May 2014 eNews

 

The KCP has been busy this spring, and looks forward to a number of upcoming field tours. Please mark Thursday, June 19 in your calendars for the next KCP Steering Committee meeting. You are welcome to join us in Cranbrook, or call into the meeting. Details will be emailed out to the Steering Committee in the near future.

 

With all of the upcoming conferences and workshops that our partners are planning, we would like to remind you that we have a projector and large screen for KCP partner use. Please email info@kootenayconservation.ca for more information or to book these for your next event.  

 

We are pleased to present Heather Leschied as our monthly KCP 'Faces and Places' partner feature. Click here to read all about Heather and her conservation work.

 

We hope you enjoy your monthly conservation update. You can click here at anytime to check out news and events posted on the KCP blog.

 

Heather Leschied

Wildsight

 

Heather has been delivering water stewardship projects for Wildsight since 2005. She works with individuals and groups to increase capacity and knowledge to better protect our watersheds. Under this guidance, Wildsight's water programs, most notably, the now complete Lake Windermere Project, have won awards by foundations and industry, and have been recognized by the federal government as a best practices example in community based monitoring. 


Heather is actively involved in stewardship efforts across the Basin, participating in the East Kootenay Integrated Lake Management Partnership, Columbia Basin Watershed Network, Friends of Kootenay Lake, Lake Windermere Ambassadors and the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund Technical Review Committee. 

 

Click here to read Heather's feature story. 

 


Environment Focus Renewed

Columbia Basin Trust

Columbia Basin Trust's new Environment Strategic Plan is now complete and will guide the Trust's water and environment initiatives from 2014 to 2019. It sets goals in five areas: water, ecosystems, climate change, environmental education and helping to strengthen organizations that focus on the environment. Basin residents were invited to comment on the draft Environment Strategic Plan in December and January. Comments included editorial suggestions, requests to expand the plan's scope and indications of support for the plan. All comments were considered and several refinements were made as a result. A summary of comments and the Trust's responses can be viewed here.

Click here to see CBT's new Environment Strategic Plan.

Project Grants Top $150M
Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF)
On April 11th, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation announced the approval of approximately $6.1 Million in grants for projects benefiting BC's fish & wildlife. This will bring the total amount invested by HCTF in conservation projects to over $150 Million since the Foundation's beginnings in 1981. 
Click here to download the full project list for details on how this year's grant recipients will be making a difference for fish & wildlife in BC.

Purchase of 'missing link' Wigwam Flats property
The Nature Trust of BC (TNT)
TNT is delighted to announce the completion of the purchase of the last privately owned property on Wigwam Flats. Rob Neil, TNT's Kootenay Conservation Land Manager explains, "This two hectare (five acre) property will be added to existing conservation lands owned by The Nature Trust and the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations. It will contribute to the natural mosaic of grassland, open forest and closed canopy forest habitats on the adjacent conservation holdings and surrounding Crown land. This complex of habitat types provides class one winter habitat for elk and mule deer and is particularly important spring lambing and breeding habitat for approximately 250 blue-listed Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Besides the variable habitat that makes the Wigwam Flats such an important area for wildlife, the natural topography provides excellent escape terrain for bighorn sheep when threatened by natural predators such as cougar and wolves." Click here for the full story.

Bill 24 - Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)
Wildsight
This week, the BC Agriculture Council reversed its position, publicly opposing Bill 24. Soil experts have publicly opposed Bill 24 and former Minister of the Environment Joan Sawiki calls it short-sighted, saying it would significantly weaken "the most successful agricultural land preservation program in North America". The high quality of agricultural lands in the Kootenay region was recently re-emphasized by the Chair of the Agricultural Land Commission: "the majority of prime agricultural lands are situated in the Interior, Kootenay and North regions." Click here for the full story.

From Educating to Restoring - Environmental Initiatives Projects Announced
Columbia Basin Trust
Thirty-seven projects will receive a combined total of $610,000 from Columbia Basin Trust's Environmental Initiatives Program. These projects will help educate the public about the environment, or maintain or enhance the environment. "The breadth of these projects demonstrates the many ways communities can address environmental issues," said Sabrina Curtis, Trust Director, Sector Initiatives. "We applaud each of these groups for doing their part to improve our environmental well-being, for drawing in people of all ages and creating solutions that work for them." Click here for the full story and list of projects funded.

Spectacular Vision for Environmental Education in the Kootenays
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN)
In the magnificent setting of the Canadian Rockies at Nipika Mountain Resort, environmental educators gathered to participate in a National Environmental Education Leadership Clinic. Co-hosted by the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) and the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM), the Clinic offered educators the opportunity to team build, network and enhance leadership skills while developing action plans to address key goals they had set for themselves. Of the eight teams that were selected to participate, four local teams were chosen.  Click here to read the full story.

Fourth Transboundary Columbia River Basin Conference
Columbia Basin Trust and Northwest Power and Conservation Council
This international conference, themed "Learning From Our Past to Shape Our Future" focuses on the future of the Columbia River Basin. Join people from both sides of the border to learn about and discuss the history and future of the Basin. Topics include transboundary river governance, energy, climate change and ecosystem management, including fish passage. Click here for more information.     
 

Columbia Basin Watershed Network (CBWN)

Coordinator (short-term contract) 

CBWN is seeking a half-time Coordinator to support the Network Steering Committee in effectively delivering the priorities of the Network and overseeing the day-to-day operations and organizational development of the Network. This is a 6-month term maternity leave replacement contract requiring a minimum of 80 hours a month beginning July 1, 2014 and ending December 31, 2014. 

Application Deadline: May 12, 2014

Click here to find out more.

 

Friends of Kootenay Lake

Summer Student

The Friends of Kootenay Lake is now accepting resumes for a Summer Student position.  The successful applicant will get a diverse experience working to promote stewardship on Kootenay Lake through citizen science and outreach/education initiatives. 

Application Deadline: May 7, 2014

Click here to find out more. 

 

Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK)

Water Smart Ambassador

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is currently inviting applications to apply for the position of Water Smart Ambassador. The Town of Creston and the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) are participants in the Columbia Basin Trust Water Smart Initiative, which aims to achieve a 20 percent Basin-wide reduction in water consumption by 2015. This position is jointly funded by Columbia Basin Trust, the Town of Creston and the RDCK. 

Application Deadline: May 2, 2014

Click here to find out more.  

 

Wildsight - Regional

Communications Manager

Wildsight is seeking a highly motivated individual to work on their communications team. They're looking for a team player who is interested in Wildsight's work and in advancing a career in communications and advocacy-oriented work. 

Click here to find out more.

 

Wildsight - Golden

Community Invasive Plant Coordinator

Wildsight-Golden is seeking one qualified person to run Golden's Community Weed Program this summer, and to develop and present public interpretive programs on invasive plants. This program is jointly supported by Wildsight-Golden and the Town of Golden. 

Application Deadline: May 20, 2014

Click here to find out more. 

 

Clear Sky Retreat Centre

Marketing Manager

This new position will focus on finding clients to book our retreat venue, and on building attendance of our programmed courses and retreats. The ideal candidate will live locally or be interested in staying at the Centre for the duration of the contract. The successful candidate will have experience with social media and brand-building.

Click here to find out more.


Friends of Kootenay National Park

Junior Naturalist Coordinator

We are looking for a friendly, outgoing, energetic person who enjoys working with the public and young children. 

Application Deadline: May 15

Click here to find out more.

 

Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME)

RFP: Guidance Document for Canadian Jurisdictions: Options for Addressing Air Pollutant Emissions from the In-use Diesel Fleet
The Contractor will develop a guidance document to aid Canadian jurisdictions to reduce air pollutant emissions from the in-use diesel fleet and/or the impacts of those emissions on air quality and health. 

Application Deadline: May 5, 2014

Click here to find out more.

 

Canadian Youth Climate Coalition (CYCC)

National Director

The CYCC National Director is responsible for the effective operations of the coalition as well as supporting the development and growth of CYCC projects. This person will be the key contact person for coalition members and will clarify and facilitate operations and decision-making of the coalition.

Application Deadline: May 2, 2014. 

Click here to find out more.


Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) Public Conservation Assistance Fund (PCAF)

Deadline: May 17

Small grants to organizations that have a conservation project with activities that maintain, conserve or restore native fish and wildlife species and their habitats. 

Click here to find out more. 

Weeden Foundation
Deadline: May 23

Funding biodiversity preservation and land acquisition.  

Click here to find out more.  

 

Western Diversification Program  

Deadline: May 30 

Contributions will be made to non-profit organizations for projects that support the development and diversification of the western Canadian economy.

Click here to find out more.  

 

Patagonia 

Deadline: Ongoing

Supports local groups working to protect local habitat. Priority areas: to project and restore native fish populations and the habitat on which they depend.
Click here to find out more.   
 
Real Estate Foundation of BC 
Deadline: June 12 
Grants (request up to $20,000) supporting sustainable food systems, freshwater sustainability or the sustainable built environment. 
Click here to find out more.
 
Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology (CMI) Annual Researchers' Meeting and AGM
May 2, Revelstoke
Every year CMI members get together to provide updates on their projects (research, field trials, new initiatives in southeastern British Columbia). 
Click here for more information.  

Blue Lake Grand Re-Opening
May 3, Blue Lake Forest Education Centre
The Grand Reopening Celebration will take place from 1pm - 5pm. This free open house event will include tours of the new facilities, sample environmental programming, camp games, food, musical entertainment, and an opportunity to use recreational trails and canoes. 
RSVP by calling 250-426-3676 or emailing info@bluelakecentre.com.

Alberta Land Institute's Land Use 2014 Conference
May 7 - 8, Edmonton
Alberta Land Institute's (ALI's) inaugural two-day conference, Land Use 2014, will bring together policy and research communities from Alberta, Canada, and around the world to create a meaningful opportunity to connect and discuss complex land-use issues and solutions. 
Click here for more information.  

Fun in the Food Forest with Richard Walker
May 10 - 11, Clear Sky Centre
Come have fun and develop hands-on experience with one of Canada's most experienced forest gardeners in a one-acre cold climate food forest. 
Click here for more information.

Wings over the Rockies Festival
May 5 - 11, Invermere
This year's festival will provide the opportunity for visitors and locals alike to learn more about the mystery of migration and about the Columbia Valley. 
Click here for more information.

RDI Digital Basin Workshops 
May 6 - 14, Sparwood, Cranbrook, Castlegar, Radium Hot Springs, Nakusp and Grand Forks (one workshop in each community)
Join staff of the Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute (RDI) as they demonstrate the newest community data tool now available to Basin Boundary residents-the Digital Basin. Community members are invited to this FREE workshop in order to learn about the tool and to try it out for themselves.
E-mail sstoddart@selkirk.ca to register your attendance or click here for more information.

Camas Discovery Day
May 11, Castlegar
Join the Kootenay Native Plant Society for Camas Discovery Day and discover why the camas lily is more than a captivating spring wildflower. Special guests Sinixt Arrow Lakes Facilitator Virgil Seymour and camas expert and ethnobotanist Brenda Beckwith will share their knowledge about camas. 
Click here for more information.
 
Creston Valley Bird Festival
May 9 - 11, Creston
Some of the highlights of the 2014 Bird Fest are keynote speaker Dave Quinn, CBC radio's "outdoor adventure guy, a photography workshop hosted by well-known West Kootenay photographer Jim Lawrence and raptor specialist Brian Baxter from Libby Montana. Registration closes May 9. 
Click here for more information.

Natural Processes for Restoration of Drastically Disturbed Sites Course
May 13, Nelson
Explore the natural processes that provide nutrients and nutrient cycling capacity to ecosystems and how these can be re-established on disturbed sites. The systems and processes that naturally reclaim disturbed sites can be established on anthropogenic disturbances easily and at a lower cost than using traditional reclamation techniques. 
Click here for more information.

Resource Roads in BC: Environmental Challenges at a Landscape Level

May 14 - 15, Nelson

This conference put on by the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology (CMI) will address road-network effects and management responses for addressing landscape-level environmental and social impacts.Talks will summarize the positive and negative effects of road networks across large regions or landscapes.

Click here for more information.

 

2014 BC Land Summit

May 14 - 16, Vancouver 

The 2014 BC Land Summit will provide a unique inter-professional opportunity to learn, share ideas, collaborate and network with others working in diverse land-related fields. 

Click here for more information.  

 

British Columbia Cattlemen's Association AGM

May 22 - 24, Creston

The 86th Annual BC Cattlemen's Convention and AGM will be hosted by Creston Valley Beef Growers Association. 

Click here for more information. 

 

CBEEN Soiree, Expo & AGM 

May 22, Nelson 
This celebration of environmental education will bring together educators, community leaders and stakeholders for an evening at the Hume Hotel in Nelson. Local environmental educators are invited to set-up a booth to promote their programs as part of the Environmental Education Expo. 
Please email info@cbeen.org to RSVP and reserve a table. Click here for more information.   

Wetland Restoration Design and Mapping Workshop
May 30 - June 1, Meadow Creek
Join the BC Wildlife Federation and renowned wetland restoration expert Tom Biebighauser to learn how to design a wetland restoration plan. Tom has restored over 1400 wetlands across North America and will cover topics such as the benefits of restoration, the history of wetland drainage in North America and the principles of wetland design.
Click here for more information and to register.

North America Congress for Conservation Biology (NACCB)

July 13 - 16, Missoula

The NACCB provides a forum for presenting and discussing research and developments in conservation science and practice for addressing today's conservation challenges. 

Click here for more information.  

 

Summer Outdoor Leadership and Development Initiatives for Youth (SOLIDIFY)

August 18 - 28, Kootenay Lake

This 11 day program is an opportunity for young adults (aged 16-18) to build confidence through problem solving skills; to work more effectively in teams, and to develop communication skills. The program runs August 18th-28th, 2014. Applications accepted until July 15th. 

Click here for more information.  

 

5th Annual Conference of the Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent

September 10 - 12, Waterton

More information coming soon at www.crownroundtable.org.   

Solving Wicked Problems: Using human dimensions to inform natural resource management

October 1 - 3, Kimberley

During this Columbia Mountains Institute (CMI) conference, participants will examine how to use human dimensions research and methods to help resource practitioners resolve "wicked problems" in southeastern BC. 

Click here for more information.  

 

Public Participation for Natural Resource and Environmental Assessment Managers 

October 2 - 3, Kimberley  
This CMI course is designed as an introduction to public participation basic concepts and skills. Despite the demonstrated benefits of effective public participation, few resource and environmental assessment managers have formal training or professional development in planning for and implementing participatory processes. 
Click here for more information and course registration.

Voices for Sustainability Symposium
October 17 - 19, Golden
CBEEN's popular annual gathering of environmental educators will take place at Quantum Leaps Lodge in Golden. Registration to open in August.  

Real Estate Foundation of BC Land Awards Gala
October 17, Vancouver
The Land Awards will be presented in the categories of Public Sector, Private Sector and Non-profit Sector as well as the individual Land Champion Award.
Click here for more information.  

Columbia River Basin International Conference
October 21 - 23, Spokane
Conference Theme: Learning from Our Past to Shape Our Future. 
Click here for more information.

Wetlands & Watersheds: You and the Slocan

This new publication provides landowners with information on how they can participate in wetland conservation through a variety of resources and organizations. Slocan Valley residents share common interests in clear water, flood control, and enhancement of the area's ecological quality. As a large percentage of the riparian habitat along the river is under private ownership, waterfront property owners have a unique opportunity to steward the Valley's natural spaces and maintain their value for future generations. Click here to view the publication.
 

 

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