Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews

Registration is now open for the KCP Fall Gathering & AGM!  This annual two-day event is taking place on September 29 and 30 in Cranbrook at the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort.  The KCP Fall Gathering & AGM serves as one of the primary opportunities to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region. The organizing theme for this year's Fall Gathering is "Grasslands to Wetlands: Connecting Diversity". We will explore rare habitats and species of the Kootenays and how to work together to steward them. 

Day 1 will feature a hosted lunch, interesting presentations on working together for conservation connectivity and a short AGM. The afternoon is followed by an evening banquet and film premiere of On the Shoulders of Giants. Book now to receive a discounted room rate specially reserved for the KCP Fall Gathering ($119.95 down from $189.95). Day 2 will feature a 6-hour field tour ("Amazing Corridors in the Kootenays"), offering the opportunity to network with partners, see a wetland construction site on the ground, and visit a stunning working ranch for conservation. 
 
Special guests will include Tom Biebighauser to discuss wetland construction and restoration, Deb MacKillop to introduce the new grassland and open forest identification guides, and DG Blair from the Stewardship Centre for BC to share Species at Risk resources. The field tour includes visits to Pine Butte Ranch and Cherry Bummers Conservation Complex. Space is limited so register soon for this free event. For more information, contact KCP Program Manager Juliet Craig at at 250-352-2260 or juliet@kootenayconservation.ca. 
P lease feel free submit any photos, news or events you'd like us to share by the third week of each month to communications@kootenayconservation.ca .  As always, a big thanks goes out to our supporters! 
 
Please click here throughout the month to check in on current news and events. You can click here for our KCP Partner list and click here to read more about some of the great organizations that support conservation in the Kootenays. 
 


KCP Conservation Leadership Award 
Nomination Deadline: September 8, 2017 
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their conservation work in the Kootenays? KCP's annual Conservation Leadership Award recognizes individuals who are proven leaders and contribute to the field of conservation in the Kootenays. Nominees must be affiliated with a KCP partner organization ( click here for partner list) and they must show a demonstrated commitment towards KCP's vision of "landscapes in the Kootenays that sustain naturally functioning ecosystems that can in turn support economic and social well-being."
To nominate someone, please send their name, KCP partner organization affiliation, and a brief summary (100 words max.) of why they are a suitable candidate to manager@kootenayconservation.ca by September 8, 2017 .
KCP Fall Gathering: From Grasslands to Wetlands - Connecting Biodiversity
September 29 - 30, East Kootenay
Join us in Cranbrook for the KCP Fall Gathering & AGM, which serves as one of the primary vehicles to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region. Friday includes opportunities to network, current topics in conservation in the Kootenays, and a banquet dinner. Saturday is a field tour to visit nearby conservation sites. The organizing theme for this year's Fall Gathering is "From Grasslands to Wetlands - Connecting Biodiversity". Online registration is now open!


Faces & Places Monthly Feature
Kat Hartwig 
Whether it's offering federally approved stream monitoring training, facilitating dialogue around open source data storage, pulling together international best practices for application in the Columbia Basin or piloting innovative water governance programs, Living Lakes Canada is at the cutting edge of water issues. Executive director Kat Hartwig along with the rest of the LLC team are having a significant effect on watershed stewardship and water literacy in the Kootenays and beyond, and their work recently received national attention.
To learn more about Kat Hartwig and Living Lakes Canada, click here. 
 

 
Local Conservation Fund Feature Project
Countdown to IBA status for Columbia Wetlands
Wildsight Golden's 2017 Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey (CWWS) is the third of a five-year coordinated bird count, where the major goal is to collect baseline data that will be used to apply for an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) status for the Columbia Wetlands.
 


Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
Seeking Technical Advisory Committee for South Okanagan Conservation Fund 
The Regional District of Okanagan- Similkameen (RDOS) is seeking qualified individuals to volunteer as a member for the newly established South Okanagan Conservation Fund Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). Committee members will be appointed by the RDOS Board of Directors, based on qualifications, expertise and experience.
Kootenay Lake Partnership
Open House Series - August 2, 8 & 15
The Kootenay Lake Partnership is hosting a series of public open houses in August. The open houses will be an opportunity for the public to learn about the Kootenay Lake Shoreline Guidance Document, which is the result of a comprehensive Sensitive Habitat Inventory Mapping Project that involved an inventory and assessment of ecological, archaeological and Ktunaxa cultural values along the shoreline of Kootenay Lake. The three open houses will take place in Boswell, Nelson and Kaslo.
Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society  
Summer Photo Contest
Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society is hosting a Summer Photo Contest that will run until August 15 with prize prize packages courtesy of Ainsworth Hotsprings, Nelson Paddleboard and Kayak Rental, Yasodhara Ashram, Ambler Apparel, the Nelson and District Community Complex, and the Prestige Lakeside Resort. 
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBEEN)
CBEEN Welcomes New Program Manager
In July, CBEEN welcomed its new Wild Voices Program Manager, Rebecca Bergshoeff. Rebecca moved to the Columbia Basin from Newfoundland, where she worked as the program manager for a youth program, and as an outdoor recreation instructor. Previously, Rebecca spent time in B.C. completing her Masters in Visual Arts and mountain guiding.
Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program
Report Sightings of Herons in Columbia Region
Heron breeding activity has continued to decline in the southern portion of the Columbia Basin, based on 2016 monitoring results. The Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program is asking the public to report any heron nest sites, active breeding colonies, or large groups of herons feeding in areas throughout the Columbia River Basin, especially from McBride to Valemount, and south to Revelstoke and Golden. The project is sponsored by the West Kootenay Naturalists' Association, and is funded by Columbia Basin Trust and the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP).
   
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The KCP encourages partners to take advantage of our eNews - send your content to  communications@kootenayconservation.ca.   


Wild Days!
August 5, 12 & 19, Slocan
The Slocan Lake Stewardship Society is offering three family-oriented nature programs in August to explore different habitats within the Slocan Lake watershed. View the Wild Days! poster here. Each day will have local naturalists and scientists on tap to make the day interesting.
Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) Field Practicum
September 13 - 14, Nelson
The Canadian Rivers Institute is partnering with Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver a 2-day field course where participants are certified in the CABIN protocol to biomonitor the water quality of streams. CABIN is an aquatic biological monitoring program led and funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada for assessing the health of freshwater ecosystems across the country.
Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) Conference
September 20 - 23, Nelson
Every year experts, policy makers, and practitioners come together for a conference dedicated to rural places hosted by the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF), a charity dedicated to supporting the sustainability of rural Canada through collaboration with rural community groups, the private sector, all levels of government, and researchers. Selkirk College is proud to partner with CRRF to host the 2017 conference to be held in Nelson from September 20-23, 2017.

Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent
September 25 - 27, Choteau, Montana
The Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent is an ongoing forum to bring together people who care about this special place. 
Through workshops, forums, policy dialogues, and conferences, the Roundtable provides an opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and explore opportunities to work together - to sustain the natural and cultural heritage of this remarkable landscape. This year's conference will focus on having the conversations that matter - conversations that advance  common interests and make progress on complex issues. 

Wetlands Institute
September 23 - 29, East Kootenay
The BC Wildlife Federation's Wetlands Institute is an intensive 7-day hands-on workshop that educates participants about wetland stewardship, restoration and construction skills. Participants come to the Wetlands Institute with a wetland project they wish to implement in their home communities whether if be restoration, protection, enhancement, or education-related. During the workshop, participants receive support from knowledgeable experts from around the province and obtain hands-on training in order to successfully implement their wetland projects upon returning home. This year's location is TBA but projects will take place between Canal Flats and Fairmont Hot Springs.
KCP Fall Gathering: From Grasslands to Wetlands - Connecting Biodiversity
September 29 - 30, East Kootenay
The KCP 2016 Fall Gathering & AGM serves as one of the primary vehicles to connect and re-connect KCP partners from across the region.  The organizing theme for this year's Fall Gathering is From Grasslands to Wetlands: Connecting Biodiversity.

Inquiring Voices Sustainability Symposium
September 29 - October 1, Blue Lake Centre
This annual CBEEN event brings together environmental educators who live in the same bioregion to form a rich learning community meet to share, inquire, support, and collaborate with one another. These retreats are a great opportunity to network, share resources and stories, inspire one another and have fun through dialogue and activity.

Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Fall Survey
September 29, October 5 & October 15 
The CWWS is a coordinated bird count that uses citizen-scientists to gather baseline data.  Beyond data collection, this community-based project aims to enhance and maintain the biodiversity and habitat of the Wetlands through increased awareness. Free training sessions (including field training sessions) will occur in September, in both Golden and Invermere, and are available to all CWWS participants.
To volunteer, please email racheldarvill@gmail.com or call 250-344-5530.

Columbia Basin Symposium
October 13 - 15, Kimberley
Symposium discussions will focus on on three global trends that are having a long-term impact in the Basin - demographics, technology and climate change. Conference participants will hear from experts and be involved in discussions about the how the region can adapt to these trends and leverage opportunities from them. 
Click here for more information.

Fall Celebration of Environmental Education
November 3, Kimberley 
Join the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN), ed ucators and community leaders in celebrating local environmental education (EE) programs, and showcasing the value of environmental education in our communities. This event will include an EE Expo, live EE vignettes, and the presentation of our Awards of Environmental Education Excellence.

Interpretive Guide Training Workshop 
November 3 - 4, Kimberley  
CBEEN is hosting this certification course as part of its Fall Gathering. This course is suitable for all guides, interpreters and teachers wishing to gain a greater understanding of our local environment, and tools to engage and manage groups outdoors. Participants will learn the natural and cultural history of the local region, interpretive tools and techniques. 
Click here for more information and to register.

Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society's 2017 5th Annual Kootenay Lake Summit
November 4, Creston
This annual event is a full day free event being held at the Wynndel Community Hall for community members around Kootenay Lake. The morning will include presentations, a free lunch will be provided to all attendees, and the afternoon will include workshops. After the Summit, the Friends of Kootenay Lake will hold their AGM.
 
Real Estate Foundation British Columbia (REFBC) General Grant 
Deadline: September 6, 2017
REFBC General Grants are focused on the first four of REFBC's interest areas (sustainable land use, built environment sustainability, freshwater sustainability, and local and sustainable food systems). The Foundation has two intakes per year. Applications are open to any non-profit organization doing work related to land use and/or real estate in B.C.
Kootenay Co-op Community Grants Program
Deadline: Ongoing
The Community Grants Program offers up to $500 for a specific community project or initiative that encourages local awareness and involvement in environmental, agricultural, social and community-building initiatives, from a local to a global level. Community Grants are awarded on an ongoing basis and as funds for this program are available.
Nature Conservancy of Canada Round 3 of Other Qualified Organizations (OQO) Program
Deadline: Ongoing 
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is pleased to announce Round 3 of the Other Qualified Organizations (OQO) Program. Funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada and administered by NCC, the program will provide up to $5 million in support of conservation in communities across Canada. Land acquisitions closing between April 1, 2017 and January 31, 2018 will be considered under Round 3 of the OQO Program, and applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. EST on November 1.

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

Columbia Basin Trust Small Grants Program
Deadline: Ongoing
If you have an idea that will address community priorities and encourage community development activities, including those that relate to the environment, you can apply for up to $5,000 through this program.

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


Nature Conservancy of Canada
Program Director - Canadian Rocky Mountains
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) seeks a Program Director, Canadian Rocky Mountains Eco-Region, British Columbia. Reporting to the Senior Director of Conservation, the Program Director is responsible for managing relationships, land securement projects, and the delivery of stewardship priorities within the expansive Eco-Region. This position is based in Invermere. The application deadline is before 5pm MST on Tuesday, September 5, 2017.
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBEEN)
Call for Program Submissions - Wild Voices for Kids
Are you an outdoor or environmental educator interested in sharing your knowledge with the biologists, environmental advocates, geologists and foresters of the future? Consider developing and submitting a presentation or field study for the students in your community with Wild Voices for Kids this summer. CBEEN is taking submissions for new programs, in preparation for the coming school year. Program drafts will be received through CBEEN's online booking system through Wild Voices for Kids until Friday, August 4th,
Wildsight Invermere and Golden
Environmental Educators
Wildsight is now looking for environmental educators to deliver programs in Invermere and Golden in the coming school year. There will be 5 programs offered in both Invermere and Golden, customized for youth from kindergarten to grade 10 - inter Wonder, Classroom with Outdoors, Beyond Recycling and Know Your Watershed. These are contract positions.
Click here for the full job posting.
 
NatureKids BC
Volunteer Nature Mentors (Nelson)
NatureKids BC is currently seeking volunteer nature mentors in the Nelson area. As a nature mentor you will share your expertise, skills and knowledge about the natural world with our youth and family members on Explorer Day field trips. Nature mentors will lead 1- 2 outdoor, hands-on field trips per year for young naturalists aged 5-12 and their families.
Contact Jenni Stol at nelson@naturekidsbc.ca for more information. Click here to learn more about NatureKids BC. 
 
Regional District of Central Kootenay
Request for Proposal - Kootenay Lake Conservation Guidance Document
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Electoral Areas A, D and E established the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund (KLLCF) in 2015. Since then, the Fund has provided financial support to local conservation projects within the participating areas that contribute to the conservation values of natural areas for the purpose of restoring and preserving a healthy environment. The RDCK is requesting the development of a Guidance Document that identifies priorities for conservation in the Kootenay Lake area.  The Guidance Document will inform the Terms of Reference for the KLLCF so that projects can be strategically aligned with these priorities. The closing date has been changed from July 21, 2017 to 2 p.m. on September 22, 2017. Click here for more information.
Okanagan Nation Alliance 
Fisheries Biologist 2 (time limited - maternity leave backfill)
The Okanagan Nation Alliance is seeking to employ a skilled and experienced individual to coordinate and implement fisheries projects, supervise and train field crews, monitor data and assess fish and aquatic issues in the Columbia Basin. 40 hours per week. This opportunity will remain open until it's filled.
   
Okanagan Nation Alliance 
Wildlife Biologist 3 
The Wildlife Biologist 3 will undertake duties associated with Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) initiatives with a specific focus on wildlife,   hunting and natural resources. The job incumbent will be responsible for the active participation and coordination of a variety of wildlife and natural resource projects and programming within ONA territory, specifically within the upper Columbia and Kootenay regions. Full time 40 hours per week, with flexible work hours (i.e. some evenings and weekends). This opportunity will remain open until it's filled.
  
Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Center Society 
Volunteer Board Members
The Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Center Society has vacancies on its Board of Directors from time to time who serve until elections take place at the Annual General Meeting. Qualifications include sharing the Society's Vision and helping achieve its Mission, which includes the construction of a new Discovery Center located in the Creston Valley, home to 17,000 acres of internationally recognized wetlands
 
East Kootenay Invasive Species Council
Pesticide Applicator Job Opportunities
The East Kootenay Invasive Species Council (EKISC) aims to increase the number of experienced, licensed Pesticide Applicators in the region. If you are currently licensed and would like more information about contract opportunities, please contact Katie Reid, EKISC's Field Operations Manager, at katie@ekisc.com  for more details. If you are interested in learning more about becoming an invasive plant management practitioner, join us for our annual spring weed management workshops.
For information about the provincial Pesticide Applicator's Certificate, click here for the Ministry of Environment website. 
 

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. 
Click here for more information.
 
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
Webinar Series - Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor (CPMC)
The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) hosted its first CPMC webinar on June 12. In the first In the first of the series, Dr. Michael Proctor of Birchdale Ecological presented an informative update on his grizzly bear research in British Columbia.
In case you missed it, here is a recording of the webinar.
Columbia Basin Trust
Non-Profit Essentials Webinar Series 
The Trust has partnered with Vantage Point, experts in learning opportunities for volunteers and non-profits, to develop and deliver the webinar series that explores important topics non-profit societies face today. Combining online videos with slide notes and workbooks, the series offers tools to expand the knowledge and build capacity in non-profit organizations across the Basin.
South Coast Conservation Program 
Species at Risk Series - 3rd Webinar  
In case you missed it, the recording of the third South Coast Conservation Program (SCCP) webinar in the "Species at Risk" series is now available in two parts on the SCCP YouTube channel.

 

If you have news or announcements that you would like to share via our eNews, please email them to communications@kootenayconservation.ca by the 26th of each month.