| |
Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews
Thank you to all those who attended the KCP Fall Gathering in Cranbrook on September 29 and 30. It was an incredibly successful event with an amazing turnout! See below in "KCP News" for a link to the fantastic photos provided by Pat Morrow and KCP Staff as well as a brief summary of what transpired over the two exciting days. If you weren't able to make it, we hope to see you next year!
A reminder that November 1 is the deadline to submit an application for the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund and Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund. Find out more under "Funding Opportunities".
Please feel free to 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.
|
|
|
Did you miss the 2017 KCP Fall Gathering?
Check out the highlights...
Close to 50 people from across the Kootenays came together at the KCP Fall Gathering in Cranbrook on September 29 and 30 to learn and share ideas on this year's theme of "From Grasslands to Wetlands - Connecting Diversity". The event included fascinating presentations on a wide range of topics dealing with conservation and connectivity in both grasslands and wetlands ecosystems, a Conversation Cafe whereby participants split into groups to tackle solutions for current conservation issues, the first B.C. screening of an inspiring film produced by the Montana Association of Land Trusts (see KCP Resources at the bottom of enews to view the film online), and a field tour to two nearby conservation properties including a wetlands restoration in progress.
KCP Conservation Leadership Awards
2017 Leadership Award winners announced
On September 29, we were pleased to announce our annual Conservation Leadership Award winners as part of our Fall Gathering in Cranbrook. The KCP Conservation Leadership Award winners for 2017 are Rob Neil and Irene Manley, both of whom demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in the field of conservation in this region. Rob Neil was presented a photo of the beautiful Cherry Creek conservation property that was generously donated by Graham Osborn and Irene Manley (who was unable to attend the Fall Gathering) was presented the photo of a grizzly bear by Jim Lawrence.
KCP Strategic Priorities
New Strategic Priorities 2017-2022 approved at KCP AGM
Over
the past year, KCP has been consulting with Partners to update our strategic priorities. The new KCP Strategic Priorities 2017-2022 document was approved at the KCP Fall Gathering AGM that took place on Friday, September 29 and is now available on the KCP website.
|
|
Faces & Places Monthly Feature
Irene Manley is a Wildlife Biologist with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations in Nelson and a leader in ecosystem conservation in the Kootenay region who was selected as one of the winners of this year's KCP Conservation Leadership Awards for her amazing work.
|
Local Conservation Fund Feature Project
Kootenay Lake Shoreline Guidance Document
The Kootenay Lake Partnership recently hosted a series of public open houses in Boswell, Rural Nelson, and Kaslo that close to 200 people attended to learn about the recently completed Kootenay Lake Shoreline Guidance Document; which is the result of a comprehensive Sensitive Habitat Inventory Mapping Project.
|
|
Valhalla Foundation for Ecology and Social Justice
Acquisition of Bonanza Marsh
The biodiversity-rich Bonanza Marsh located in Hills at the north end of Slocan Lake was purchased by Valhalla Foundation for Ecology and Social Justice in late August. The Valhalla Foundation is the same group of committed conservationists who successfully purchased the Valhalla Mile waterfront property on Slocan Lake to make it part of Valhalla Provincial Park. This new acquisition of a 35-acre parcel includes the core wetland habitat of the marsh, and will become a nature preserve that will be stewarded with the goal of eventually restoring it to full natural functioning.
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Welcomes new Canadian Rocky Mountains Program Director
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is pleased to announce Richard Klafki has been selected as NCC's new Canadian Rocky Mountains Program Director. Richard, who grew up in Golden and is based in Invermere, has been with the NCC since 2014 as the Canadian Rocky Mountains Program Stewardship Coordinator. Prior to joining the NCC, he worked as a contract wildlife biologist throughout British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Seeking feedback on amendments to National Wildlife Areas regulations
Canada's 54 National Wildlife Areas (NWA) are created and managed for wildlife conservation, research and interpretation purposes under the
Canada Wildlife Act and managed in accordance with the
Wildlife Area Regulations under the Act. Amendments to the regulations are being considered to modernize them and facilitate the administration of NWAs, including the five established in British Columbia: Alaksen NWA, Columbia NWA, Qualicum NWA, Vaseux-Bighorn NWA, and Widgeon Valley NWA. Environment and Climate Change Canada is seeking feedback from Canadians on the changes being considered, including the list of authorized activities within NWAs.
Click here to review the changes outlined.
Rocky Mountain Trench Ecosystem Restoration Society
Seeking restoration resources for East Kootenay Trench
The Rocky Mountain Trench Ecosystem Restoration Program website - www.trench-er.com - is updating its online library and seeking input for resources, reports or other subject matter that would be useful to have on the site. The online resources and other parts of the website are a critical part of the Society's communications work in advancing awareness of grasslands and open forest ecosystems in the East Kootenay and their importance to local ecology, culture, economy and (particularly relevant at the moment) fire safety.
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 heron inventory and stewardship work started in 2016 and is continuing this year.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
|
Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Fall Survey
October 5 & October 15 , Columbia Wetlands
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.
For more information, please email
racheldarvill@gmail.com or call 250-344-5530.
Native Bees of the East Kootenay Presentation
October 6, Wilmer (near Invermere)
Join Lincoln Best, a renowned bee scientist, for a lively one-hour public presentation about native bees in the East Kootenay. (including the unique bee, only found in Canal Flats). Find out how our wild native bee populations must compete with honeybees, and what personal actions you can take to help them thrive in your own backyard. Admission by donation.
Exploring Bees in the East Kootenay Workshop
October 7, Wilmer (near Invermere)
For those wanting to explore native bee conservation solutions. Participants will develop a deeper understanding about the biodiversity and conservation of East Kootenay native bees. Best will demonstrate how individuals can support our native bee populations through habitat conservation. Pre-registration is required. No prior bee knowledge or experience is required.
Wetlandkeepers Course
October 12 - 14, Fernie
Hosted by the Elk River Watershed Alliance, this free BCWF Wetlandkeepers Course will take place at the College of the Rockies Fernie Campus. The BCWF's Wetlandkeeper Course is a 2.5-day workshop about wetland conservation. Participants gain skills in wetland classification, site survey and health assessment, plant and animal identification, soil sampling, and hands-on wetland stewardship techniques. Participants will receive a BCWF Wetlandkeeper Certificate and get practical experience stewarding local wetlands.
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.
Forest Entomology: Insight into the Outbreak Dynamics and Impacts of Major Forest Insects of BC
November 1 - 2, Revelstoke
This course offered by the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology will introduce students to the major forest insects, both beneficial, and those considered pests, that are commonly found in interior forests of British Columbia. This course will be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the fir/spruce beetle outbreaks currently affecting the forests of interior BC. Instructor Dr. Lorraine Maclauchlan has been monitoring, studying and managing forest insect pests in B.C. for over 30 years.
Click here for more information and to register.
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, Wynndel (near 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. T
his event has sold out in the past and to attend you must register for a ticket online (online registration will be released in early-mid October).
Click here to be notified as soon as tickets are released.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival
November 25, Invermere
The Wild and Scenic Film Festival returns to Invermere for its fourth year. The festival promises a full evening of environmental and adventure films that illustrate the Earth's beauty, the challenges facing the planet and the work communities are doing to protect the environment, supplemented by pizza, wine and beer, a raffle with great prizes, a silent auction and lots of door prizes. This year's festival will be bigger and better than ever as it will be held in the new Columbia Valley Centre. All funds go towards supporting Wildsight's environmental and educational initiatives.
Click here for more information.
Open Source Water Data Hub Dialogue: Towards a Columbia Basin Water Monitoring Framework
November 29 - 30, Invermere
Living Lakes Canada, Columbia Basin Watershed Network and Selkirk College are hosting a dialogue to create a water monitoring framework and shared data hub in the Columbia Basin. The goal is to create a collective vision for modernizing shared water data with useful, reliable and open source water data that is freely accessed and evaluated by users. The water data gaps identified in the Columbia Basin Trust's February 2017 report
Water Monitoring and Climate Change in the Upper Columbia Basin will be addressed.
Click here for more information and to register.
|
 |
Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program - Columbia Region Grants
Deadline: October 27
Columbia Basin Trust Environment Small Grants
Deadline: October 31
Environment Small Grants funds projects that take place within the Columbia Basin Trust requesting up to $5,000 that will strengthen the environmental well-being and address one of the following four
categories: Ecosystems, Climate, Water and Environmental Education.
Columbia Lake Local Conservation Fund
Deadline: November 1
KCP in partnership with the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) provides funding for projects that benefit conservation in the area from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats through the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF).
Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund
Deadline: November 1
KCP in partnership with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) provides funding for projects that benefit conservation in the rural areas around Kootenay Lake, specifically Electoral Areas A, D, and E (
click here for map) within the RDCK through the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund (KLLCF).
Click here for more information about the KLLCF and how to apply.
2018-19 Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation Enhancement & Restoration Grant
Deadline: November 2
Each year, HCTF provides approximately $6 Million dollars in Enhancement and Restoration Grants. These grants are provided to projects that: focus on freshwater wild fish, native wildlife species and their habitats; have the potential to achieve a significant conservation outcome; best represent the interests of the Trust Foundations' contributors, and maintain or enhance opportunities for fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing and associated outdoor recreational activities. HCTF enhancement grants are available to anyone who has who has a good idea that benefits fish, wildlife and habitat in British Columbia. HCTF strongly encourages cost-shared proposals, and project leaders should explore the possibility of partnerships with other organizations.
Community Gaming Grants Presentation - Kootenay Region
November 2, Cranbrook
Join Mike Sherman, Outreach Manager, Community Gaming Grants Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing at the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort in Cranbrook for a free, detailed information session on the Community Gaming Grants program.
A face-to-face meeting with Community Gaming Grants staff is available by request when registering.
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 Basin Trust 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.
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 Trust of British Columbia
Kootenay Conservation Land Coordinator
The Nature Trust of British Columbia (TNTBC)
is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Kootenay Conservation Land Coordinator to support the Kootenay Conservation Land Manager. This new and exciting position offersthe successful candidate the opportunity to work
as part of TNTBC's conservation land management team which leads and implements landscape-scale conservation efforts on 11,230 ha (27,735 acres) of TNTBC lands in the Kootenay Region.
This is a full-time, permanent position based in Cranbrook. The deadline to apply is November 10.
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Stewardship Coordinator - Canadian Rocky Mountains Program
The purpose of the Stewardship Coordinator, Canadian Rocky Mountains Program is to ensure NCC delivers high quality, community-based land stewardship on NCC's Canadian Rockies conservation properties. This staff position assumes a lead role in the development and implementation of stewardship programs in conjunction with the Program Director and BC Director of Science and Stewardship. The Stewardship Coordinator will assume responsibility for the coordination and delivery of all stewardship activities as outlined in NCC's property management plans and natural area conservation plans. This is a full-time permanent position based in Invermere. The deadline to apply is before 5 p.m. MST on Friday, November 17, 2017.
Selkirk College
Terrestrial Ecology and Biology Instructor
Qualified applicants will possess the required skills to instruct in a number of areas including the B.C. Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) system; classification of forest stand structure using various methods; and disturbance ecology, with an emphasis on fire
Applicants must be either as a Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio) with the College of Applied Biologists or a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) with the Association of BC Forest Professionals. This is a 77% short term replacement appointment commencing December 22, 2017 and ending April 27, 2018.
The deadline to apply is Friday, October 13, 2017.
Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund
Technical Review Committee - Expressions of Interest
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) in partnership with the Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) are seeking to fill one vacancy of "Alternate" on the Technical Review Committee (TRC) to make recommendations on allocating annual funding for conservation projects in the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund Service Area. This will be a 3-year term. Travel expenses will be covered for those who require them. To apply, please submit a resume and include a covering letter that provides: (1) Contact information; (2) Area of technical expertise (water, fish, wildlife, habitat, forestry, climate change or open space and natural area conservation); (3) Any special or unique circumstances that you want us to consider. The closing date for applications is October 15, 2017. Applications can be emailed to juliet@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.
Stewardship Centre of BC
Stewardship Practices Guides
The Stewardship Centre of BC offers a diverse and comprehensive set of resources for the stewardship community of B.C., including four Stewardship Practices Guides on the following topics: Drainage Maintenance in Agricultural Waterways; Guidance for Restoration Activities in Riparian Areas; Riparian Areas in Settled Landscapes; and Reducing Domestic and Feral Cat Predation.
Montana Association of Land Trusts
On the Shoulders of Giants: The Story of Montana Private Land Conservation
This 21-minute film, which was screened for the first time in B.C. at the KCP Fall Gathering, is an inspirational, educational and emotional recognition of four decades of private land conservation accomplishment in Montana. Montana land trusts and landowners have partnered to create a remarkable conservation legacy, and a key purpose of the film is to honour that legacy and salute the value private land conservation contributes to Montana's economy, landscape and quality of life.
POLIS Water Sustainability Project and Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources
Collaborative Consent and British Columbia's Water: Towards Watershed Co-Governance
Collaborative consent provides a powerful way to tackle difficult questions about how Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments can work together to make decisions about water and land use. Released by the POLIS Water Sustainability Project at the University of Victoria and the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, Collaborative Consent and British Columbia's Water: Towards Watershed Co-Governance lays out a viable model for achieving a critical shift towards more equitable nation-to-nation relationships.
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.
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
