoration projects for 2024

The Rocky Mountain Natural Resources Society recently published the map and list of Ecosystem Restoration projects that it intends to put into action in 2024. You can find the lists and maps at Maps | Rocky Mountain Trench Society If you have any comments, questions or feedback on any of these projects please contact Marc Trudeau at [email protected].

Columbia Basin Trust

FireSmart activities come to more Basin communities 

From educating residents on how to lower the risk of wildfire, to reducing the amount of vegetation that could fuel a fire, there are many ways a community can act to keep the threat of wildfire at bay. Now, 10 communities in the Columbia Basin are undertaking such projects with support of nearly $1.8 million provided through a partnership between the Province of British Columbia and Columbia Basin Trust. Tailored specifically to the Basin, this program is one aspect of the Province of BC’s Community Resiliency Investment Program. Partners include the Ministry of Forests, BC Wildfire Service and Columbia Basin Trust, which is administering the funding.  

Click here for more information.

Regional District of East Kootenay

RDEK beginning local wildfire mitigation projects

The Regional District of East Kootenay has secured funding from the Columbia Basin Trust and the Province of BC to support local wildfire fuel reduction projects. The RDEK will soon be starting one of three upcoming wildfire fuel reduction projects in the region at Wycliffe Regional Park. The intent of the fuel reduction is to remove ground fuels, ladder fuels and danger trees to reduce the risk of fire spreading to adjacent properties in Wildland Urban Interface areas. A Fuel Management Plan (FMP) has been completed for Wycliffe Park and treatments will begin in the coming weeks, possibly as early as this week. FMPs are also in the works for Wilmer and Tie Lake Park, with ground treatment at these sites anticipated to begin soon.

Click here to read the full article.

BC Wildlife Federation

Raises alarm over de-funding invasive mussel surveillance

BC’s fish populations and freshwater ecosystems are facing threats from a parasite that causes whirling disease in trout and salmon and two species of invasive mussels. The BC Wildlife Federation is deeply concerned that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), FortisBC and BC Hydro are scaling back their support for invasive mussel surveillance in BC and failing in their duty to protect our fish. Zebra and Quagga mussels are responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in damage in the US and in Eastern Canada, and these mussels are frequently detected on boats coming to BC from the US. They attach themselves to boats, motors, trailers and marine equipment; they reproduce very quickly and are nearly impossible to eradicate once established. Surveillance programs that monitor incoming watercraft and gear are the most effective means of preventing them from entering freshwater systems. The provincial government considers them a threat to all of BC’s freshwater ecosystems. Infestations are predicted to lead to declines in lake trout, rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon.

Read the full article here.

Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society

Celebrating Success: Recap of the 2023 Communities Protect Freshwater Together Riparian Restoration Action Project

As another year of the Communities Protect Freshwater Together: Riparian Restoration in the Kootenay Region Eco Action Project has wrapped up, CKISS is excited to share the incredible achievements and community-driven efforts that have shaped their journey in year two. This three-year initiative, aimed at engaging and inspiring their local community to protect freshwater quality, has focused on restoring critical water bodies and adjacent riparian habitats within three key sites in the Central Kootenay region of BC. From the Jubilee Wetland in Rossland to the Hunter Siding Wetland near New Denver and the Harrop Wetland, their dedicated teams have been hard at work, leaving a lasting mark on these crucial ecosystems.

Read all about it here.

Living Lakes Canada

Hands-on Hydrology: a Visual Journey of Campus Groundwater Learning

Careful management and allocation of groundwater are increasingly more important as populations continue to grow, demand escalates, climate pressures intensify and communities move from uncertain surface water supply to groundwater. The goal of the Living Lakes Canada Groundwater Monitoring Program is to increase knowledge of groundwater resources to effectively inform sustainable water management. Data collected through this program complements the BC Provincial Groundwater Observation Well Network. Each year, as part of program outreach, Living Lakes Canada helps equip today’s Selkirk College’s School of Environment and Geomatics hydrology students for tomorrow. This photo essay captures their experience from the latest groundwater lab.

Click here to view the photo essay.

Living Lakes Canada

A Watershed Victory for the Grizzly Bear Spirit

In the latest edition of “The Youth Perspective” column series, Trinda Cote, Indigenous Youth Ambassador with Living Lakes Canada, reflects on her personal connection to the Qat’muk Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA), home to Kⱡawⱡa Tukⱡuⱡakʔis (the Grizzly Bear Spirit for the Ktunaxa People) and its significant role in advancing Reconciliation through watershed protection.

Click here to read her story.

Living Lakes Canada

Columbia Basin Water Hub wins 2023 Open Data Quality Award

Recognizing the critical importance of water data and the need to make it easily accessible, Living Lakes Canada established the Columbia Basin Water Hub as a central repository for water-related data in the Columbia Basin region. Formally launched in 2021, the Water Hub now houses over 300 datasets from more than 50 contributors across multiple sectors, ensuring that high quality water data is easily accessible to decision makers, researchers, community groups, and anyone invested in understanding their local watershed. The Columbia Basin Water Hub was recently recognized with the Open Data Quality Award from the Canadian Open Data Society at the 2023 Canadian Open Data Summit in Victoria, BC.

Click here to read the full announcement. 

Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society

Raises Alarm over Whirling Disease Detection at Emerald Lake

The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS), a dedicated local non-profit committed to the preservation of our natural environments, is deeply concerned to learn about the presumptive positive detection of Whirling Disease at the iconic Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. This development has the potential to mark the first-ever case of Whirling Disease in BC, raising urgent conservation and environmental concerns. In response to this alarming discovery, CSISS acknowledges the immediate collaboration between Parks Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to confirm the presence of Whirling Disease in Yoho National Park and further suspected cases in the Kicking Horse River, Wapta Lake, Finn Creek and Monarch Creek. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Parks Canada has taken decisive measures by temporarily closing all waterbodies in Yoho and Kootenay National Park until March 2024. CSISS supports this proactive step as it is vital in minimizing the risk of further potential spread and preserving the health of our cherished aquatic ecosystems.

Click here to read the full press release.

Wildsight Elk Valley

Well water monitoring for groundwater selenium contamination

Do you live in the Elk Valley and have a water well, or know someone who does? If so, this call out is for you! Wildsight needs historic well water monitoring data to support their research into groundwater selenium contamination in the Elk Valley region. In particular, they're interested in wells located from Elkford to Elko to help build a picture of how the contamination area may be changing.⁠ Please contact Simon Wiebe, Wildsight’s Mining Policy and Impacts Researcher: [email protected]. All communications will be kept strictly confidential.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans – feedback accepted until March 31

Potential amendments to the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), led by the Aquatic Invasive Species National Core Program (AIS NCP), is planning potential amendments to the federal Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations (AIS Regulations). These amendments are needed to improve the efficiency and environmental protections of authorized control activities for aquatic invasive species (AIS) that use pesticides (referred to as “pest control products” under the Pest Control Products Act). DFO is committed to developing regulations and policies through engagement and early discussions with Canadians, and they are engaging with the public, Indigenous Peoples, partners, and stakeholders to share information and seek early input on 3 changes to the AIS Regulations being considered. All Canadians are invited to participate in the online engagement. Also see this virtual info session on February 28.

Click here for more information.

Nature Conservancy of Canada

Growth of Kootenay River Ranch Conservation Area

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is celebrating the growth of the Kootenay River Ranch Conservation Area. NCC has acquired 129 additional hectares of grasslands, open forests and wetlands in BC’s East Kootenay. Located in the Rocky Mountain Trench between Canal Flats and Skookumchuck, a valley with increasing development pressures, this addition is an important step to mitigate biodiversity loss. This diverse landscape acts as a wildlife corridor and is used by many species, from moose, elk and deer to the endangered American badger. The land features the endangered American badger’s preferred habitat of native grasslands punctuated by sparse stands of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. The conservation property also contains deciduous woodlands, small wetlands and a section of lakeshore along Larsen Lake. 

Read all about it here.

The Nature Trust of BC

Conserving an Essential Wildlife Corridor in the East Kootenay 

The Nature Trust of BC, one of the province’s leading non-profit land conservation organizations, is aiming to protect 182 hectares (450 acres) of an important wildlife corridor. The area is located between the communities of Kimberley and Cranbrook and within the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa First Nation. You can help The Nature Trust of BC purchase and protect Wycliffe Wildlife Corridor – Wycliffe Prairie with a donation to their fundraising campaign. The parcel is adjacent to The Nature Trust of BC’s 364-hectare (900 acre) Wycliffe Wildlife Corridor Conservation Complex alongside additional lands conserved by the Province and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Once this land, known as Wycliffe Wildlife Corridor – Wycliffe Prairie, is protected, the combined total of conservation land in this multi-partner Wycliffe Conservation Complex will be more than 1450 hectares (3500+ acres). This ecologically diverse area contains native grassland, along with mixed forest, wetlands, riparian habitat along Luke Creek, and two small lakes. The parcel is part of a critical wildlife movement corridor that connects Grizzly Bear habitats and includes a Class 1 Ungulate Winter Range for Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, and Elk. Purchasing this property will protect the land and the many species that depend on it forever. 

Click here to read the full story

Parks Canada

Parks Canada partners with Nature Conservancy to protect land near Kootenay National Park

Parks Canada has partnered with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to protect land around Kootenay National Park. The Landscape Resiliency Program is a $30-million effort to conserve up to 30,000 hectares near national parks, connecting habitats and creating protected buffers around parks, with the federal agency and Canada’s largest non-profit conservation organization each kicking in $15 million. Details on what land or conservation opportunities are being considered near Kootenay National Park are not yet being shared.

Click here to read an article.

Valhalla Foundation for Ecology

Seeking collaboration regarding enhancing habitat for Western Painted Turtles

Turtle Experts Take Note: The Valhalla Foundation for Ecology is seeking fellow land trusts or conservation organizations that have successfully enhanced or created habitat for Western Painted Turtles. They are planning enhancements for the Snk'mip Marsh Sanctuary for 2024/2025 and would like to visit other sites in the Kootenays to see your 'best practices' for enhancements and learn about your on-the-ground experiences of what works and what doesn't. If you have knowledge to share on Western Painted Turtles, please contact VFE biologist Amber Peters at [email protected] or VFE Director Lorna Visser at [email protected].

Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners

Report badger sightings

The Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners are asking the public to forward sighting information on American Badgers in the Columbia Valley. Have you seen an American Badger or one of its burrow entrances (large elliptical hole often seen with a mound of dirt at the entrance) in the Columbia Valley? If so, they want to hear from you! Please let CWSP know what you saw and when and where you saw it. To do so, please send an email to [email protected].

Invasive Species Council of BC

Invasive Plant Management Tool for Farmers, Foragers and Ranchers

For the enthusiastic community scientist, there are options when it comes to observing and reporting native and invasive species. There is also an option specific to livestock and forage producers in BC – the WeedsBMP app. The WeedsBMP app includes identification and management information for 95 invasive plants of concern to the agricultural community. Categorized by grasses, sedges and rushes in one group, and broadleaved plants in another, detailed information is provided on identification, habitat and ecology, impacts, and management options. A summary of provincial and regional invasive plant contacts from across the province is also included.

Click here to find out more.

Grasslands Conservation Council of BC

National Grasslands Inventory

The Grasslands Conservation Council of BC (GCC) is collaborating with the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association on the National Grasslands Inventory. This project will identify and describe all existing grasslands inventories in Canada and determine how various inventories can be harmonized to develop a cohesive national grassland inventory. The ultimate aim is to construct a national grassland inventory, including all major grassland types and ecoregions. This would update and inform grassland policy, decision-making and risk assessment across Canada going forward. The inventory will also allow the Canadian grassland sector and stakeholders to more accurately assess carbon stores in grassland soils and to predict real or expected loss of grasslands over time. Approximately 80 to 85 % of Canada’s native grasslands have already disappeared.

Click here to find out more about the National Grasslands Inventory and to access a questionnaire.

Canadian Wildlife Federation

Canadian Aquatic Barriers Database – looking for stream crossing data

The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF), with help from partners including the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), is building the Canadian Aquatic Barriers Database (CABD) - a national repository of aquatic barriers to freshwater connectivity that will support a variety of work from large-scale policy and reporting, restoration planning and prioritization, infrastructure asset management, and more. The database currently contains data for over 22,000 waterfalls, 36,000 dams, and 400 fishways that you can explore by visiting aquaticbarriers.ca. The next phase of project development will focus on the incorporation of stream crossings along roads, railways, and trails, and the Columbia River Basin is a pilot region in this project. If your organization has or maintains an inventory of stream crossing assessment data, and is interested in contributing to the project, please contact us at [email protected]. For more information on the project and how to navigate the web-mapping tool, please visit the CABD Documentation site. 

Utilizing Drones in the Field

February 1, Online

The BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF) presents 'Lunch in the Wetlands' Lunch N’ Learn Webinar Series! Interested in using drones for fieldwork and mapping but just not sure where to start? The learning curve can be steep when you start to think about using drones for a project. Between differences in legislation, technology options and different applications with new tech and opportunities developing all the time, it can be tough to keep up. In this webinar, Kyla Rushton, BCWF's Wetland Assessment and Field Coordinator, will share how the BCWF has implemented mini drones and DJI Mavic drones to support fieldwork and mapping, as well as considerations that went into these workflows and other opportunities. If you have specific questions that you’re hoping to be answered, please send ahead of time to [email protected]. From 11:30 am to 12:30 pm PT / 12:30 to 1:30 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Winter Webinar Series: All Living Things: A cultural approach to reconcile First Nations stewardship rights with resource management

February 1, Online

Consultation with First Nations is meant to provide a consensus-based shared decision-making process, yet many communities are short on capacity and time, while also inundated with industry referrals. Old growth forests are eroded, landscapes become increasingly fragmented, wildlife is disrupted, and First Nations land-use rights are degraded, along with the land itself. Through the creation of their Forestry Standards Document, the Ktunaxa Nation Council is attempting to bridge these gaps, and also address the demands of mitigating the impacts of operational forestry at a cutting permit and cutblock scale. This living document is a culturally and environmentally logical compendium of land use guidelines for operational forestry. In this talk, Sara Deslauriers with the Ktunaxa Nation Council will discuss how Ktunaxa’s approach seeks to enhance the values in the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) by reflecting the current state of the landscape and the need for conservation, connectivity, and an understanding that stewarding the land is more than a responsibility – it’s a Right. Live webinar at 12 pm PT / 1 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Hope in the Face of Climate Change

February 2, Online

The BC Wildlife Federation's Conservation Stewardship Department presents Lunch in the Wetlands, a series of online webinars hosted by BCWF staff members, and open to the public. This webinar is a special addition in honour of World Wetlands Day! Join BCWF Director of Conservation and Stewardship, Neil Fletcher, Beaver Restoration Assessment Lead, Jennifer Rogers, and Lower Kootenay Band’s Community Planner, Norm Allard in learning how wetland restoration helps communities adapt to droughts and floods. From 11:30 am to 12:30 pm PT / 12:30 to 1:30 pm MT.

Click here for more info and to register. 

Nutrient restoration programs on Kootenay Lake and Arrow Lakes Reservoir

February 8, Online

Marley Bassett, Fish Restoration Biologist with the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, will present about the nutrient restoration programs on Kootenay Lake and Arrow Lakes Reservoir. The base of an aquatic ecosystem is amazing, and essential for the food web in freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Learn about the restoration of two systems through the applications of nutrients, and hear about the microscopic plants and critters that keep these ecosystems thriving, and the animals they benefit. Marley will be discussing the history of the programs, how they work, and findings from a recent independent review of the programs. Held at 12 to 1 pm PT / 1 to 2 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Pollination Pathways Research to Action Speaker Series: West Kootenay Camas Meadows

February 8, Nelson

Join Kootenay Native Plant Society (KNPS) researchers for an evening of presentations showcasing discoveries that are driving the recovery of pollination networks in the West Kootenay region. Student Discoveries in West Kootenay Camas Meadows will feature Tannah Ernst presenting: Modelling the future of Camas in the West Kootenay, and Rowan Rampton with: So Many Bees in Camas Meadows. These research findings are contributing to restoration actions that will help combat the effects of climate change and result in more resilient ecosystems that will sustain plant-pollinator relationships for many years to come. This is a free presentation held at the Nelson Museum from 5 to 6:30 pm PT.

Click here for more information. 

Cottonwood Creek Revival Project Community Meeting

February 13, Nelson

Flowing from Cottonwood Lake Regional Park to Kootenay Lake, Cottonwood Creek is an important part of the Nelson community. However, parts of the creek are in poor condition and lack habitat that promotes biodiversity. The goal of the Cottonwood Creek Revival (CCR) Project is to assess the condition of the creek and explore opportunities that could improve the health of the creek in the long term. Join Living Lakes Canada, Friends of Kootenay Lake, and the Nelson District Rod Gun Club and Conservation Society for a public meeting about the CCR project. Findings from a recent technical report will be discussed and community members will be able to share their concerns during an interactive session. From 7 to 8:30 pm PT.

Click here for more information and to register. 

Winter Webinar Series: Integrated Fire Management Planning - Mitigating risk to the ecological integrity and function of regional connectivity corridors

February 15, Online

Currently within BC at strategic, tactical, and operational levels there is a lack of collaborative all hazard risk planning. Current wildfire mitigation programs focus on project-based planning and do not consider multi-resource planning through space and time. First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS) is working with First Nations to develop an integrated spatial data base and planning tools to support collaborative planning. Larry Price, Mitigation Specialist with FNESS, will host this talk on Integrated Fire Management (IFM) Planning providing a framework to develop and implement management strategies that will maintain or enhance the ecological integrity and function of regional connectivity corridors through space and time. This along with strategies and actions for managing a wide range of values on the natural and built environment, are necessary for creating conditions that support wildfire resiliency throughout BC. Live webinar at 12 pm PT / 1 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Pollination Pathways Research to Action Speaker Series: Plant it and they will come

February 15, Nelson

Join Kootenay Native Plant Society (KNPS) researchers for an evening of presentations showcasing their discoveries that are driving the recovery of pollination networks in the West Kootenay region. Plant It and They Will Come features Brenda Beckwith and Janice Arndt presenting: Blossoms and Butterflies in BC Parks, followed by Valerie Huff with: Milkweed and Monarchs in the West Kootenay. KNPS research findings are contributing to restoration actions that will help combat the effects of climate change and result in more resilient ecosystems that will sustain plant-pollinator relationships for many years to come. This is a free presentation held at the Nelson Museum from 5 to 6:30 pm.

Click here for more information. 



Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent Annual Gathering

February 20 & 21, Lethbridge

In collaboration with the Kainai Environmental Protection Agency and Oldman Water Council, the Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent gathering with be held in Lethbridge in 2024. The aims of the gathering are to celebrate Indigenous leadership on land management issues, learn about conservation and community-based successes around the region, network with others including Indigenous neighbours and partners, and build support for Indigenous-led initiatives. The agenda for the gathering is now online.

Click here for more information and to register.

Amphibians and Eggmass Identification

February 22, Online

Part of the BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF)'s 'Lunch in the Wetlands' Lunch N’ Learn Webinar Series, this presentation will focus on identifying characteristics of 22 amphibians, including their eggmasses, found in BC. The presenter is Kendall McLaughlin, who has been part of the BCWF team since 2020 as a field technician for the wetlands workforce. Kendall is passionate about restoration, biodiversity, wetlands, and amphibians. With the BCWF, they have monitored amphibians and eggmasses along the Coast, Thompson-Nicola and Okanagan regions, and they aspire to become a frog and salamander expert one day. From 11:30 am to 12:30 pm PT / 12:30 to 1:30 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Winter Webinar Series: Roads, roads, and more roads: The plight of animal movement in the Anthropocene

February 22, Online

As geologists debate if we are in a new epoch due to human activity on the planet, the Anthropocene, and biologists consider if we are experiencing the 6th greatest extinction, do we really have time to think about roads and wildlife? Roads are ubiquitous on the landscape, and are essential to human wellbeing, and yet for most other non-human inhabitants on the planet roads are bad news. It is therefore important that we understand how roads impact wildlife, and that we identify solutions to address these impacts if we want to maintain biodiversity. Tracy Lee with the Miistakis Institute will review several road ecology research initiatives to identity where wildlife cross roads, from pronghorn to wood frogs. But knowing where animals cross is only a small component of reducing road impacts – we also need to invest in solutions. Here, we will explore efforts to build social capital around road mitigation, and better integrate road and landscape connectivity concerns into transportation planning and policy. Live webinar at 12 pm PT / 1 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Bighorn Sheep monitoring event

February 24, Fairmont 

Wildsight Invermere is holding a monthly Bighorn sheep monitoring event. No experience is needed to be a citizen science sheep monitor, just the ability to walk and be outside for 3-4 hours. The orientation and tools to do the monitoring are provided. This is in support of the Bighorn Sheep Conservation and Biodiversity project. By participating in the program, volunteers actively contribute to the project’s objectives by assisting in monitoring activities such as observing and documenting bighorn sheep sightings, recording behavioural observations, and collecting data on habitat use. The sheep herd is located near Canal Flats, and car pooling can be arranged. This month's event will be on February 24 from 11 am to 3 pm MT at the Local Café in Fairmont.

Click here for more information and to register.

INVASIVES 2024 Annual Forum

February 26 - 29, New Westminster

The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) is excited about their upcoming INVASIVES 2024 Annual Forum happening February 26 to 29 at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster! This large-scale in-person event is oriented towards educating and connecting stewardship groups, natural resource professionals, governments, Indigenous communities, youth, and the broader public – all coming together for big conversations around invasive species and their impact. We’ll be sharing the latest best practices, cutting-edge research, and updates on government initiatives.

Click here for more information and to register.

Embracing Eco-Cultural Restoration

February 27, Online

Join the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) Western Canada chapter for their first Journal Club of 2024, on the topic of 'Embracing Eco-Cultural Restoration'. Eco-cultural restoration shifts our understanding of what constitutes successful restoration, emphasizing the restoration of inter-related ecological integrity and cultural diversity. This process places the culture of local and Indigenous communities at the center of restoration. The virtual Journal Club starts at 6 pm PT / 7 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Info Session: Potential amendments to the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations

February 28, Online

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is currently exploring potential amendments to the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Regulations relating to authorities for the deposit of pesticides and strengthening the efficiency and environmental protections of authorized projects that use pesticides to control AIS. These amendments may be of interest to organizations that may consider applying to obtain an authorization under subsection 19(3) of the AIS Regulations in the future, to undertake control activities for aquatic invasive species that use pesticides. This virtual info session is from 10 am to 12 pm PT / 11 am to 1 pm MT. Registration closes on February 26.

Click here to register.

Native Bee Study Group

February 28, Online

Join the Native Bee Study Group for their February meeting. Their online study group meets on the fourth Wednesday each month at 7 pm via Zoom, hosted by Bonnie Zand, with a different theme each month. Bring your own observations to add to the communal slide deck or share something with the group you have learned from iNaturalist, books, or elsewhere! This group is open to all levels of bee knowledge, and is from 7 to 8:30 pm PT / 8 to 9:30 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Process-Based Restoration Design & Construction Considerations

February 29, Online

Part of the BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF)'s 'Lunch in the Wetlands' Lunch N’ Learn Webinar Series, this presentation will go over the basics of low-tech process-based restoration (LTPBR), which involves the use of beaver dam analogues and post-assisted log structures to restore natural processes to riverscapes. We will talk about why LTPBR is needed, where it can be applied, and techniques and important considerations for restoration projects. If you want to learn how to work like a beaver, come join this talk hosted by BCWF's Beaver Restoration Assessment Lead, Jen Rogers. From 11:30 am to 12:30 pm PT / 12:30 to 1:30 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Winter Webinar Series: A global overview of wildlife crossings – examples of maintaining functional connectivity across roads for a variety of species

February 29, Online

Rob Ament with the Centre for Large Landscape Conservation and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), will show how different countries on six continents are all tackling the common issue of making roads more permeable and less lethal for wildlife. He will cover a variety of taxa that are the focus of the crossing designs, from arboreal primates, large herbivores, and meso-carnivores to birds and reptiles. Viewers may find it interesting to see how crossing designs change among different cultures and environments. Live webinar at 12 pm PT / 1 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Winter Webinar Series: The trappings of success: the critical role of social carrying capacity in fostering long-term human-grizzly bear coexistence promoting safe and functioning wildlife corridors

March 14, Online

Wildlife corridors are more secure when human-wildlife conflicts can be reduced. Biologists Dr. Lana Ciarniello and Dr. Michelle McLellan, both with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Bear Specialist Group, will examine the success of coexistence strategies in an agricultural community that is critical to the recovery of southwest BC’s five threatened grizzly bear populations, Pemberton Meadows. Bears are needed to gradually and naturally augment the adjacent small and struggling populations, highlighting the importance of using a multi-scaled approach that includes connectivity and long-term coexistence. They will discuss seasonal resource selection function models they developed to predict connectivity among core habitat and populations and on-site evaluations to identify corridors allowing bears to naturally move across the Meadow, and explain how the corridor design was supported by proactive Bear Smart management that fosters human-bear coexistence as an antidote to habitat fragmentation by managing the “ecological traps.” This talk will also discuss the critical role that social carrying capacity plays in grizzly bear recovery and the importance of preventing or resolving conflicts before residence tolerance for bears declines. Live webinar at 12 pm PT / 1 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Winter Webinar Series: Context matters: landscape connectivity and ecological integrity

March 21, Online

Ensuring for ecological connectivity becomes critical as soon as habitat fragmentation of a once ecologically intact system is underway. This makes it necessary to understand the character and significance of high ecological integrity ecosystems, i.e., where composition, structure, and function are within their natural state, but are diminishing at a global scale. Mounting evidence suggests that healthy, high integrity ecosystems are better able to persist, and to deliver the critical services on which humanity depends, than those on the lower end of the continuum characterized by fragmentation, degradation, and species loss. In this talk, Dr. Justina Ray with the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada will explore the essential role that unfragmented, unroaded, and undeveloped lands and waters play in sustaining biodiversity and landscape connectivity, and the particular responsibility that Canada has for this theme when it comes to the domestic implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Live webinar at 12 pm PT / 1 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register

Introductory Michif Language course - early registration until February 29

April 15 to May 20, Online

Join instructors Marie Schoenthal and Amy Cross for this Introductory Michif Language Online Workshop: Celebrating Métis Culture! This course is open to both Métis and willing non-Métis allies who wish to learn to uplift language revitalization. This engaging Métis cultural presentation provides community members with a unique opportunity to delve into their rich heritage and acquire fundamental Michif language skills. Led by a traditional Michif speaker Marie Schoenthal, this workshop promises an immersive experience that celebrates and preserves Métis culture. Southern Michif is a traditional language of the Métis people. It is also known as Michif, Michif Cree, Heritage Michif, aan Cree, and aañ Crii. Its origins are in the Red River Valley area in Manitoba and this language is now applicable across the southern parts of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Southeastern BC, and Southwestern Ontario, as well as the northern parts of North Dakota and Montana. This course will take place on Mondays from 6 to 7:30 pm PT / 7 to 8:30 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

International 2024 City Nature Challenge Bioblitz

April 24 to 29

The international 2024 City Nature Challenge (CNC) bioblitz will be held April 26 to 29, 2024. See the CNC FAQ for more information. There are very few requirements to have an iNaturalist project become officially part of the CNC. One of them is attending monthly one hour Zoom meetings that begin in September each year. If you missed the Zoom meeting for New Organizers last month, but are still interested in being a local organizer, please be sure to watch the recording of the meeting and follow along in the agenda, and sign up for one of the October meetings using this Google spreadsheet. For more information, contact George Gehrig with the Northern Rocky Mountain Biodiversity Challenge at [email protected].

Creston Valley Bird Festival

May 10 – 12, Creston

The Creston Valley is a vital birdwatching site, important bird area, and staging area for migratory birds with over 300 species of birds recorded. The Creston Valley Bird Fest celebrates this incredible diversity in an environmentally sensitive manner, inviting residents and visitors to expand their interest in the world of birds. The festival offers a variety of birdwatching activities guided by field experts, as well as photography and art displays, guided canoeing trips, and bird-oriented workshops. Registration opens in April.

Click here for more information. 

Society for Ecological Restoration North American Conference

October 28 – November 1, Vancouver

The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) 2024 North American Conference Planning Committee is excited to invite you to participate in the first full SER North American Conference, which will be held in Vancouver. They anticipate that approximately 750 attendees, speakers, and exhibitors from across North America will gather for this inaugural event for restoration ecology professionals across the continent. The SER North American 2024 conference will provide an interactive forum to learn and share about the science and practice of ecological restoration across ecosystems and disciplines to better connect a diverse and engaged restoration community. The theme for this year’s conference is: Cross-Biome Connections: Ecological Restoration on a Diverse Continent. The planning committee invites SER business members, as well as those who are not yet members, to consider sponsoring this event or exhibiting their goods or services. 

Click here for more information on this conference. 

General Grants, Real Estate Foundation of BC

Deadline: February 7

These grants can fund projects led by any non-profit organization working on projects relating to land use or real estate in BC. The Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC)’s grantmaking supports sustainability, equity, and social justice in five areas: land use, fresh water, built environments, food sovereignty, and the real estate profession. REFBC is particularly interested in projects that support Indigenous rights and interests in land use and real estate. More and more, REFBC’s funded projects uphold or advance the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). REFBC’s 2024 intake is open until February 7 at 5 pm PT / 6 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to apply. 

Royal Canadian Geographical Society Research Grants

Deadline: February 14

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society supports independent research projects (maximum of $5000, if applications merit) on geographical topics that further the mandate of the Society “to make Canada better known to Canadians and to the world.” Proposals must identify the topic to be addressed, the methods to be used and the nature of the finished product. Awards are restricted to projects that are undertaken in Canada, by Canadian residents and that address some element of the country’s geography. Must be Independent Researchers; may not be students or employees of a post-secondary institution.

Click for more information and how to apply.

Brink/McLean Grassland Conservation Fund 2024, Nature Trust of BC

Deadline: February 16

The objective of the Brink/McLean Grassland Conservation Fund is to promote research, habitat restoration and other stewardship activities that will assist in the management of the land, plants and animals of BC’s native grasslands. Funding varies from year to year, and the available funding in 2024 is $2500. With this level of funding, it is anticipated that only one project will be awarded in 2024. The project must be located in native grassland ecosystems in BC. Proponents may be individuals, conservation organizations, public agencies, academic or research entities. Applications must demonstrate how the project meets the evaluation criteria. 

Click here for more information.

Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) Partner Grants

Deadline: February 21

Since 1998, Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) has invested in grassroots organizations and other groups through their annual partner grants program. These on-the-ground projects complement the efforts of Y2Y and mobilize work that they wouldn’t be able to do on their own. The Y2Y Partner Grants program is made possible through the generous support of the Woodcock Foundation. Y2Y also thanks those individuals who choose to direct their personal donations to the partner grants program.

Click here for more information and to apply. 

Capacity Grants, Habitat Conservation Trust Fund

Deadline: April 1

Capacity Grants provide funding to support and develop strategies, abilities and processes to initiate actions to benefit of fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation. The focus of the grant is to build and strengthen capability and capacity of organizations to successfully design and deliver conservation projects aligned to the objectives of HCTF. Capacity grants assist with the first steps in identifying, exploring, and undertaking actions to solve a local conservation challenge. The main goals of the grants are to advance conservation planning, engage organizations and communities, and develop skills and abilities. Note that these grants open for applications on February 15.

Click here for more information. 

Habitat Acquisition Grants, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation

Deadline: April 15

Each spring, HCTF accepts grant applications from land trust organizations looking to purchase properties to protect important habitat for BC’s fish and wildlife. Proposed acquisitions are evaluated on criteria such as species richness, connectivity, conservation planning priority, habitats, and impending threats to these values. Financial factors such as partnership funding, stability of the proponent organization, cost per hectare and level of community support are also carefully considered. Because Habitat Acquisition grants are funded with license surcharge money, properties that also include public fishing and hunting opportunities are generally given priority consideration. Note that these grants open for applications on February 15.

Click here for more information and to apply. 

Healthy Habitats Community Service Grants for Youth, Invasive Species Council of BC

Deadline: Ongoing

Through this micro grant program, it is the goal of the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) to provide you with financial and project management support to help you grow your skills and make an impact in your community. ISCBC's Youth Engagement Coordinators will be happy to support you through every step of the project. The guidelines will walk you through the application process. The micro-grant program is designed to support youth in various stages of their projects or ideas. We supply three distinct tiers of funding, each aimed at different scopes and scales. Applicants can apply for one of the three tiers based on the needs of their project. The project must align with the goals of the grant program, and must show a reasonable effort to protect the environment at a local, regional, or national scale. This could include educational materials, art installations, research, field activities, etc. We encourage applicants to think freely, and not to feel discouraged if your project idea does not align exactly with our examples. Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 30 at the time of application.

Click here for more information and to apply. 

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.

Click here for more information and how to apply.

Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Community Engagement Grants

Deadline: Ongoing

Community Engagement Grants are typically $500 to $1000 and help stewardship groups and others take action to benefit local fish and wildlife.

Click here for more information and how to apply.

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.

Click here for more information and how to apply.

East Kootenay Invasive Species Council

Invasive Species Education + Outreach Assistant

As the Invasive Species Education + Outreach Assistant, you will be “boots-on-the ground” as the face of the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council. Together, with the direction of the Education and Outreach Coordinator, you will raise awareness and knowledge of the impacts of invasive species within the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK). You will travel across the region to present workshops and courses both online and in person, attend events, deliver basic courses about invasive species identification and management, guide invasive species walks, and contribute to social media platforms. Many assistants also develop and distribute outreach resources, press releases, and social media videos. From hosting weed pulls to delivering plant ID courses, most of your work is spent outside. You will also get an opportunity to work with the field team when they need a hand with monitoring and surveying. Applications are accepted as soon as possible.

Click here for more information and to apply.

East Kootenay Invasive Species Council

Invasive Species Field Technician

As the Field Technician, you will be our “weed warrior,” working hard to fight the impacts of invasive species within the East Kootenay Region. Together, with the direction of the Field Operations Coordinator, you will travel across the region to conduct fieldwork activities such as conducting invasive plant inventories, conducting lake monitoring for invasive mussels, reseeding disturbed sites, establishing and monitoring research trials, hand pulling weeds, monitoring invasive plant infestations and treatments, managing data collection, installing signage, and helping with research and monitoring of vegetation plots. From weed pulls to water sampling, all of your work is spent outside. You will also get an opportunity to work with the outreach team when they need a hand with community weed pulls, display booths, and delivering practical workshops. Applications are accepted as soon as possible.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Wildsight

West Kootenay Youth Climate Corps Coordinator

Work with Wildsight this spring, summer and fall! This position oversees the daily operations of Wildsight’s Youth Climate Corps program in the West Kootenay (WK) area. The WK YCC Coordinator will be responsible for leadership of the crew, ensuring that the crew is operating smoothly, safely and meeting program goals. The Coordinator will manage projects and crew members, and engage with community partners, funders, and others as relevant. The Coordinator may also assist YCC program operations outside the WK area (as needed and as capacity allows). This season will focus on wildfire risk reduction, local agriculture, and community education and engagement. Pending outstanding grant applications, there may also be significant work with local farms. Applications will be reviewed as received; this job will remain open until filled.

Click here for more information and to apply. 



Wildsight

Climate Action Technician with Youth Climate Corps, West Kootenays

As climate change places increasing pressure on our global, regional and local ecosystems and communities, the need to respond with meaningful action could not be more pressing. Harnessing the energy and ambition of young adults, the Youth Climate Corps (YYC) will empower you to inspire and implement solutions to the climate crisis through employment, training and leadership development. This position will primarily include hands-on work and skill-building. There will also be some remote online programming. The online components will include some training, plus regular communication and public outreach about your experiences throughout the program. The 2024 YYC West Kootenay projects will include the Salmo Wildfire Risk Reduction Project and Community Engagement. Applications are accepted as soon as possible.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Wildsight Kimberley

Climate Action Technician, East Kootenay Crew / Wildsight Youth Climate Corps

As climate change places increasing pressure on our global, regional and local ecosystems and communities, the need to respond with meaningful action could not be more pressing. Harnessing the energy and ambition of young adults, Wildsight’s Youth Climate Corps empowers you to inspire and implement solutions to the climate crisis through employment, training and leadership development. This position will primarily include hands-on work and skill-building. There may also be some remote online programming. The online components will include some training, plus regular communication and public outreach about your experiences throughout the program. The 2024 YYC East Kootenay projects will include a stream and wetland restoration project, a wildfire fuel mitigation and monitoring project, and local food recovery and sustainability initiatives. Applications are accepted as soon as possible.

Click here for more information and to apply.

West Kootenay Watershed Collaborative

Coordinator

The West Kootenay Watershed Collaborative is a newly established society dedicated to safeguarding the essential watersheds that sustain the Kootenay region. Their mission centres on supporting and uniting residents of the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s Area E, working toward resilient and sustainable watershed health amidst evolving climate conditions. The group is currently in search of a dynamic communicator to fulfil the role of Coordinator. The ideal candidate will possess a cooperative approach and exceptional organizational skills. A background in non-profit work, familiarity with watersheds, and industry best practices would be assets. The Coordinator will report to the Chairperson of our Board of Directors, all of whom share your passion for safeguarding our water resources. We do expect this position to evolve and require a half to full time commitment; currently this is a part time position requiring approximately 8 hours, or one full day, per week. Applications are reviewed as they are received.

Click here for more information. 

Shuswap Band

Senior Wildlife Biologist, Columbia Valley

Shuswap Band is looking for a Senior Wildlife Biologist to join our growing Territorial Stewardship department and provide technical leadership and strong advocacy for Shuswap Band’s wildlife priorities throughout the Caretaker Area. Reporting to the Territorial Stewardship Director, the successful applicant will be responsible for leading the Shuswap Wildlife team in the development and implementation of projects related to habitat conservation, species at risk protections, and other strategic priorities as identified by Shuswap Band’s Chief & Council. They will collaborate with internal and external partners to coordinate, implement, and lead wildlife projects, participate in regional and provincial working groups, and represent Shuswap Band’s priorities and values relating to caribou, elk, big horn sheep, and other mammals and ungulates. The ideal candidate will be able to work effectively and comfortably in a team setting, with strong communication, time, and project management skills.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Shuswap Band

Referrals Coordinator, Invermere

Shuswap Band is seeking a highly organized individual to support our Consultation and Engagement process as Referrals Coordinator. Reporting to the Director of Territorial Stewardship, the Referrals Coordinator is responsible for triaging, gathering technical feedback, and responding to the variety of referrals received from government and industry regarding decision making across the Shuswap Caretaker Area based on the strategic direction from Chief & Council. The ideal candidate for this position will possess excellent organization and communication skills, an aptitude for computer operations including word processing, mapping, file management, big picture thinking and prioritization abilities, and a demonstrated desire to learn. This job will involve on-the-job training on mapping, digital file management, referral processing, and research related to Shuswap Band’s Territorial Stewardship department. Applications are accepted as soon as possible.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Forest Stewardship Council

Director of Policy and Standards, Remote

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally sound, socially beneficial and economically prosperous management of the world's forests. Reporting to the FSC Canada President, the Director of Policy & Standards will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the successful development or revision of FSC forest related standards (National Forest Stewardship Standard and National Risk Assessment) and related tools; to support the implementation and coordinate the monitoring of these standards. Applications are accepted until Feb. 8th.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Ktunaxa Nation Council

Aquatic Biologist – Term Assignment, Cranbrook

The Ktunaxa Nation Council has an opportunity for an Aquatic Biologist position in Cranbrook. Reporting to the Director of Lands and Resources, the opportunity is suited for someone who enjoys aquatic research projects and contributes to positive outcomes for the Nation as a whole. The primary function of the Aquatic Biologist is to provide technical support to the Lands and Resources Sector Staff on projects impacting aquatic/fisheries values in ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa. They are responsible for coordinating environmental related research, coordinating with various agencies and organizations on projects throughout the ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa, and providing scientific support to the Ktunaxa Nation Council in its work to steward aquatic ecosystems and to develop community stewardship capacity. This is a full-time position for a term of one year. Applications are accepted until February 9.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Fraser Basin Council

Youth Advisory Committee

The Fraser Basin Council (FBC) Youth Program works to engage, empower and enable youth and young adults to actively participate and contribute to social, environmental, and economic wellbeing in communities throughout BC. This is a unique opportunity for youth from the Kootenays to be a voice for their communities on sustainability and climate change. FBC is recruiting for the 2024-2025 FBC Youth Advisory Committee and are searching for youth representatives aged 16-30 who will connect and collaborate with similarly passionate, sustainability-minded youth from all corners of BC, learn more about unique climate change and sustainability issues across the province, and help co-create opportunities for BC youth to contribute to sustainability and climate solutions. Applications are being accepted until February 9.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Wildlife Conservation Society Canada

Communities and Conservation Research Associate, Remote

WCS Canada is currently seeking a parental leave replacement for an initial period of 7 months (with a potential extension) starting in March for the position of Communities and Conservation Research Associate. This full-time position is based in Canada and will report to the Director of National Conservation and work closely with program staff. The Communities and Conservation Research Associate supports effective and meaningful conservation outcomes through the development of research, tools, and strategies that develop respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and advance Indigenous-led conservation in Canada. While all eligible candidates will be considered, preference will be given to Indigenous Canadian candidates. Applications are accepted until February 12 at 3 pm PT / 4 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to apply. 

Living Lakes Canada

Multiple Positions, Nelson, Invermere & Remote

Living Lakes Canada is hiring for the following positions: 3 full-time summer student Water Monitoring Technicians (government designation: Biological Technicians) in the Nelson and Invermere areas; 1 full-time Lake Blitz Program Intern (government designation: Program Coordinator – Environmental Program) anywhere in Canada; 1 full-time Lakes Program Intern (government designation: Environmental Project Manager) anywhere in Canada; and 1 Biomonitoring Assistant (Aquatic Biology Technician) in BC or Alberta (this is a remote position with organizational support in BC and Alberta). Please visit the Living Lakes Canada Careers page for links to all job postings. Living Lakes Canada is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and respected, and actively promotes equal opportunities and strives to build a team that reflects the richness of perspectives and experiences of people across Canada. Deadline to apply is February 16.

Click here for the job postings.

Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network

Wild Voices Community Educator

Are you a forester or geographer? A biologist or mountain guide? A historian or holder of traditional knowledge? Do you have some unique knowledge, skill, or expertise you can share with students? If so, we’d like to connect with you! 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 Educators are the heart and soul of the Wild Voices for Kids program! Wild Voices for Kids promotes presenters and their programs and provides cash honoraria to community educators. For more information, see link below, or email the Wild Voices program manager at [email protected].

Click here for more information.

Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area

Wetland Naturalist, Creston

Do you have a love of nature and science? Are you passionate about connecting people with the natural world? As a Wetland Naturalist, you will motivate, inspire, and connect children and adults to the wonderful world of wetlands by providing quality environmental education programs and front country excursions at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA). This is a magnificent 17,000 acre internationally designated Ramsar wetland. The Kootenay Columbia Discovery Centre Society operates an Interpretation Centre located within the wetland. To support the visitor experience and help create positive long-lasting memories and interest in wetland conservation, the Centre offers educational exhibits, engaging curriculum-based school programs, stewardship programs, canoe and walking tours, nature trail programming and educational displays. Each spring season the CVWMA offers post-secondary students and those interested in environmental education the opportunity to train as Naturalists and join them in showcasing this special wetland to visitors. This is a seasonal position from early May to the end of August, and applications are accepted until February 23.

Click here for more info and to apply.

Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area

Conservation Programs Assistant, Creston

CVWMA is looking for a driven and passionate individual to fill in the position of Conservation Programs Assistant (maternity/parental leave) to support the Head of Conservation Programs in the delivery of habitat management projects and wildlife monitoring activities to fulfill CVWMA’s mandate and Management Plan objectives. This position will offer the successful candidate opportunities to apply acquired skills and knowledge to a dynamic work environment requiring innovative approaches and thinking. As well, the position will provide valuable learning and professional development opportunities within a small organizational structure. Working closely with the Head of Conservation Programs and Wildlife Habitat & Operations Technician, the Conservation Programs Assistant will have broad-ranging responsibilities involving aspects of wildlife and habitat monitoring, data management, wetland management, stewardship activities coordination and community relations, project management, communications, and general administration. Applications are accepted until February 23.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society

Outreach & Aquatics Assistant, Nelson

Are you curious about invasive species in the Central Kootenay region? Do you want to help reduce the impact of invasive species on the ecosystems, communities, and economy of our region? If so, there are exciting opportunities for you to join the team at CKISS! The Outreach and Aquatics Assistant will support Program Coordinators with invasive species education and outreach programs, and invasive mussel monitoring. Job duties will include: hosting educational display booth at community events and public locations; collection of water samples for lab testing, leading community weed pull events and youth field trips, assisting with website updates, newsletters, press releases and social media posts, iNaturalist projects and communications; distributing invasive species educational resources and signage; creating original content for use in CKISS outreach activities; assisting with virtual and in-person events such as webinars, workshops, and presentations. Applications are reviewed as they’re received, until February 23.

Click here for more info and to apply.

Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society

Invasive Species Technician, Nelson

If you have a passion for, and preferably some background in, environmental conservation and knowledge of invasive species, and are a positive, energetic team player who is self-motivated and enjoys working outdoors, with at least one year of post-secondary education in a related field, CKISS wants to hear from you! Invasive Species Technician (IS Tech) works as part of a small field crew to carry out invasive species management including surveys and manual removal of invasive plants in priority locations; sign installation and removal; landowner outreach; biological control agent surveys and possible collection. The IS Tech works primarily in the field with limited office time. The IS Tech is expected to work outdoors in a wide variety of weather conditions and potentially in and around water. Applications are reviewed as they’re received, until February 23.

Click here for more info and to apply.

Ducks Unlimited Canada

Youth Advisory Council

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) believes in the power of the next generation. They are recruiting 10 ambitious and motivated young individuals from across Canada to join their second cohort of DUC’s Youth Advisory Council. Youth Advisory Council members will be provided leadership opportunities to share their perspectives on the future of conservation, what role they want to play and how DUC can move their vision forward. Members will sit on a variety of committees, providing input on strategic directions, programs, and communications at DUC. Over their two-year term, the Youth Council will focus on delving into DUC’s work across science, conservation, education, and policy, and taking part in outreach, engagement, communication, and strategic activities relating to biodiversity and conservation issues at DUC. Youth must be between the ages of 18 and 25. Applications are due no later than February 23.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Ecological research ‘in a good way’ means ethical and equitable relationships with Indigenous Peoples and Lands

Andrea J. Reid, et. al.

The current and fervent uptick in the natural sciences of seeking to engage with Indigenous partners signals a change in attitudes towards Indigenous knowledge systems and Peoples as well as their rights, but comes with a substantial amount of risk, burden and peril. To aid scientists in conducting research ‘in a good way’, we offer key insights and guidance that are rooted in our own scientific training and communities of practice. As natural and applied scientists increasingly awaken to the power and validity of Indigenous knowledge systems — learning that Indigenous-managed Lands have equal-or-higher biodiversity than protected areas, and that Indigenous ways of knowing and caring may be key to advancing sustainability solutions - we need clarity on the terms of engagement (for example, the CARE (‘collective benefit, authority to control, responsibility, and ethics’) principles. This knowledge does not come without Indigenous People, nor does it come unattached from the Land. This raises the question of how researchers can uphold ethical and equitable relationships with Indigenous Peoples and Lands while conducting ecological research.

Click here to access the full report. 

Towards reconciliation 10 Calls to Action to natural scientists working in Canada

Carmen Wong, et. al.

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released 94 Calls to Action to redress the intergenerational legacy of, and the systemic racism behind, residential schools in Canada. The authors of this report outline 10 Calls to Action to natural scientists to enable reconciliation in their work. They focus on natural scientists because a common connection to the land should tie the social license of natural scientists more closely to Indigenous communities than currently exists. The authors also focus on natural sciences because of the underrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in this field. They draw on existing guidelines and their experiences in northern Canada. These 10 Calls to Action challenge the scientific community to recognize that reconciliation requires a new way of conducting natural science, one that includes and respects Indigenous communities, rights, and knowledge leading to better scientific and community outcomes.

Click here to access the full report. 

Best Management Practices for the use of Bat Houses in US and Canada: with focus on summer habitat mitigation for Little Brown Myotis, Yuma Myotis, and Big Brown Bat

Susan Holroyd & Cori Lausen, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, et. al.

This detailed document is a current synthesis of the available information on use of bat houses in North America. The review of history and literature provides critical background information on bat energetics, physiology and behaviour that must be considered when designing and erecting artificial roosts and making decisions regarding roosting habitat for building-roosting bats (most applicable to Yuma and Little Brown Myotis, and Big Brown Bat). This material may benefit future researchers and managers and act as a summary resource document. The guidance provided is meant to help any landowner, institution, development proponent or land manager tasked with managing or providing artificial roosting habitat for bat species in North America which use bat houses. This report is intended to be a living document, with periodic updates with revisions as on-going research and monitoring fills knowledge gaps.

Click here to access the full report. 

When epic ski trips and caribou conservation collide

Ainslie Cruickshank, BC Biodiversity Reporter for the Narwhal

Though all kinds of recreation can affect wildlife, heli-skiing has become a unique point of contention in BC. For years, biologists have asked the industry for more detailed data about their operations to better understand how heli-skiing affects caribou and how to limit any negative effects. For caribou, these motorized intrusions into their winter grounds can be more than a minor irritation. Alert to potential dangers, caribou may stop eating, missing out on much needed calories, wildlife biologist Aaron Reid says. Or, they may flee, expending energy they can’t afford to waste. The industry says it is doing its best to protect wildlife but isn’t keen to share flight data.

Read the whole article here.

Why we Misjudge Wolves, Bears, and other Large Carnivores

Marc Bekoff, Ph.D. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Large carnivores such as wolves and bears, who are keystone species in many ecosystems, often get a bad rap for being unpredictable, dangerous, aggressive, and untrustworthy. Long-term research projects on these and other carnivores clearly show that these are sensationalist myths that damage who these animals truly are. Environmental scientist and conservationist Dr. Gosia Bryja is an expert on the psychological bases for how we perceive and interact with these amazing beings: “My interdisciplinary education and professional experience made me realize that effective conservation should address the intrinsic value of individual animals. It often requires delving into human psychology, especially exploring emotional barriers that vitiate our perception of other sentient beings. These barriers may hinder compassion and caring for the well-being of individuals.” As people learn more about the truth about who these animals are, they will be more open to developing and maintaining a relationship of coexistence.

Read the whole article here.

Do wildlife crossing structures mitigate the barrier effect of roads on animal movement? A global assessment

Kylie Soanes, et. al.

The widespread impacts of roads on animal movement have led to the search for innovative mitigation tools. Wildlife crossing structures (tunnels or bridges) are a common approach; however, their effectiveness remains unclear beyond isolated case studies. The authors conducted an extensive literature review and synthesis to address the question: What is the evidence that wildlife crossing structures mitigate the barrier effect of roads on wildlife movement? In particular, they investigated whether wildlife crossing structures prevented an expected decline in cross-road movement, restored movement to pre-construction conditions, or improved movement relative to taking no action.

Click here to access the full report. 

Conference Proceedings

CMI Researcher's Forum

The Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology (CMI) hosts an annual event where we gather members of the scientific community, Indigenous community members and representatives, stewardship groups, students, and interested individuals to provide updates on ecological projects taking place in southeastern British Columbia – everything from field trials, new restoration projects and their associated community initiatives, to ecosystem monitoring and research, etc. These updates cover a wide range of topics and species. The conference proceedings from the October 2023 researcher's forum are available.

Click here to access the conference proceedings.

Recording of presentation on the National Program for Ecological Corridors

Parks Canada

In December 2023, Parks Canada’s Ecological Corridors team held information sessions on the draft map of National Priority Areas for Ecological Corridors. The sessions were attended by many Canadians from across the country and have resulted in valuable input on the draft map. If you missed the presentations or would like to review the materials again, a video recording of the presentation is now available.

View the recording here. 

Bull Trout Spawner Escapement in the Salmo River Watershed

Gerry Nellestijn and Scott Decker

A radio Telemetry study by Baxter and Nellestijn (2000) found that individual Bull Trout spawned in multiple tributaries within the Salmo River watershed, suggesting that Salmo River Bull Trout comprise a single population. Results from a 2022 project show growth in the bull trout population in the Salmo River Watershed. Surveys in the Salmo River and tributaries - Clearwater, Sheep, Qua, and Curtis creeks - counted 82 bull trout redds and an estimated 174 adults. That’s the highest since 2017, and 137% of the ten-year average. The project was led by the Salmo River Streamkeepers and the full report, which also explains how the drip feed fertilization station works, is now available.

Click here to access the report.

Westland Videos

Historic videos about natural resource management in the Kootenays

In 1983, Mike Halleran began producing and hosting a television series entitled Westland which aired on the Knowledge Network from 1984 to 2007. Later taken over by his son Terry Halleran, the series explored a broad range of environmental issues associated with forestry practices, freshwater fisheries, endangered species, natural resource management and ecosystem restoration in British Columbia. The programs included extensive on-site footage and interviews with experts and various stakeholders. Many current concepts in land conservation were explored through these videos in the 1980's and 90's. We encourage you to enjoy this blast from the past and see if you can identify some familiar faces! Type "Kootenay" or "Rocky Mountain Trench" into the search bar to find local videos.

Click here to access the collection.

Berries and bullets: influence of food and mortality risk on grizzly bears in British Columbia

Proctor et. al.

In southeastern BC, populations of the mostly omnivorous grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) are fragmented into a mosaic of small isolated or larger partially connected sub-populations. They obtain most of their energy from vegetative resources that are also influenced by human activities. Roads and associated motorized human access shape availability of food resources but also displace bears and facilitate human-caused mortality. Effective grizzly bear management requires an understanding of the relationship between habitat quality and mortality risk. The authors integrated analyses of bottom-up and top-down demographic parameters to understand and inform a comprehensive and efficient management paradigm across the region. Research found that huckleberry patches within 500 m of an open road make almost no contribution to grizzly bear density. The proximity of roads to huckleberry patches therefore essentially results in habitat loss. Approximately 38% of predicted huckleberry patches are within 500 of an open road, so this has a large effect on grizzly bear populations.

Click here to read the report, and here to see an infographic. 

Kootenay Connect: Riparian Wildlife Corridors for Climate Change – Year 4 Summary Report

Michael Proctor and Marcy Mahr

The Kootenay Connect Initiative envisions a regional network of 12 ecological corridors connecting important habitats, biodiversity hotspots, protected areas, and climate refugia across the human-settled valleys of the Kootenay region of BC. The premise behind Kootenay Connect is that landscape linkages focusing on large riparian-wetland complexes are essential for conserving biodiversity, habitat connectivity, species movement corridors, and ecological resilience in a changing climate. Since its inception in 2018, Kootenay Connect has integrated the best available science and local knowledge to identify important habitats for large carnivores, ungulates, and many at-risk species. Kootenay Connect’s collective on-the-ground conservation and management actions are supporting the recovery of 34 federally listed species at risk and working to help Canada achieve its goal of conserving 30% of its land and water by 2030. This Year 4 Summary Report presents the initiative’s scientific rationale, local, provincial, national, and international significance, corridor analysis, and maps of conservation values and threats in our region. It also provides progress and results from over $4 million investment in four of the 12 Kootenay Connect corridors with nearly 50 projects delivered by 35 partners that are contributing to species recovery and connected and protected landscapes. Projects include wetlands vulnerability assessment and restoration, species at risk habitat enhancement, forest thinning, invasive species management, wildlife-friendly fencing, creation of habitat features, potential large carnivore and ungulate wildlife corridors, access management, strategic land purchases, and more.

Click here to access the report.

KCP Stewardship Solutions Toolkit

Resource updated with growing number of stewardship listings

In 2019, KCP launched Stewardship Solutions, an easy-to-access stewardship resource for landowners and land managers in the Kootenays available both in print and online. We keep this resource up to date, and encourage you to access all the available stewardship "solutions" (i.e. services and resources) available in each of the 14 Conservation Neighbourhoods. Visit the website, select your location on the homepage map, and you'll be brought to the growing list of stewardship options available in your region.

Visit the Stewardship Solutions website.

Kootenay Conservation Program

Conservation Resources for our Region

The Kootenay Conservation Program 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.

Click here for more information.