Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews
March 2021
Trendy Tools
Featuring profiles from the Stewardship Solutions Online Toolkit
The Lake Windermere Ambassadors are a group of committed citizens whose mandate is the protection of Lake Windermere, British Columbia.

KCP Winter Webinar Series
Webinar series concluded, recordings available
Thank you to everyone who took part in our 2021 Winter Webinar Series on the theme “From Alpine to Valley Bottom: Conserving Essential Habitats in the Kootenays”. Detailed webinar descriptions, information about the presenters and links to the recordings can be found on the Winter Webinar Series page on the KCP website.

For the Love of the Kootenays
Playlist available online
If you missed signing up for the “For the Love of the Kootenays” daily video series last month, or if you signed up and want to see any of the videos again, check out the Stewardship Solutions Playlist on the KCP YouTube channel, where you’ll find all 12 short videos featuring amazing Kootenay-based resources that are among those listed on the KCP Stewardship Solutions Online Toolkit website. This toolkit is designed for stewardship practitioners, local government planners and other service providers as well as a one-stop shop for private landowners interested in stewardship options for their property.

Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund
Technical Review Committee Member
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) in partnership with the Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) are seeking qualified members for the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF) Technical Review Committee (TRC). The role of the TRC is to make recommendations on allocating annual funding for conservation projects for the area from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen. Applications will be received on an ongoing basis.
Yellowstone to Yukon
Upper Columbia 5-part Short Film Series
From old-growth forests of ancient trees in deep rugged valleys to thick snowpacks on high alpine peaks, the Upper Columbia region of southeastern British Columbia is special.
A newly released five-part short film series shares the people, places and species that make this area of British Columbia — and the Yellowstone to Yukon region — an incredible spot. 
These films are the work of Lynn Trinh, a filmmaker from Nelson, B.C. Less than five minutes long, each film features the talents of others from the Nelson area. That includes footage from local filmmakers, music by Adrian Wagner and narration by actor Espoir Segbeaya.

Bringing the Salmon Home
Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative launches website
Bringing the Salmon Home: The Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative is an Indigenous-led collaboration of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, Ktunaxa Nation, Secwépemc Nation, Canada and British Columbia. Salmon have been blocked from returning to the Canadian portion of the upper Columbia River for more than 80 years. The long-term vision is to return salmon stocks for Indigenous food, social and ceremonial needs, and to benefit the region’s residents and ecosystems as a whole. Reintroducing salmon concerns Indigenous rights and responsibility and Bringing the Salmon Home offers new beginnings while acknowledging the past.

Living Lakes Canada
Lake Inventory Program wraps up Year 2
In late 2019, Living Lakes Canada entered into a Contribution Agreement with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and their Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk Program to complete a four-year “Foreshore Integrated Management Planning (FIMP) for Aquatic Species at Risk Project” in the Columbia Basin. The overarching goal of this project is to improve the quality and quantity of information about lake foreshore habitat integrity and species at risk in the Upper Columbia Basin. Four lakes in the Kootenays were surveyed in Year 2 (2020-21) of the project, including: Lake Windermere, Moyie Lake, Whiteswan Lake, and Whitetail Lake.

Wildsight
Wildsight welcomes new Revelstoke branch
With full support from their membership, the Revelstoke-based North Columbia Environmental Society has agreed to make the move to become Wildsight Revelstoke. The North Columbia Environmental Society (NCES) has worked to protect wilderness in the Revelstoke area for more than 20 years, representing the environmental issues that concern residents of Revelstoke. With a mission that aligns with Wildsight, the two organizations have long stood together in support of wilderness protections.
Green Shores Level 1 - Introduction to Green Shores
Start any time, Online learning course
This course introduces participants to basic shoreline ecosystem principles and management practices, with emphasis on the purpose and application of the Green Shores rating systems. The content is of interest to shoreline professionals, landowners, conservation organizations, local government staff, elected officials, real estate agents, and others who have a general interest in shoreline protection. Green Shores Level 1 is a prerequisite for Green Shores Level 2 for shoreline practitioners. This is an online learning course. Start any time. You have 3 weeks from the date you register to complete this course.

Making the Switch
March 3, Online
Join Wildsight Invermere on March 3 at 7pm for this free webinar to have all your burning questions answered about EV ownership, charging, range, rebates, and the economics and fun of EVs. Jen Grebeldinger, Communications Lead for the Community Energy Association, will present E-mobility in rural BC – What, Why, How of EVs. Cam Gillies, Wildsight Invermere Board member, will fill us in on Spark, the first fully 100% electric vehicle share program in rural Canada. Aaron Van de Kamp, co-owner of Cleanline Automotive and a certified hybrid and EV technician and will answer all your questions about hybrid motors, hydrogen fuel cells, and EV batteries. Local EV owner, Norm Funnell will also join the webinar to share his personal experience.

CBT Ecosystem Enhancement Program: Online Info Sessions – RSVP today!
March 3 & 9, Online
Columbia Basin Trust’s Ecosystem Enhancement Program is entering year five of its program to support large-scale ecosystem enhancement, restoration, and conservation projects. If you are not familiar with the program or haven’t been involved in awhile, join CBT for one of two upcoming introductory information sessions on March 3 and 9. CBT will provide an overview of the program, highlight key components of potential project ideas, share examples of projects approved to date, review available resources and discuss next steps. To find the RSVP link, select the “What’s Next” section. 

March Mix & Mingle
March 4, Online
Hosted by Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network, join educators from across the Columbia basin and beyond in this informal virtual gathering. There will be break outs into smaller groups to give you a chance to chat with fellow educators with some fun conversation starters. And, of course, there will be prizes. This is a free event.

Bridging Silos: advancing climate adaptation and low carbon resilience in small communities and rural regions
March 4-5, Online
Join the Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute (RDI) at Selkirk College, ACT (the Adaptation to Climate Change Team) SFU, and the Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC) Kootenay Rockies Chapter for an exciting 2-day virtual conference on improving low carbon resilience in small and rural communities in British Columbia. This conference will incorporate knowledge from across British Columbia to highlight innovations and insights from small communities and rural regions seeking to build low carbon resilience.

Winter Speaker Series – DIY: How to Improve Human and Wildlife Coexistence as we Explore our Great Outdoors
March 10, Online
Dr. Annette Lutterman is a dynamic speaker and leader in Wildsight Golden’s West Bench Study. This talk will review insights from a range of research programs looking at the responses of wildlife to human backcountry recreation through the four seasons. As we head out boating, hiking, skiing, biking, sledding, and off-roading, what can it mean for moose and mountain goats, bears and beavers, wolverines and waterfowl if we boldly go everywhere, anytime, and by any means? Join Dr. Lutterman and Wildsight Golden on March 10 at 6 pm PT/7 pm MT.

Voice of the River – Students Connecting to the Columbia Basin
March 11, Online
Hop on board with videographer and environmental educator Sanne van der Ros and head downstream with the 2019 Wildsight Columbia River Field School students. Discover how this place-based, experiential education river journey influenced the youth’s environmental attitudes and values in relation to the watershed they call home. Includes screening of a 40-minute film and Q&A. Hosted by CBEEN and Wildsight.

Keeping all the parts: A new approach to BC Forestry
March 16, Online
Today’s model of forestry sacrifices values British Columbians care deeply about, from old growth to wildlife to watershed protections. Join Wildsight for a presentation that highlights alternative models of forestry and how British Columbia can shift the paradigm in BC forestry to more ecologically and socially responsible logging. Hear from Conservation Director John Bergenske, Conservation Specialist Eddie Petryshen, and Regional Director and retired forester Jim Smith on the problems today, and the potential for a better approach to forestry for B.C in this free 1.5 hour webinar on Tuesday, March 16 at 11:30 am PT/12:30 pm MT.

Session 5: Entering Ethical Space Online Workshop – Save the Date!
March 17, Online
Y2Y is pleased to be offering additional workshops to explore and celebrate new conservation agreements between First Nations and colonial governments, and hear from more Indigenous experts on the topic of land-based reconciliation. This webinar will run from 10 am to 11:30 am PT / 11am to 12:30 pm MT. Check the link below for details as they become available. This workshop series is designed as a package, building from one session to the next. More information is available in the Entering Ethical Space backgrounder.

2021 Fire in the Crown of the Continent Virtual Forum
March 22-26, Online
The Crown Managers Partnership is excited to announce that their 2021 Fire in the Crown of the Continent forum will be held virtually from March 22 to March 26. Each day runs from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm and features a new and exciting fire related topic. Join in learning from a wide variety of fire experts - registration is now open.

Winter Speaker Series – DIY: Swallow Identification and Ways to Support Birds at Home
March 24, Online
Rachel Darvill is a Wildlife Biologist and the Project Manager for the Upper Columbia Swallow Habitat Enhancement Project. Join Rachel and Wildsight Golden on March 24 at 10 am PT/11 am MT to learn about the six species of swallow using habitat in the Columbia Valley, how to tell them apart, and also get tips on how you can create a bird friendly environment right in your own backyard.

Amphibian Inventory & Monitoring Techniques in Creston
April 7 & 14, Online
This introductory course provides students with an opportunity to improve their amphibian species identification and handling skills, learn about survey design and standard inventory and monitoring techniques, and get hands-on experience surveying for amphibians in a variety of settings. Offered through Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology. Adapted for online delivery April 7th & 14th, includes live streamed field session!

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

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

Water Testing Resources & Equipment for Educators
May 4, Online
Join Water Rangers’ Laura Gilbert (Community & Research Coordinator) and Juno Garrah (Environmental Education Coordinator) to learn about their water education resources. These include testing kits, downloadable activity sheets, their brand new teacher’s guide, and more.
Water Rangers builds the tools to help classrooms, citizens and scientists easily record and analyze water data so that they can use the data to learn about problems, share discoveries and engage with their communities. Hosted by the CBEEN Outdoor Learning Store & Partners.

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

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

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

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

Scaling Up Camera Trap Surveys to Inform Regional Wildlife Conservation
May 18-20, Online
This conference will address key questions in the development and application of camera trap methods. By showcasing established and emerging case studies, the conference will be a forum for sharing lessons on fundamental topics such as sampling design, data management and analysis, and multi-project collaboration. This Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology event has been adapted to an online format — registration has re-opened! It will take place via Zoom over three mornings and will feature an incredible line-up of speakers and poster presentations addressing various aspects of camera trapping, and a panel discussion. An adapted workshop will also take place focused on coordination and standardization of key aspects of camera surveys such as sampling design, camera protocols, and data management and analysis.
Real Estate Foundation of BC General Grants
Deadline: March 2
Real Estate Foundation of BC grants support projects that strengthen communities and protect our shared land and water. For information on eligibility and funding priorities, visit refbc.com/grants or email grants@refbc.com to discuss your project idea.

Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk
Deadline: March 2
The Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) was established in 2000. It provides funding for projects submitted by Canadians that contribute directly to the recovery objectives and population goals of species at risk listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and that prevent others from becoming a conservation concern. 

Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk
Deadline: March 2
The Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) was established in 2004 and supports the development of Indigenous capacity to participate actively in the implementation of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). 

EcoAction Community Funding Program
Deadline: March 3
The EcoAction Community Funding Program provides financial support to non-profit and non-government organizations for local action-based projects that produce measurable, positive effects on the environment.

Grassroots Organizing for a Clean Energy, Forest Positive, Socially Just Future
Deadline: March 8
The David & Lucile Packard Foundation has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to grassroots organizations focused on the following: Forest protection and community land rights; Frontline community organizing and power-building around social, environmental, or climate justice; Combatting extractive energy industries, such as oil, gas or land-intensive industrial bioenergy. For organizations headquartered in British Columbia, Alberta or the U.S. South, this is a new opportunity to submit expressions of interest to the Climate and Land Use Program for consideration. Successful applicants will receive up to $100,000 over two years and will be eligible for additional support from the Foundation’s Organizational Effectiveness team. The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is March 8.

Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program
Deadline: Ongoing
If you have an idea that will maintain or enhance grassland resources while meeting conservation, environment and recreation objectives, this program could help support it. This program is delivered by the Kootenay Livestock Association.

Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Community Engagement Grants
Deadline: Ongoing
Community Engagement Grants are typically $500 to $1,000 and help stewardship groups and others take action to benefit local fish and wildlife.

Columbia Basin Trust Career Internship Program
Deadline: First-come, first-served basis
The Columbia Basin Trust Career Internship Program provides eligible employers with up to 50 per cent of an intern’s salary (up to $25,000 over a seven to 12 month term) for full-time, career-focused positions that lead to permanent employment. Eligible employers are businesses, registered non-profits, municipalities, regional districts and Indigenous organizations within the Columbia Basin Trust region.
British Columbia Conservation Foundation
Bat-Friendly Communities Lead
A new pilot project is seeking a Bat-friendly Communities Lead to engage and work with First Nations on local bat conservation initiatives to develop bat-friendly communities. The Bat-friendly Communities Initiative encourages local action to support bats and increase awareness of bats and bat habitat, and may result in official Certification. Deadline to apply is March 3.

Kootenay Columbia Discovery Centre Society
Wetland Naturalist
The Kootenay Columbia Discovery Centre Society is seeking a Wetland Naturalist to 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. The Wetland Naturalist position is seasonal from May 3 to September 4, 2021. Deadline to apply is March 5.

Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society
Invasive Species Program Assistant
Under the direct supervision and guidance of the CSISS Executive Director and Program Coordinators, the Program Assistant will be responsible for carrying out various functions of the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society’s programs, as described in job duties in the job posting. The base of operation will be out of Revelstoke, but there will be extensive travel throughout the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Deadline to apply is March 8.

Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia
General Manager
Reporting directly to the Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia
(GCC) Chair, the General Manager will work with the GCC Board of Directors and its members to successfully coordinate, manage and deliver the organization's activities according to the strategic and operational direction set by the GCC Board. This is a remote position with preference for Kamloops. Deadline to apply is March 15.

Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society
Outreach Program Assistant
CKISS is looking for a hard working, self-motivated individual with a background in communications, graphic design or similar to fill the role of Outreach Program Assistant. The Outreach Program Assistant will assist the Education Program Coordinator with invasive species prevention programs through education and outreach activities. Deadline to apply is March 12.

Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society
Invasive Species Technicians
CKISS is looking for two team players with strong communication skills who love physical work in an outdoor setting to fill the role of Invasive Species Technicians. The Invasive Species Technician (IS Tech) will assist the Field Operations Program in a variety of invasive species fieldwork activities. Deadline to apply is March 12.

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

Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund
Technical Review Committee Member, Columbia Valley Region
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) in partnership with the Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) are seeking qualified members for the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF) Technical Review Committee (TRC). The role of the TRC is to make recommendations on allocating annual funding for conservation projects for the area from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen. Applications will be received on an ongoing basis.
For a comprehensive list of up-to-date job postings, check the CBEEN Job & Volunteer Board, an excellent resource for Kootenay conservation career and volunteer opportunities.

Human activity forces animals to move 70% further to survive
University of Sydney
For the first time, scientists have calculated the global impact of human activity on animal movement, revealing widespread impacts that threaten species survival and biodiversity.
While it has been shown that activities such as logging and urbanisation can have big impacts on wildlife, the study by scientists at the University of Sydney and Deakin University in Australia shows that episodic events such as hunting, military activity and recreation can trigger even bigger changes in animal behaviour.

Communities, Conservation & Livelihoods
CCRN & IUCN-CEESP
Communities, Conservation and Livelihoods is a new and freely-available book that focuses on the role of local communities, around the world, in conserving their environment while sustaining their local economies and livelihoods. It explores the conservation initiatives of communities, what motivates them, and what outcomes can be achieved for biodiversity and for livelihoods. The book looks at how decision-making works, how power is handled, and how Indigenous realities arise around the globe.

A Case for Conservation
KCP brochure promoting private land conservation available
KCP has created the “Case for Conservation” tri-fold brochure, which details 9 different reasons why conserving private land is so crucial to the health of the region’s ecosystems that support a myriad of plant, fish and animal species — many of which are currently rare or endangered or at risk of becoming so. The brochure opens up into an attractive poster that can be easily posted in offices, public spaces and homes. Printed brochures are available for distribution. If you would like copies, please contact KCP Program Manager Juliet Craig at manager@kootenayconservation.ca.

Kootenay Conservation Program
Conservation Resources for our Region
The Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) helps partners to coordinate and facilitate conservation efforts on private land, and in an effort to support this, KCP has developed a webpage that compiles some of the best conservation and stewardship resources available for our region.