Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews
March 2020
A fog bow on Lake Windermere, sometimes called a white rainbow. Photo submitted by Larry Halverson
This month we are excited to present the Summary Report for the Creston Valley Conservation Action Forum that took place on January 22. The report summarizes the five priority actions plans that came out of the Forum to maintain healthy fish and wildlife populations and ecological functions in the Creston Valley over the next five years. See KCP News for details.

And the Columbia Basin Trust is renewing their strategic plan and they are seeking input for their priorities in the coming years. Their support has been critical to the success and achievements in private land conservation over the years, including support to the Kootenay Conservation Program and in turn the work of our Partners. We encourage you to provide your feedback either online or in person. See Partner News for more.

And thank you Larry Halverson for submitting this month's cover photo of the white rainbow over Lake Windermere!
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Faces & Places
The Slocan Lake Stewardship Society is dedicated to conservation of the Slocan Lake watershed through education, science and advocacy, and Sally Hammond is presently its longest sitting board member and vice president of eight years. She was initially drawn to the rural northern Slocan Valley because of its magnificent mountains, undammed river and lake, minimal development, and small population.

Submissions
Please feel free to submit any news, events or photos you'd like us to share in our monthly eNews by the 26th of each month to:

And if you are providing a stewardship service in the Kootenays, and would like to be included in the KCP Stewardship Solutions Toolkit , email:
Like us on Facebook for current news from partners throughout the month!
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Monthly Stewardship Solutions Toolkit feature
The Slocan River Streamkeepers help landowners assess the health of their wetland while determining potential for wetland restoration and enhancement.

Highlights from the KCP Board Meeting on February 7, 2020

  • KCP 2019/20 Workplan is on track with most items being completed or in progress.
  • The KCP Board approved a draft workplan and notional budget for 2020/21.
  • KCP will use a small variance of 2019/20 on updating/enhancing the KCP website
  • Farmland Advantage was approved as a new KCP Partner.
  • KCP will be developing a policy for consideration about eligibility for KCP Partnership (organizations versus individuals).
  • KCP will be undergoing a program evaluation next fiscal year to look at success of the program, areas for improvement, identifying measurable outcomes, and integrating ‘Open Standards’.

KCP Partner organizations are welcome to participate in KCP Board meetings.
Our next meeting date has not yet been identified. Please contact us if you are interested!
KCP Winter Webinar Series
We're halfway through our series!
There are 2 webinars remaining in our four-part series on "Biodiversity of the Kootenays" (click the links to register):
Recordings of the first 2 webinars can be found at the links below:

Creston Valley Conservation Action Forum
Summary Report now available
The KCP Creston Valley Conservation Action Forum was held on January 22 in Creston. A group of 24 stakeholders, including conservation and agricultural groups, government biologists, environmental consultants, First Nations, local government, and land trusts spent a full day identifying Priority Conservation Actions for the Creston Valley to address conservation concerns ranging from transboundary wildlife migration to reconnecting floodplains to farm biodiversity plans.

2020 KCP Fall Gathering - Save the Date!
October 16-17, West Kootenay (location TBA)
Did you have a fun, enlightening time at the 2019 Fall Gathering - or wish you did because you missed it? Mark your calendar for the 2020 event, which will be taking place October 16 and 17 in the West Kootenay. The KCP Fall Gathering & AGM serves as one of the primary vehicles to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region, complete with a guest speakers series, field tour, catered meals and more, at no cost to attendees. 

Stewardship Solutions
Help promote our conservation resource for Kootenay landowners
Share and promote Stewardship Solutions with this handy online promotional package. You can also inquire about presentations for your organization or region. KCP will coordinate a limited number of presentations about Stewardship Solutions on a request basis.
Columbia Basin Trust
CBT seeking feedback for new strategic plan
CBT is renewing their strategic plan and wants to hear ideas from Basin residents. From March through to June 2020, CBT is holding approximately 40 community meetings around the Basin as well as hosting an online platform to gather ideas from those who can’t attend the in-person events. To join the conversation and help CBT imagine #basinlife in 25 years, find a meeting near you or provide your feedback online with Thoughtexchange.

Columbia Basin Trust
CBT announces Environment Grants projects
Twenty-nine projects throughout the Columbia Basin will help address the health of local species and spaces, from swallows and salmon to wetlands and forests through research, restoration and education. The projects are being supported with nearly $820,000 from Columbia Basin Trust’s Environment Grants. The program helps fund projects that target ecosystems, climate, water and environmental education.

Regional District Central Kootenay
RDCK releases Climate Action report
The Regional District Central Kootenay (RDCK) has just released the State of Climate Action in the RDCK. This report, an initiative of the Community Sustainable Living Advisory Committee (CSLAC), provides an overview of the actions the RDCK is taking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the region. The report identifies indicators to better understand how the RDCK is: 1. Reducing Risks Associated with Climate Change, 2. Building Climate Resilient Communities. In addition to providing an overview of RDCK climate actions, the summary also provides suggestions on how RDCK residents can take action to reduce their own emissions. Available as both a summary handout and a full report.

Goldeneye Ecological Services
Columbia Wetlands Marsh Bird Monitoring Project Report now available
The final report for the 2016-2019 Columbia Wetlands Marsh Bird Monitoring Project (CWMBMP) is now available. This was a multi-year study led by Goldeneye Ecological Services in collaboration with Canadian Wildlife Service, that was designed to estimate marsh bird populations, assess the distribution of target species, and identify significant breeding areas or habitat types within the Columbia Wetlands. A standardized call-broadcast protocol was focused on five focal species of secretive marsh birds. The data collected in this study is unique as it relates to elusive species identification and will continue to be influential in design of future projects in the Columbia Wetlands, including management recommendations, restoration projects, and outreach programming. 

Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society
Citizen science water monitoring program to be launched
This summer the Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society (FOKLSS) will be launching their latest citizen science water monitoring program on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. Interested volunteers will be invited to attend a 2-day workshop on the CABIN protocol, co-hosted by Living Lakes Canada. This program will offer an opportunity for passionate water stewardship advocates to develop the skills to monitor their watershed. This program will also assist FOKLSS in obtaining valuable data on stream health. Stay tuned via the FOKLSS website for more details on when registration will open.

Columbia Basin Watershed Network
Summer Mapping Program intake now open
In partnership with the Selkirk Geospatial Research Centre, CBWN is now accepting applications for the 2020 Summer Mapping program. This is an opportunity for your watershed group to work with a GIS student to create valuable maps that engage your community. Communicate complex watershed information in beautiful and easy to understand maps.

Grasslands Conservation Council of BC
Responsible Off-Road Vehicle Use in Grasslands
The recreational and commercial use of off-road vehicles (ORV) continues to grow in British Columbia and there is an ongoing need to promote their safe, responsible use. The Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia (GCC) recently updated its guidelines for ORV use on grasslands and produced a summary in a pocket-sized G.R.A.S.S. brochure. These guidelines were developed in collaboration with the following ORV organizations: Quad Riders ATV Association of BC, BC Snowmobile Federation, Four Wheel Drive Association of BC and BC Off-Road Motorcycle Association.
Introduction to Wildlife Bioacoustics
March 3-5, Revelstoke
The main goal of this Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology course is to provide attendees with hands-on knowledge of available technology, techniques, and assessment capabilities so they can confidently make decisions on when and how to implement bioacoustical surveys for vocal terrestrial species (birds, anurans, and mammals including bats). There is no field component, however, there will be plenty of opportunity to get hands-on with devices and software.

An Evidence-to-Action Approach for Carnivore Coexistence in Adapt-or-Die Landscapes
March 4, KCP Webinar
In North America, grizzly bears typify the human struggle to conserve and coexist with large carnivores amongst a matrix of competing land uses. In the third webinar in the KCP Winter Webinar Series, Clayton Lamb will provide insight into the response of bear density to mitigation measures for reducing road density and highlight several cases where evidence from this dissertation leads to meaningful conservation actions that will benefit bears, a variety of wildlife inhabiting similar areas, and people.

Winter Film & Discussion Series
March 5, Golden
Wildsight Golden & Golden Youth Action Network present the last film in this year's Winter film series: Watermark - a History of the Use of Water, at the Golden Youth Centre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., film starts at 7 p.m., snacks provided.

19th Annual Crown Managers Partnership Forum
March 10-12, Cranbrook (submit poster abstracts by March 2)
The Crown Managers Partnership is a multi-jurisdictional partnership amongst federal, state, provincial, tribal and First Nation agency managers and universities in Montana, Alberta and British Columbia. The Crown of the Continent ecosystem is one of North America's most ecologically diverse and jurisdictionally fragmented landscapes. The theme of the 2020 Forum is "Fire in the Crown of the Continent: Trans-boundary Collaborative Solutions to Landscape Scale Ecosystem Management". The forum will take place at St. Eugene Resort in Cranbrook.

Back to the Basics: Re-evaluating Bat Boxes based on Bat Needs
March 12, KCP Webinar
In the fourth and final webinar in the KCP Winter Webinar Series, Cori Lausen will revisit the roles that bat boxes can play in habitat mitigation and present critical background information that sets the stage for understanding problems associated with bat boxes and what might be done. She will also explore the advantages and disadvantages of bat boxes, and fundamental issues we need to address when considering artificial bat habitat.

Amphibian Inventory & Monitoring Techniques
April 14-15, Creston
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.

Environmental Education Leadership Clinic
April 24-26, Nipika Mountain Resort, Kootenay National Park
The 2020 Leadership Clinic is an opportunity for EEPSA Local Chapters to come together to share, plan and collaborate. It will provide time and opportunities to do so in a beautiful setting, while also providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and rejuvenation. Must be a CBEEN member to participate. Registration is through EEPSA Local Chapters.

Scaling Up Camera Trap Surveys to Inform Regional Wildlife Conservation
May 5-6, Kimberley
This two-day Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology 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. 

Art of Hosting Meaningful Conversations & Participatory Leadership Retreat 
May 6-9, Yasodhara Ashram, Kootenay Lake
This leadership training opportunity is hosted as a partnership between CBEEN and Selkirk College. This is the first time this renowned training has been held in the Kootenays — and it is focussed on climate change. This retreat will build your capacity for incorporating collaborative solutions, conflict resolution and collective wisdom building into your personal and organizational leadership practice with a focus on community action.

Creston Valley Bird Fest
May 8-10, Creston
Registration for the Creston Valley Bird Fest opens in April. See the website for the 2020 schedule of events. Keynote speaker John Acorn is an internationally known scientist, author, broadcaster, and Canadian naturalist who lives in Edmonton. 

Wings Over the Rockies Festival
May 11-17, Invermere
Wings Over the Rockies is one of Canada’s largest wildlife festivals and takes place in various locations throughout the Columbia Valley each year in the month of May. The festival offers a rare opportunity to see and learn about birds and other wildlife species in their natural habitat. 2020 will be the 24th annual event.

Advanced Field Ornithology: Identification and Surveys by Sound and Recordings
June 1-4, Revelstoke
This course will combine field-experience listening to bird calls and songs during three mornings at the height of the breeding season, with hands-on recording practice to generate sound files. Each afternoon, the class will learn to edit and review their recordings using sound visualization software on their personal laptop computers. Offered through Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology.

Graphic Facilitation Workshop 2020
July 22-23, Rossland
If you plan and assess projects, facilitate meetings and write reports – the skills from this workshop are applicable immediately. You do not need to be an artist and everyone can learn the basics to help enhance your meetings, engagement, and sense making

Columbia Basin Symposia – Save the Date!
October 2-4, Trail • October 23-25, Golden
Every three years, Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) offers this free opportunity for the people of the Basin to get together, connect with each other and the Trust, work toward solutions to common issues and celebrate collective accomplishments and CBT’s 25th anniversary. In 2020 CBT will be offering two symposia in two locations. That way, more people can take part. The agendas will be identical, so save the date to attend only one. Anyone who lives in Columbia Basin Trust region is welcome to attend one of the symposia. And if you won’t be able to come in person, plan to participate online. More details to come. Registration opens Spring 2020. Be one of the first to register and learn about speakers and agenda highlights by subscribing to receive email updates about the Symposia.

KCP Fall Gathering & AGM – Save the Date!
October 16-17, TBA (West Kootenay)
The KCP Fall Gathering & AGM serves as one of the primary vehicles to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region. The Fall Gathering is a wonderful opportunity to learn about conservation projects in the Kootenays, share knowledge and information, and network with other organizations in the Kootenays. All KCP Partners and members of the public are invited to this free event.
MEC Community Grants
Deadline: March 25
MEC’s Community Grants program supports organizations that can demonstrate their commitment to at least one, and preferably both, of the following areas: 1. Identify and reduce barriers to outdoor activity and increase the community of active outdoor enthusiasts. 2. Teach responsible outdoor recreation practices and environmental stewardship. Preference will be given to programs that can deliver on both criteria described. Capacity building may also be considered as part of applications related to the two focus areas.

BC Hydro Grants for Community Groups
Deadline: March 31
For the 2020 grant cycle, BC Hydro is offering two types of grants to support non-profit organizations and registered charities that are making a difference in their communities. The next annual intake for applications opens February 3, 2020 and will run until March 31, 2020.

TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant
Deadline: July 15
The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) is a national charity that funds environmental projects across Canada. The Foundation supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary focus on environmental education and green space programs. Eligible projects include schoolyard greening, park revitalization, community gardens, park programming and citizen science initiatives. 

Vancouver Foundation Systems Change Grants - Develop Grants
Deadline: Ongoing
Systems Change Grants support projects that take action to address the root causes of pressing social, environmental or cultural issues by influencing the behaviours of populations, organizations, and institutions. Short-term grants (Develop grants) are a one-time application that can be submitted any time throughout the year; decisions are made the following month. 

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.
Kootenay Columbia Discovery Centre Society
Wetland Naturalist
Do you have a love of nature and science? Are you passionate about inspiring people about 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. The Wetland Naturalist position is seasonal from May 5 to September 5, 2020 (35-hour work week/schedules overlap weekends). Candidate must be available from May 5 through 9 for training. Closing date is March 2, 2002.

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 below. The base of operation will be out of Revelstoke, but there will be extensive travel throughout the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Regular team meetings will occur weekly in Revelstoke, BC. Work hours will be full-time throughout the length of the term, but hours may fluctuate daily with weather and project demands. Deadline to apply is March 4.

Lake Windermere Ambassadors
Water Stewardship Assistant
The Lake Windermere Ambassadors are seeking a full-time Water Stewardship Assistant from May to August. The successful candidate will be an outgoing, adventurous youth (16 to 30) who is passionate about the environment and is looking forward to a summer spent working outdoors. Their main roles are to provide support to our water quality and quantity monitoring program and offer public stewardship education about Lake Windermere and the Columbia River Basin. Deadline to apply by is March 31.

Lake Windermere Ambassadors
Board Member
The Lake Windermere Ambassadors’ Annual General Meeting is coming up on March 12, and the Ambassadors are inviting anyone interested in joining the Board of Directors to attend. Diverse interests are welcome such as: tourism, water stewardship, ecological conservation and restoration, First Nations, youth, and more.
Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute
Region-wide check-up now available
The Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute at Selkirk College has released the 2019 State of the Basin Snapshot Report. This region-wide check-up investigates economic, social, environmental and cultural indicators for the Columbia-Basin Boundary.

Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
Columbia Headwaters report: the need to balance economy and environment
A new Y2Y-commissioned report for the Columbia River headwaters — Exploring Emerging Economic Opportunities in the Columbia River Headwaters Region of British Columbia — aims to spark discussion on how to balance the economy and environment. The study area is from Invermere and Kaslo northwards through Revelstoke to Kinbasket Lake and researchers in the study interviewed more than 30 community leaders in the region.

RoadwatchBC (Wildsight • Y2Y • Miistakis Institute)
2019 amendment to Highway 3 transportation and wildlife report
Since the Highway 3: Transportation Mitigation for Wildlife and Connectivity report was released by Clevenger et al. in 2010, progress has been made on the ground in British Columbia to advance science on wildlife movement, establish relationships with implementing agencies and grow public support for investment in wildlife transportation mitigation measures. In light of these changes and progress, the amendment for the BC portion of Highway 3 was undertaken.

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

Kootenay 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.