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Greetings!,
In our last newsletter we introduced you to David Reid who is leading us into 2025 as our new chairman as part of our series on meeting the new Friends of Kootenay Lake Board Members. Today we are introducing Melanie Mobbs who, since joining us, has been very active and successful in securing grant support for our future Kootenay Lake Stewardship and Education Program.
Our seasonal program of activities kicks off this month. There's news about that below - plus updates on fundraising and on opportunities for you to participate, volunteer and donate.
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Our new Treasurer - Melanie Mobbs
Melanie started out volunteering with FoKLSS over a year ago, and stepped up to be on the board this fall.
Melanie.loves swimming in the lake in the early morning on a beautiful summer day and, in the quiet of the morning, watching the life on the lake, then jumping into the water, realizing how interconnected we all are.
"As part of my journey towards truth and reconciliation with Indigenous people, I realized that I need to be in better relation with all things, especially our beautiful lake which I love. Settlers have had a tremendous negative impact on our lake, and we need to take action to ensure the health of Kootenay Lake for future generations. I really want to make sure my future grandchildren have access to clean water and abundant biodiversity in our area.
FoKLSS has done some great work on wetlands restoration, shoreline clean ups, and increasing people's awareness of the health of our lake. The lake is our constant companion. How we treat water affects us deeply. I hope, as we learn more about how interconnected we all are, more people will start to think in a longer term way. We can't change the past, but we can each try to take a few small steps each day in a more positive direction for our descendants."
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Beach Clean ups
Several clean ups are planned in the coming months including an event along Cottonwood Creek in support of the Cottonwood Creek Revival Project, a partnership between Living Lakes Canada, the Nelson Rod & Gun Club and FoKLSS.
Watch our Facebook page for details!
The first 2025 clean up is planned for April 26 at Nelson Dog Walk.(below)
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Harrop Wetland
Due to lingering snow, the start of the Harrop Wetland Project has been pushed to late March but we are looking forward to hands-on opportunities to support this restoration in 2025, starting with a cardboard processing 'bee' this month.(below.)
As reported in our last newsletter, a most pressing issue at the wetland is the spread of the invasive Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea). A sustainable way of addressing this is to block sunlight by covering the affected ground with layers of cardboard to prevent the grass from growing. A cardboard prepping event is planned to remove tape, staples, glue, and other materials from donated boxes, making them ready for use once the weather improves.
The processed cardboard will then be used alongside a benthic membrane (temporarily donated by CKISS) to suppress invasive Reed Canary Grass. Weather permitting, this next step - a field day to lay the cardboard and remove grass from areas around the water’s edge where cardboard can’t be used - will take place on Friday, April 4th.
Stay tuned for updates on our Facebook page!
| | | March and April activities confirmed so far | | |
Harrop Wetland
Cardboard Processing
Harrop Hall Outdoor Pavilion
Friday, March 28 12-2 pm
Our first volunteer event of 2025!
Join us on March 28th from 12 to 2 pm at Harrop Hall Outdoor Pavilion to prepare cardboard barriers to help control Reed Canary Grass, an invasive species threatening the Harrop Wetland biodiversity.
We'll be removing tape, glue, staples, and flattening the cardboard to be used in future restoration efforts. It’s an easy but impactful way to contribute!
Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
Bring your enthusiasm and extra cardboard boxes without holes if you have them.
Everyone is welcome—let’s work together for a healthier Kootenay Lake!
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Nelson Earth Week
Beach Clean up
Nelson Dog Walk
Saturday, April 26, 12-2pm
Please join us for a fun and rewarding time on April 26th from 12 to 2 PM at the Nelson Dog Walk as a part of Nelson Earth Week.
Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Although we cleaned this area last year, we expect a buildup of litter over the winter months.
Check in at our booth on the Cottonwood Creek bridge near the recycling centre (at the far entrance to the Lakeside Dog Walk).
| | | Your Donations and Volunteering | | |
Spearhead fundraising events in collaboration with volunteers and possibly paid staff.
Or, as a table event leader, host events'
tables and/or workshops at community events.
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Coordinate volunteer recruitment and appreciation.
Or, as a thank you letter volunteer, write physical thank you notes to funders, donors and volunteers.
| | Coordinate membership drives and campaigns and membership appreciation. | | |
Pause in the Columbia River Treaty negotiations
You may be aware of the BC news release about the pause in negotiations on an amended Columbia River Treaty and the decision of the U.S. administration to conduct a broad review of its international engagement.
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 6-7 pm Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, and Minister responsible for the Columbia River Treaty, will host a virtual information session about the status of the Columbia River Treaty modernization process and answer questions in light of new developments from the U.S. He will be joined by Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central, and Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay Monashee.
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