March 2015 eNews

 

We are pleased to announce that the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has awarded funding for 2015 projects through the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund. Click here to read more about the 2015 funded projects.

 

We are also pleased to announce that the KCP has been named a recipient of the BC Hydro FirstWave program! This program helps endangered species and contributes to a healthy and sustainable future for B.C. Click here for more information.

 

The KCP's final Winter Webinar is this Thursday at 10am Pacific / 11am Mountain. This webinar will show how land use activities and climate are affecting the availability of water, flooding problems, summer droughts and its effect on environmental services. It is presented by Hans Schreier who is a professor in the Faculty of Land & Food Systems at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on watershed management, land-water interactions, soil and water pollution, stormwater management and virtual water issues. Click here for more information and to register.

 

This is the final call for KCP's 2014-2015 Professional Development Bursary Program. Professional development activities must be completed by March 31 so if you require assistance please get your applications in asap. Click here read more about the program and to apply.

 

We hope you enjoy your monthly conservation update! You can click here at anytime during the month to check out current news and events on our blog.

 

As always, please submit any news you'd like to share with our network by the 26th of each month to info@kootenayconservation.ca.

Gregoire Lamoureux

Slocan River Streamkeepers Society

Gregoire grew up on a farm in southern Quebec and after a few years of travelling across Canada, he moved to the Slocan Valley in 1989. In 1991, he created the Kootenay Permaculture Institute to follow his passion for permaculture and ecological agriculture. He has been teaching permaculture across Canada for over 20 years and locally the Permaculture Design Course is offered in partnership with Selkirk College. He bought a small farm in 1992 and started implementing a permaculture design that includes a forest garden which is a multi-layered agroforestry system integrating a diversity of fruit trees, nut trees, berry bushes, perennial vegetables and medicinal herbs. The farm has nearly 5 acres of wetlands that are in the process of being restored and protected. He's a founding member of Kootenay Organic Growers Society that was started in 1998 to support and certify organic farmers in the Kootenays.


Gregoire has also been working in riparian restoration for nearly 20 years. He's a co-founder of the Slocan River Streamkeepers Society which started in 2003 with the goals of improving public knowledge on aquatic ecosystems, to improve stewardship of aquatic and riparian ecosystems, and to identify potential ecologically sound, effective restoration projects. Gregoire is now the organization's coordinator for the Riparian Restoration Program, and is on the Executive Committee for the Slocan Wetland Assessment and Monitoring Project (SWAMP). 

 

Click here for Gregoire's full Faces & Places feature.


Online Survey Results

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation

In early December, HCTF invited everyone who submitted a 2015-16 Enhancement & Restoration proposal to complete a survey about their experiences using the HCTF Online application system. The survey closed on January 31st, with a response rate of 50%. HCTF staff have already begun analyzing the feedback provided, and you can read about some of their preliminary findings their our blog. 

Click here for more information. 

 

Book Launch: The Legacy of Ian McTaggart Cowan

UBC Beaty Museum of Biodiveristy

Pioneering biologist, educator and conservationist Ian McTaggart-Cowan (1910-2010) was responsible for inspiring countless British Columbians to learn more about the incredible environment in which we live. His passion for wildlife began when he was a boy observing wildlife in the woods around his North Vancouver home, and culminated in a lifetime of impressive achievements in biology and conservation. He was a Professor of Zoology at the University of British Columbia, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and an Assistant Museum Curator of Biology at the Royal BC Museum.

Click here for more information.

 

Dwindling kokanee numbers cause alarm

Eastshore Freshwater Habitat Society

Mike Jeffrey, chair of the Eastshore Freshwater Habitat Society, which has 200 members, said they are willing to pitch in. "We would enhance the creeks for spawning, improve the shores, mostly manual work," he said. "Some of it even gets to the point you'd study water quality and make sure any creeks that would be supportive of these salmon are in fact looked at to enhance their ability to live there." They'd also like to see fry introduced to streams and creeks in the spring. "If Kootenay Lake wasn't here, we wouldn't be either," Jeffrey said. "We've all got a common bond on the lake here, and a lot of people want to know what's happening. Hopefully we can get that information."
Click here for more information. 

SCRAPA Spring Update
Springer Creek Restoration and Preservation Alliance
With the generous assistance of the Mapping Support Program of the Columbia Basin Watershed Network, and in collaboration with the Selkirk College Geospatial Research Center, Springer Creek Restoration and Preservation Alliance (SCRAPA) has recently mapped approximately 30 km of recreation trails in the lower Springer Creek watershed. These trails, easily accessed from Highway 6 and the Village of Slocan, vary from easy walking to extremely challenging hiking, and some require particular caution.
Click here for more information. 

Highlights from INVASIVES 2015: ISCBC's 10th Anniversary Forum & AGM
Invasive Species Council of BC
INVASIVES 2015 was a celebration of 10 years of action and hard work tackling invasive species in British Columbia. While there is a still work to be done, the Invasive Species Council of BC's 10th Anniversary Forum & AGM provided an opportunity for land managers, policy makers and conservationists to look back and see the changes over the last decade. Representatives from around the province and speakers from around the world were hosted in Richmond, BC on January 20th and 21st.
Click here for more information.

WILD Pedagogies
Canadian Wildlife Federation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation's WILD Pedagogies program is a new conservation initiative offering adventure learning journeys for educators and their families.
This year the program will include sea kayaking on Lake Superior, backpacking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park and horse assisted hiking in the Tonquin Valley in Jasper National Park. Conservation science including CWF work with endangered species such as caribou will be highlighted.
Click here for more information.

Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA) Wetland Naturalist

Deadline: March 6

As a Wetland Naturalist with the CVWMA, you will be a member of a team dedicated to providing quality environmental education programs and front country excursions. You will interpret natural history; explain the purpose and management techniques of the CVWMA; conduct canoe, gallery, walking and bird watching tours; facilitate and lead school and youth programs, develop and deliver interpretive programming; assist volunteers; prepare daily wildlife sighting reports; assist in gift shop; and perform key holder and maintenance duties. 

Click here for more information. 

 

Invasive Species Council of BC Program Manager

Deadline: March 13

The ISCBC is seeking 1-2 Program Managers that will successfully manage a variety of programs related to education and outreach, changing behavior, and training.  As Program Manager, you will oversee the coordination and administration of all aspects of an ongoing program including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and monitoring program activities.

Click here for more information.

 

Invasive Species Council of BC Program Coordinator 

Deadline: March 13

The ISCBC is seeking 1-2 Program Coordinators that will assist with a variety of programs related to education and outreach, changing behavior, and training.  The Program Coordinator will hold responsibility for the day to day running of a given program. This includes overseeing all aspects of program implementation and delivery.

Click here for more information.

 

Wildsight Kimberley/Cranbrook Food Sustainability Coordinator

Deadline: March 18

Wildsight Kimberley/Cranbrook is an environmental not-for-profit organization focused on promoting environmentally sustainable communities in our region. The Food Sustainability Coordinator accomplishes strategic objectives currently defined in the Food Sustainability program by overseeing multiple project activities.

Click here for more information. 

 

Blue Lake Centre Natural Resources Education Coordinator

Deadline: April 2

The Natural Resources Education Coordinator will be responsible for assisting in the development, facilitation, and evaluation of Wildlife winter range and Invasive Species awareness program. The candidate will be responsible for creating experiential lessons on wildlife identification, winter range identification, site treatments, invasive species identification, removal and awareness. 

Click here for more information. 

 

Blue Lake Centre Aquatic Environmental Science Educator

Deadline: April 2

The Aquatic Environmental Sciences Educator will be responsible for assisting in the development, facilitation, and evaluation of our new water testing, riparian area monitoring and interpretation program. The candidate will be responsible for creating experiential lessons on water testing, flora and fauna identification, water flow rates, lake mapping and watershed connectedness. 

Click here for more information. 

KCP Professional Development Bursary Program

Deadline: Ongoing intake until March 31

The Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) Professional Development Bursary Program provides financial assistance to our partner organizations to allow their staff and volunteers to attend professional development activities. It is funded by the generous support of the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) and delivered by the KCP.

Click here for more information.


Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) Professional Development Bursary Program

Deadline: Ongoing intake until September 30

CBEEN members are eligible to apply for bursaries to support their professional development as environmental educators.

Click here for more information. 


Columbia Basin Trust Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program

Deadline: Ongoing

Over $200,000 still available for projects in 2015 - 2016. Ranchers and individuals with Crown range tenures, environmental groups and non-profit societies are encouraged to apply for funding to improve and enhance grasslands and rangelands. Ranchers, for example, can use the support to build fences, install cattle guards and do other improvements on Crown land--activities that permit better livestock management practices and therefore result in better stewardship of rangelands.

Click here for more information. 

 

Mountain Equipment Coop

Deadline: March 10

Funding for the following categories: Land Acquisition, Capacity Building, Advocacy and Awareness, and Access and Activity.

Click here for more information. 

 

Great Northern Landscape Conservation Cooperative

Deadline: March 13
The Great Northern LCC is pleased to announce the FY15 strategic science funding opportunity. Proposals targeting the priorities and specific criteria described in the Funding Guidance will be accepted. There will be two conference calls for questions about the Funding Guidance.

Click here for more information.  

 

HCTF Public Conservation Assistance Fund

Deadline: May 15

The Public Conservation Assistance Fund provides small grants to organizations and individuals who have a conservation project in mind but need financial help to make it happen.  Each year since 1974, the Province of BC and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation provide approximately $150,000 in PCAF grants to help implement on-the-ground conservation work, with a particular focus on hands-on, community based and public awareness initiatives. More than 1000 such projects have been carried out under the program so far.

Click here for more information. 

Webinar: Restoration Guidelines for Creating Resilient Whitebark Pine Ecosystems Using Spatial Simulation Modeling
March 4, Online
To address declining whitebark pine ecosystems, a 2012 report A Range-Wide Restoration Strategy for Whitebark Pine Forests presents a strategy for restoring these ecosystems across their entire range. However, this report did not address changing climates in the implementation of a range-wide strategy. The Great Northern LCC has funded a two-year study to review the literature and use simulation modeling to evaluate the range-wide strategy's effectiveness under changing climates, and then develop a restoration guide that details methods, approaches, technologies, and activities that will increase the effectiveness of restoration actions in the face of climate change. This guide can be used with the range-wide strategy to develop restoration plans and activities at multiple scales of management across multiple agencies and jurisdictions. 
Click here for more information.

Webinar: Emerging Issues in Mountain Watershed Management
March 5, Online
Mountain watersheds are very sensitive to changes in land use and increased climatic variability and recent extreme events show that we are experiencing significant changes in streamflow regimes, sediment transport and water quality. The session will show how land use activities and climate are affecting the availability of water, flooding problems, summer droughts and its effect on environmental services. Examples will be provided to show how Increased climatic variability combined with changes in forest cover, recreational activities, and agriculture are impacting watersheds and how innovative land use management practices can minimizing some of these impacts. It will also show what role community groups can play to protect streams and reduce the different risks.
Click here for more information.

Meadow Creek Wetland Restoration Project Open House
March 7, Meadow Creek
The Meadow Creek Wetland Restoration project is unique as it improves habitat for amphibians, birds, ungulates, and for sow grizzlies and cubs in need of early spring forage. As an optional activities you can plant a tree, tour the site, spread some seeds even help install a nesting box. Join us at the Halleran property to learn about wetland values and how you as a private landowner can make a difference for our ever-threatened wetland habitats. To show our appreciation snacks and refreshments will be provided. If you wish to volunteer, please bring work gloves, a shovel and your wetland (mud) boots.
For more info contact Claire de la Salle: T: (250)777-2955 * E: delasalle.claire@gmail.com

2015 Crown Managers Partnership Forum
March 17 - 19, Lethbridge
The 2015 Crown Managers Partnership Forum's theme is Climate, People and Terrestrial Invasive Species: Taking Collective Action in the Crown of the Continent.
Click here for more information.

The Fish Between the Falls Film Screening
March 19, Nelson
On March 19th, help celebrate World Water Week by joining the West Kootenay EcoSociety and Friends of Kootenay Lake to watch the film, The Fish Between the Falls.
One of the biggest river restoration projects ever attempted is happening right in our own backyard! The Fish Between The Falls is telling its story to the world. Experts across the US and in Canada are part of the Kootenai River White Sturgeon Recovery Team, and telling their story took film maker George Sibley literally from coast to coast. We are happy to announce George Sibley will be joining us for the screening.
Click here for more information.

Webinar: Invasive Species Learning Options
March 24, Online
This webinar will review a variety of educational strategies and fieldwork planning tools that support young people tackling invasive species locally. It will also highlight some activities that engage students in identifying, surveying and mapping native and invasive species, investigating the impacts of invasive species on local ecosystems, economy, and cultures, and developing effective action projects.
Click here for more information. 

Statistics Refresher for Biologists: in "R" software
April 14 - 16, Revelstoke
Many scientific studies are full of statistical jargon, tables of averages and other statistics, and results of statistical tests which purport to prove a certain hypothesis. The purpose of this course is to review some of the basic sampling and experiment designs used by ecologists and to understand exactly what can and cannot be extracted from a set of data. With the advent of modern statistical packages, the analysis of data is fairly easy, but it is far too easy to get nonsense results. This course will also review common pitfalls in the analysis of data.
Click here for more information.

The Trickle Down Effect: Interpreting Our Watersheds
April 17 - 19, Delta
Interpretation Canada's Annual Conference
Click here for more information. 

Environmental Education Leadership Clinic
April 25 - 28, Kootenay National Park
Building on the success of the 2014 National Environmental Education Leadership Clinic, the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) will host a Leadership Clinic this April in the spectacular setting of Kootenay National Park. Eight teams made up of thirty-two educators from across the Kootenays have now been selected and will have the opportunity to turn their great ideas into action.  
Click here for more information.

Regulated Rivers: Environment, Ecology and Management
May 6 - 7, Castlegar
Registration is now open! Through a keynote address, 2 days of presentations, a poster session and dialogue opportunities, this conference will provide a cutting-edge opportunity for scientists, managers, students, and others to share results of recent research on regulated river environments, processes, and operations in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere. 
Click here for more information.

Wings Over the Rockies Bird Festival
May 4 - 10, Columbia Valley
The theme for the 19th annual Wings Over the Rockies Festival is "Fossils and Feathers", inspired by the recent exceptional find of a fossil bed of significant importance in the Kootenay National Park. This year includes a full week of more than 90 field trips, presentation and workshops. Registration opens at 9:00am on Monday, April 6.
Click here for more information.

Creston Valley Bird Festival
May 8 - 10, Creston Valley
Featuring Dick Cannings,biologist, birder and author living in the Okanagan Valley of southern British Columbia. 
Click here for more information. 

Regulated Rivers: Environment, Ecology and Management Conference
May 6 - 7, Castlegar
Call for presentations deadline: January 12. Through a keynote address, two days of presentations, a poster session, dialogue opportunities, and field-trips, this conference will provide a cutting-edge opportunity for scientists and managers to share results of recent research on regulated river environments, processes, and operations in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere. 
Click here for more information.

Evaluating the Success of your Environmental Education Programs Workshop
June 5, Golden
CBEEN will be hosting a professional development workshop on how to measure the success of your environmental education programs. This will be facilitated by Gareth Thomson of the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM) and the Alberta Council for Environmental Education (ACEE). This workshop will take place on Friday, June 5 at the Kicking Horse Civic Centre in Golden from 9:00am - 3:30pm. 
Click here for more information. 

International Conference on Forests and Water in a Changing Environment
July 6 - 9, Kelowna
Building on the success of past international Forests and Water conferences (Beijing in 2006, Raleigh, NC in 2009, and Fukuoka in 2012), the fourth conference will focus on forest disturbance and hydrological processes in a changing environment. The goal of this conference is to provide a forum for experts specialising in forest hydrology, ecohydrology, geomorphology, watershed management and climate change in forested environments around the world to share research progress, exchange ideas, and develop international research collaborations.
Click here for more information.

Mountains of Opportunity: Canadian Wildlife Federation BC Summer Institute
July 31 - August 9, Cranbrook
The Canadian Wildlife Federation Summer Institute is a professional development program in which 10 - 15 educators from across the country get to know a unique part of Canada. The 2015 Summer Institute will be offered in partnership with the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook.
Click here for more information.

CABIN Field Training 
August 11 - 12, Golden
This Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) field training session requires that online training modules be completed in advance (by March 15, 2015) in order to gain access to the CABIN database (Project Manager or Field Technician). For online module descriptions and fees, click here. 
For more information contact rachel@wildsight.ca.
BECWeb
Ministry of Forests and Range
This is the web portal for the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) and Ecology Research program of the British Columbia. This website is the source for information about the BEC system and access point for current and historical reports, maps, software, and other products of the program.

Click here to go to BECWeb.

 

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