LCD Projector and Screen

The KCP has a theatre quality LCD projector and screen available for our partners to use. If you are interested in booking either of these items please contact Dave at 250-688-1508.

Leadership Training Reminder

Are you an executive, director, or manager who is relatively new to your leadership role? Facing major changes or challenges in your organization? Feeling disillusioned about being a manager and losing touch with your passion? Feeling overloaded and stressed? Hoping to significantly upgrade in some major skill areas? Feeling isolated and wanting to expand your peer network?

If you answered yes to any of these questions it may be time for some leadership training! A number of KCP partners have identified the need to seek out and secure some form of professional development support to help retain current and future leaders, make them more effective, and make more meaningful connections with peers in the conservation community throughout the Columbia Basin.

If you or your organization is interested please contact Dave at (250) 688-1508 to learn more about how the KCP may be able to help.

KCP Employment Opportunities

The KCP is pleased to announce two new employment (contract) opportunities. Please have a look at the full position descriptions available under the "Employment & Volunteer" heading further along in the eNews.

Please give these opportunities the widest circulation possible within your networks!

Columbia Basin Trust

Kootenay-Koocanusa Area to Receive Fish and Wildlife Program Thursday, April 11, 2013

Columbia Basin Trust and Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program partner to protect and enhance the region's environment A new program will help protect and enhance fish, wildlife and habitats in and around Koocanusa Reservoir and its tributaries in the Kootenay River system thanks to a $3-million commitment from Columbia Basin Trust. The support will be going toward the creation of the Kootenay-Koocanusa Fish and Wildlife Program, which will help to enhance the environmental health of the area. The program will be delivered by the regionally based Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program. More information available online.

Kootenay Community Bat Project

There is still money in the budget for the Building Homes for Bats program where we will cover the cost of bat-house building materials if you build and install at least two bat-houses. More info available online.

We have a toll-free number this year! If you know anyone who has a bat issue they'd like to discuss or would like information, please pass along our new number. 

1-855-9BC-BATS.

Elk River Alliance

Become a Streamkeeper!  Join instructor Heather Leschied for an incredible hands-on learning opportunity you won't want to miss. This is citizen scientist training that is required should you wish to take part in or learn more about ERA's community based water monitoring efforts. The weekend course is valued at $225 but we are pleased to be able to offer it to Elk Valley residents for a nominal fee of $20. Training will take place on Alexander Creek east of Sparwood. Contact us for more information. 

Saturday August 18 from 9 am to 5 pm | Sunday August 19 from 9 am to 5 pm
Participants will come away from the two-day workshop with an understanding of how to conduct stream invertebrate surveys, do stream health assessment and even how to trap and identify juvenile fish.

Register Today! Please contact Ayla Bennett (250) 423-8799 

Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN)

Wild Voices for Kids: CBEEN's flagship environmental and heritage education program coordinates hundreds of FREE, curriculum-linked, in-class or field-based presentations every year for students in grades K-12. Programs are available in school districts 5, 6, 8, 10, 19 and 20, and are presented by passionate and knowledgeable Community Educators. If you have knowledge to share, please contact wildvoices@cbeen.org about becoming a Community Educator.

Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP)

Stewardship Coordinator (.50FTE - 10 month renewable contract) - Flexible within the Kootenay Region

The Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) is a network of over 50 partner organizations working collaboratively to conserve private land throughout the Kootenay Region. Our partners include First Nations, conservation and agricultural organizations, forestry and business, educational institutions and all levels of government. We have a small and dedicated team of staff and contractors working from a variety of Kootenay communities.

Purpose and General Description:

The Stewardship Coordinator will lead the development and implementation of an innovative and targeted project focused on achieving improved effectiveness of stewardship activities on private land throughout the Kootenay Region.  The Coordinator will work closely with program staff and partner organizations to conduct outreach activities, perform property evaluations, provide project oversight and coordination, facilitate KCP stewardship committee meetings, develop a Stewardship Strategy and develop a process to track and report stewardship effectiveness. 

Reporting Relationships

The Stewardship Coordinator reports directly to the KCP Program Manager and will work closely with the members of the KCP Steering Committee, Stewardship Committee(s), and KCP partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Undertake biological evaluations/assessments (remote and field) of priority private lands as directed by the KCP Program Manager.
• Conduct outreach activities in cooperation with other KCP partner organizations.
• Lead, coordinate, convene, and facilitate KCP Stewardship Committee meetings.
• Participate in Executive Committee, Steering Committee, and Securement Committee meetings as required.
• Participate in Strategic Planning and Business Planning processes and take a leadership role in the stewardship aspects of those processes.
• Develop and implement a Stewardship Strategy to guide KCP involvement in stewardship activities.
• Develop and implement a methodology to track and report on stewardship activities and progress across KCP partner organizations.
• Maintain and update KCP securement and stewardship data sets and maps.

 Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management or related field and 5-10 years related work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Highly organized.
• Sound knowledge of the Kootenay Region.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout the Kootenay Region.
• Experience interacting with private landowners.
• Ability to work as part of a team and lead that team when required.
• Ability to set objectives and manage performance.
• Ability to organize time and manage diverse activities and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of native habitats and agricultural landscapes.
• Ability to work cooperatively with partners, including civic leaders, industry, government, farmers, and ENGO's.
• Strong computer skills.
• Ability to diagnose, analyze and solve problems. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with biological and/or water quality monitoring preferred.
• Ability to explain complicated science topics to laypersons of all walks of life.
• Experience with GIS, including ability to create maps preferred.
• Experience in a non-profit organization would be an asset.

To Apply:

If you are interested in joining our team, please forward your resume and cover letter, indicating "Stewardship Coodinator Application" in the subject line, by Sunday May 5, 2013, Noon PDT to the Kootenay Conservation Program via email at: dave@kootenayconservation.ca

We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Kootenay Conservation Program; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP)

Administrative Assistant (.25FTE - 10 month renewable contract) - Flexible within the Kootenay Region

Purpose and General Description

KCP is looking for a qualified contractor to provide administrative and communication support services. The primarily role of this position is to provide "behind-the-scenes" administrative support. The secondary role is to provide leadership in facilitating KCP communication activities.

Reporting Relationships

The Administrative Assistant reports directly to the KCP Program Manager and will work closely with other KCP contractors, partners and supporters.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and distribute monthly KCP eNews.
• Maintain KCP Website.
• Coordinate the writing of KCP publications, documents, proposals, and reports.  Review drafts and assist with editing of documents to ensure a high quality written product.
• Oversee and coordinate fundraising tracking and reporting.
• Oversee and coordinate budget tracking and reporting.
• Take and distribute meeting minutes as required for Executive Committee, Steering Committee, Securement Committee, Technical Review Committee and Stewardship Committee(s) meetings.
• Oversee and coordinate all aspects of event planning and management including special events and KCP committee meetings.

 Basic Qualifications:

• Highly organized.
• Sound knowledge of the Kootenay Region.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the Kootenay Region.
• Ability to set objectives and manage performance.
• Ability to organize time and manage diverse activities and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong administrative skills.
• Experience using MS office, Word, Excel and Power Point, including database management skills.
• Experience using advanced computer functions including navigating the Internet. Experience manipulating, analyzing and/or interpreting data.
  • Ability to work as part of a team and lead that team when required.
  • Exceptional writing skills.
  • Ability to diagnose, analyze and solve problems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technological Savvy.
• Demonstrated experience with website (Wordpress) management.
• Demonstrated experience with eNews (Constant Contact) management.
• Creative Writing Skills.
• Event Planning and Management experience.
• Experience in a non-profit organization would be an asset. 

To Apply:

If you are interested in joining our team, please forward your resume and cover letter, indicating "Administrative Assistant Application" in the subject line, by Sunday May 5, 2013, Noon PDT to the Kootenay Conservation Program via email at: dave@kootenayconservation.ca

We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Kootenay Conservation Program; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Columbia Basin Watershed Network

Network Coordinator

We're hiring! Check out http://cbwn.ca/web/ and you will find the Program Coordinator job description and application process. Please feel free to forward on to anyone you think may be interested.

Columbia Mountains Institute

Executive Director

Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology is seeking a new Executive Director. This is a contract position.

CMI is an enterprising non-profit organization whose goal is to improve ecological management by increasing and sharing knowledge about the ecosystems of the Columbia Mountains and nearby regions.  The principal duties of the CMI Executive Director are to manage the affairs of the Society, to coordinate or perform all aspects of organization of events, to manage the Society's assets, including the website, and to administer or perform other projects undertaken by the CMI. 

Application deadline is Friday May 3 at 4:30 p.m. Pacific time. See details online.

May 17, 2013 - HCTF Public Conservation Assistance Fund

For individuals and organizations trying to implement on-the-ground, community-based conservation projects and public awareness initiatives.  Details here. 

Deadline May 17, 2013.

July 15, 2013 - TD Friends of the Environment

This program accepts applications four times a year. Check funding guidelines here . 

Deadline July 15, 2013

May 6 - 12, 2013

Wings Over The Rockies Bird Festival

Upper Columbia Valley

More information available online.

Kootenay Community Bat Project

We will be providing an evening presentation as well as bat-house building workshops at the Wings Over The Rockies festival in Invermere on May 8th. If you are interested in attending, please see the festival website for more information.  

Wednesday, May 8, 2013 

CMI Annual Researchers' Meeting 

1. Timesavers translated from the field to office: Mobile Government Database (VENUS) and GIS applications, Carrie Nadeau, Summit Environmental Consultants
2. Rare or little known biodiversity of the Selkirk Mountains, Craig Pettitt and Anne Sherrod, Valhalla Wilderness Society
3. State of the Environment in the Columbia Basin Boundary Region - What indicators would be useful to you? And discussion. Adrian Leslie, Rural Development Institute, Selkirk College
4. Best Management Practices for forest management around Northern Goshawk breeding areas in interior British Columbia, Kari Stuart-Smith, Canadian Forest Products Ltd
5. Assessing western toad mortality on Highway 6 at Summit Lake, Jakob Dulisse, Jakob Dulisse Consulting
6. Community values in lake management planning, Therese DesCamp and Sally Hammond, Slocan Lake Stewardship Society
7. The Slocan River, Follow the Fish - From compensation to ecology, Jennifer Yeow, Passmore Laboratory
8. Kootenay Camas Project, Eva Johansson

1. Slocan Lake Stewardship Society, Margaret Hartley
2. Integrating Honeybees with riparian tree and shrub production: Agroforestry in Slocan BC, Michael Murray, Murray Woodlot
3. Stump removal for root disease control: Trial examinations in southeastern BC, Michael Murray, Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations.

1. Field trip to the heart, Mary Therese DesCamp, Heart's Rest Retreat Centre
2. Grizzlies, toads and railroads, Wayne McCrory, Valhalla Wilderness Society
3. Interface fuel treatment and morels, Tyson Ehlers, Tysig Ecological Research
4. Toads at Summit Lake, Jakob Dulisse, Jacob Dulisse Consulting
5. Agroforestry in riparian zone near Slocan City, Michael Murray,  Murray Woodlot (unconfirmed)

May 10 - 11, 2013

Green Building Conference  

Wildsight Kimberley

Do you work in the building industry? Are you a homeowner considering renovating or building in the near future? Are you interested in the latest in energy efficiency and how to achieve it in your home, or in the homes you build?  The Green Building Conference 2013 will bring some of the leading thinkers and doers in the field of Green Building to the East Kootenays for 2 days of workshops, a trade show featuring products and services, and a Keynote Speech on Friday night called "Retrofit Revolution".

May 15 - 16, 2013

New Ways to Use Digital Technologies in the Field

Columbia Mountains Institute

Space limited to 150 people.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Greg Newman from Colorado State University who is a leading thinker on contemporary citizen science.  ____ will be co-hosting a workshop on the second day called the "iNaturalist BioBlitz" with Valerie Huff and Eva Johansson of the Kootenay Native Plant Society - it's a chance for us to start to learn how to use tablets and online apps for collecting data in the field.

New technologies are changing the way that research on aquatic, terrestrial, and human ecology is being carried out. Increasingly, people are taking smartphones, tablets, and other devices into the field to increase their productivity. Citizen science and social media are now becoming effective ways to increase data collection and collaboration. We will offer two days of presentations, posters, hands-on demonstrations, a small trade fair, opportunities for networking with experts, and a workshop summary to help you follow-up on the new things you've learned. Who is this workshop for? CMI events attract a multidisciplinary group of people. This workshop will draw researchers, technicians, natural resource practitioners and managers, academics, IT staff, and members of stewardship groups.

More information available online.

Crown of the Continent Conference

4th Annual Conference on the Crown of the Continent

Glacier Park Lodge, East Glacier Park, MT

Information available online: Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent.

October 9-10, 2013

Community Based Social Marketing (CBSM) Workshop

Vancouver Advanced Workshop/ October 9-10, 2013

This two-day advanced workshop provides an in-depth exploration of how community-based social marketing can be used to foster sustainable behaviour. The session will introduce leading-edge material on selecting behaviours, identifying barriers and benefits (including market segmentation), applying behaviour change tools (including some exciting new developments regarding the use of commitments, norms, and social diffusion), and piloting programs. Further, participants will also be coached in making community-based social marketing presentations to their agency or community and will receive PowerPoint and Keynote presentations for this purpose. Finally, each participant will receive the new edition of Dr. McKenzie-Mohr, "Fostering Sustainable Behavior: An Introduction to Community-Based Social Marketing 3rd Edition."

The session is being held at the Vancouver Public Library (Lower Level, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC) and begins at 9:00 am on both days and ends at 4:30 pm on the first day and 2:30 pm on the second day (registration begins at 8:30 am on the first day). Venue and hotel information will be emailed to registrants. Lunch on both days is included in the workshop registration fee.

$645.00 Regular: Federal, provincial/state and local government, consultants and businesses.

$545.00 Discount: Community groups, non-governmental organizations and students.

There are other locations as well as an introductory course.  Full details can be found online.

IUCN - Good News on Earth Day

U.S. Forest Service Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program