Kootenay Conservation Program eNews

June 2015 

 

It's the busy season for conservation work, so we're glad you found the time to take in all that is going on in conservation in the Kootenays this month. Please kick back, relax, and take a well deserved break while you enjoy our monthly eNews.

 

The next KCP Steering Committee meeting will take place on Thursday, June 18. Information on the meeting will be sent directly to committee members shortly. Also, please save the date for the KCP Annual Gathering & AGM which will take place on September 25 - 26. 

 

We are now accepting nominations for the 2015 KCP Conservation Leadership Award. This award recognize individuals in our region for their contributions to conservation. Nominiations are due by September 1 and winner(s) will be announced on September 25 at the KCP Annual Gathering. Click here for more information. 

 

And in case you missed the news, Adrienne Shaw has joined the KCP team as our new Stewardship Coordinator! She has been busy connecting with KCP partners and planning for the upcoming West and East Kootenay Stewardship Committee meetings. The West Kootenay Stewardship Committee meeting will take place on June 4 and the East Kootenay Stewardship Committee meeting will take place on June 17. Information on the meetings will be sent directly to committee members. Adrienne can be contacted at adrienne@kootenayconservation.ca and you can click here to read more about her.

 

If you are looking at attending on of the many professional development opportunities listed below, but need some support in order to do so, you can check our our Professional Development Bursary Program by clicking here. 
 

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. 

Jennifer Vogel

Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee

 

Jennifer joined the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee (CKIPC) team as an Operations Technician and has recently been promoted to Executive Director where she works with private landowners, industry partners, stewardship groups, all levels of government, and many others to prevent and manage the spread of invasive species. 

 

Established as a non-profit society in 2005 by a group of residents and company/agency representatives, CKIPC aims to promote collaborative approaches to invasive plant prevention and management. CKIPC is supported its membership and partners, and guided by a dedicated Board of Directors. Since its establishment, CKIPC has expanded its programs to include education and outreach, on-the-ground operations and aquatic invasive species.
 

Click here to read more about Jennifer and her work with CKIPC.


Indicators of Climate Change Adaptation Project Reports Released 
Rural Development Institute (RDI)
Three reports from our research partnership with Columbia Basin Trust's Communities Adapting to Climate Change Initiative are now available. This project assessed the extent to which State of the Basin indicators can be used to measure climate adaptation and resilience in Basin communities, recommend a suite of indicators that fill any gaps left by State of the Basin, and developed a process that other regions can use to produce their own assessment of their adaptation and resilience to climate change.
Click here to read more.

Projects Approved for Environment Grants
Columbia Basin Trust (CBT)
Thirty-nine projects have recently been granted a combined total of over $1.3 million from Columbia Basin Trust's Environment Grants. Funds are also currently available for groups seeking grants of up to $10,000 for their environmental projects.Groups are encouraged to apply as soon as possible at cbt.org/applyenvironment. As funding is limited, applications will be considered as they arrive. Projects needing more than $10,000 can apply for funding in the fall. "We appreciate all the work people throughout the Basin are doing to help preserve the natural assets of our region and address pressing environmental issues," said Tim Hicks, Columbia Basin Trust Manager, Water and Environment. "Projects of all sizes can yield significant benefits, and we encourage groups with requests of up to $10,000 to come forward as soon as possible with their project ideas." Successful projects from the last intake include ones that strengthen ecosystems, help communities mitigate and adapt to climate change, and support environmental education--all of which address goals in the Trust's Environment Strategic Plan. 
Click here to read more.

Conservation Leadership Awards
Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP)
KCP's annual Conservation Leadership Award recognizes individual(s) that are proven leaders that contribute to the field of conservation. Their work is primarily based in the Kootenays, although they may also be very active in other geographic areas. Although nominees are not required to be affiliated with a KCP partner, they must show a commitment towards our vision of "landscapes in the Kootenays that sustain naturally functioning ecosystems that can in turn support economic and social well-being."
Click here to read more.

2015-16 Approved Projects for Funding
Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF)
At the British Columbia Wildlife Federation AGM in Fernie, HCTF Chair Harvey Andrusak announced the Foundation's approval of $6.5 Million in grants for 119 enhancement & restoration projects. Successful grant recipients will be working across the province to improve conservation outcomes for BC's fish & wildlife. To find out what HCTF projects are happening near you, take a look at our interactive project map by clicking here or read through the list of projects approved in the Kootenays click here.
Click here to read more. 

Announcement of  FY15 Funding Awards
Great Northern Landscape Conservation Cooperative (GNLCC)
The Great Northern LCC is pleased to announce the commitment of $700,000 to landscape science, information management, and capacity support for the fiscal year 2015. With GNLCC funds, we are supporting a diverse range of science, capacity and organizational projects through leveraging of ongoing work. This is part of our strategy to move towards a shared information base to inform our collective vision for landscape conservation among partners. We encourage leveraged dollars and programs to support common priorities. Through these projects, we are leveraging our dollars tenfold while strategically targeting our partners priority work and supporting mutual goals for landscape conservation. Priorities and criteria for selection are described in the GNLCC Strategic Conservation Framework and in the FY15 Funding Guidance. 
Click here to read more.

Water Quality and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Outing 
Friends of Kootenay Lake (FOKL)
Be a part of the third and final year of a three-year water quality monitoring program. The study will provide important baseline data for one of the highest populated portions of the lake and to encourage a broader and deeper understanding the lake's ecosystem. In the first two years we captured 10,200 data points and provided one-on-one training with over 50 volunteers. We are also teaming up with the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee to monitor for zebra and quagga mussels. These aquatic invasive species are posing a threat to many of our freshwater systems in BC including Kootenay Lake.
Click here to read more.

The Bats are Back! 
Kootenay Community Bat Project (KCBP)
If you have a bat colony roosting on your property, we encourage you to participate in the Annual Bat Count. You can find more information and download this year's forms by clicking here. Also, check out the new "Seven Steps to Managing Bats in Buildings" booklet by clicking here. The KCBP is gearing up for site visits in the East Kootenay. If you, or someone you know, has bats living in a building in the Columbia Valley or Elk Valley, please report them to us by emailing leighanne@kootenaybats.com or call 1-855-9BC-BATS ext. 14. For those in the Creston area, there will be an Annual Bat Count Workshop at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area on Thursday, June 4.
Click here for more information. 

Graceful Grasslands: Focus on Restoration in the Rocky Mountain Trench
Wildsight
The Rocky Mountain Trench runs from Montana in the south all the way up to the BC-Yukon border. Also known as the Valley of a Thousand Peaks, this sensitive ecosystem is often overshadowed by the towering mountains that surround it-the Rocky Mountain range on its the east side and the Columbia and Cassiar ranges on its west. But the trench is special in its own right. And needs our attention. Through the Rocky Mountain Trench Society, Wildsight, along with multiple and diverse partners such as the Kootenay Livestock Association and the Southern Guides and Outfitters Association, is working hard to restore the rich diversity of the trench between Radium Hot Springs and the US order. The Trench Society is an active member of The Rocky Mountain Trench Ecosystem Restoration Program. The first of its kind in BC, this important program conducts prescribed burns and works with local logging companies to deal with forest in-growth and other landscape challenges and impacts. 
Click here to read more.

Kokanee Fry Introduced into Crawford Creek and Hendricks Creek
Eastshore Freshwater Habitat Society (EFHS)
On May 21 97,000 Kokanee fry were introduced into Crawford creek (92,000) and Hendricks creek (5,000). Approximately 65 people showed up to help bucket the 2 inch landlocked Sockeye salmon into there new home in the creeks then down into Kootenay Lake. Crawford bay students and teachers took some time away from the classroom to learn how the process of stocking lakes and rivers works. The young fry made their way over from the Bull River hatchery east of Cranbrook in a large tank truck and four technicians from Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. 
Click here to read more.

Food System Planning Knowledge Brief Released 
Rural Development Institute (RDI)
The RDI has just released a six page summary of the recurring themes, related issues and similar recommendations found in the three recent agricultural plans of the Columbia Basin-Boundary Region. The Regional District of East Kootenay completed their agricultural plan this fall, and both the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and Regional District of Central Kootenay completed plans in 2011. These three plans identify many common information gaps and challenges faced by farmers and the agriculture industry, and also recognize common opportunities to improve the local food system. This paper is intended for local politicians, economic development officers, planners, funders and anyone else who might be interested in an effort to assist and promote the most common and highest priority actions in the plans. This paper is part of the food systems research project recently launched by the RDI, with funding support from the Real Estate Foundation of BC. The project examines how food production could be increased in environmentally, economically, culturally and socially sustainable ways. 
Click here to read more.

Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent Coordinator

Deadline: June 26

The Leadership Team for the Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent is seeking an enthusiastic and well-organized person with the vision, passion, and
capacity to work with people and organizations across sectors and at all levels as the "Roundtable Coordinator." The Crown Roundtable was formally launched in
2010 and serves as an ongoing forum for individuals, organizations, governments, academic institutions, and tribes and First Nations around the Crown of the Continent to exchange information and ideas, build relationships, share best practices, build a regional identity, and catalyze new projects and activities - all aimed at sustaining and enhancing the cultural, community-based, and conservation values of the region. 

Click here for more information.

 

Environmental Compliance Senior Lead

Deadline: June 3

Teck is currently seeking an individual in the role of: Senior Lead, Environmental Compliance. Reporting to the Manager, Environmental Compliance, the Senior Lead, Environmental Compliance is responsible for environmental compliance within the Water Project and Operations group, thereby supporting achievement of the objectives of the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan. The incumbent will work interactively with site, business unit and corporate environment groups to lead the understanding and management of the environmental impact of all active water treatment operations.

Click here for more information.

Natural Resources Canada

Deadline: June 5
This Call for Proposals relates to cost-shared projects that increase the uptake and use of existing resources, decision-support tools or other climate change adaptation-relevant information, with a focus on results from the Climate Change Adaptation Platform. Up to $400,000 is available in total to be awarded through this process.  

Click here for more information.


Columbia Basin Trust Environment Grant Program

Deadline: June 30

CBT's Environment Grants support community-initiated and community-supported projects that help meet program goals in the areas of Ecosystems, Water and Environmental Education.

Click here for more information.
 

Project Funding - TD Friends of the Environment Foundation

Deadline: July 15

The funding program supports habitat restoration, endangered species/wildlife protection and environmental research.
Click here to find out more.

 

Leadership Grants - TD Friends of the Environment Foundation

Deadline: July 15

The TD FEF Leadership Grant program aims to enhance the organizational capacity of environmental charities by providing funding for both formal and informal training and development opportunities for leaders within these organizations.

Click here to find out more.
 

Real Estate Foundation of BC

Deadline: September 16*

*Please note that the original June 6 intake for general grants has been postponed to a fall intake. 

This is for general grants of up to $20,000. Water, sustainable food systems and well-planned built environments are a priority for these grants.

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. 


Patagonia Foundation

Deadline: Ongoing

Patagonia funds environmental work. They are most interested in making grants to organizations that identify and work on the root causes of problems and that approach issues with a commitment to long-term change. They support small, grassroots, activist organizations with provocative direct-action agendas, working on multi-pronged campaigns to preserve and protect our environment. 

Click here for more information. 

Weed Management Workshop

June 2, Windermere

Half-day outdoor workshop with weed identification, impacts of invasives, integrated management options, reporting weed locations, application techniques, and how to find resources. Variety of speakers including other First Nation experts, biologists, agrologists, contract sprayers, and herbicide representatives.
Click here for more information. 

 

Predicting Future Conflicts Between Roads and Wildlife Connectivity

June 3, Online

Presented by Pat McGowen, Western Transportation Institute, Montana State University (WTI); Meredith McClure, Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC); Cameron Ellis, Sonoran Institute; Rob Ament, WTI and CLLC.

Click here for more information.

 
Annual Bat Count Workshop
June 4, Creston
See a local bat colony and become trained as a Citizen Scientist. Come and learn more about bat ecology and conservation and how to conduct an Annual Bat Count to monitor bat populations.
Click here for more information.

Upper Columbia River Watershed Tour
June 9, Columbia Valley
Join the Lake Windermere Ambassadors and discover the Upper Columbia River Watershed!  On the tour, you will have the chance to meander where water meets agriculture, aquatic ecosystems, citizen science, drinking water treatment, and habitat restoration projects. A delicious lunch will be provided by Edible Acres Café + Catering at the Columbia River Headwaters. Admission is free but space is limited! Contact Megan Peloso at (250) 341-6898 or info@lakeambassadors.ca to reserve your spot.
Click here for more information.

Wild & Scenic Film Fest
June 12, Nelson
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival Tour is stopping in Nelson on Friday June 12 for a cinematic evening of stories set in wild landscapes around the world. Join Wildsight for a journey to spectacular places and tales of adventures living life outside- all with a conservation mindset. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival, North America's largest environmental film festival, will bring two hours of the beautiful, the exciting and the inspiring to Nelson's Capitol Theatre on June 12 at 7:00pm, just in time to inspire your Kootenay summer adventures.
Click here for more information.

Grassland Restoration Field Tour
June 24, Cranbrook/Jaffray
The Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resources Society (a partner in the Rocky Mountain Trench Ecosystem Restoration Program) will host a field tour on Wednesday June 24, 2015 in the Jaffray area. Tim Ross M.Sc., P.Ag., of Ross Range and Reclamation Services, will present the results and recommendations of his recent report titled "Waldo North Grassland Restoration Pilot Project Monitoring Program."
Click here for more information.

Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee (CKIPC) 10th Year Anniversary Celebration 
June 27, Nelson
2015 is CKIPC's 10th year as a non-profit society. As such, we are hosting a 10th Year Anniversary Celebration in Nelson BC on June 27th from 1-9 pm. The afternoon events will be open to the public and will be geared towards children. The evening events (6-9 pm) will be invite only (stewardship groups, industry partners, CKIPC membership) and will be geared towards networking and providing an avenue for professionals to discuss invasive species as they may relate to their current projects.
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.

Graphic Facilitation Workshop
July 13 - 14, Rossland
Think about when communities plan and imagine their futures, when teams consider the possible outcomes for their projects, when groups create maps to track their progress. This experiential workshop focuses on engaging people beyond words and text and takes place almost entirely at the drawing surface. You can expect to go away with icons, ideas and approaches for embedding visuals into your work - which you can use immediately, as well as ideas about how to hone your current practice. 
Click here for more information.

BC CABIN Field Practicum
July 28 - 29, Nelson
The objective of the CABIN Training Program is to provide participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct nationally standardized freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring and assessments.  By adopting CABIN, certified partners reduce the work required in building their own biomonitoring program, benefit from the collective research efforts by practitioners across Canada and contribute consistent data to the national database. In turn, this data can be shared for building more accurate and up-to-date assessment models.  
Click here for more information.

CABIN Field Training
August 11-12, Golden
This Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network field training session requires advance completion of online training modules to gain access to the CABIN database. 
For more information contact rachel@wildsight.ca.

Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent Conference
September 16 - 18, Missoula
New Ideas and Enduring Values: The Next Generation of Leadership on the Crown
Click here for more information. 

KCP Annual Gathering & AGM
September 25 - 25, Location TBA
Join KCP partners for this professional development and networking opportunity. Location and agenda to be announced.
For more information email info@kootenayconservation.ca. 

Voices for Sustainability Symposium
October 2 - 4, Edgewood
Join environmental educators and outreach specialists at Whatshan Lake Retreat near Nakusp to share best practices and new ideas in communicating sustainability and stewardship in the Columbia Basin.
For more information email info@cbeen.org. 
Community Stewardship Guide
Stewardship Centre of BC
Community Stewardship is intended to be a practical guide to assist individuals, groups and communities get organized to do stewardship work. The guide was produced in response to many suggestions from "those that have already done it" and have advice to offer and request from "those that want to do it" and need help. Most of you will not have direct access to so-called experts that can help you get started and stay working on stewardship initiatives. This guide is intended to do just that, and is part of the "Stewardship Series" referenced in the bibliography.
Click here for more information.

Conservation Resource Directory
Great Northern Landscape Conservation Cooperative 
To enhance communications and information exchange on landscape-level conservation efforts, the Great Northern LCC has developed an online resource directory containing descriptions of landscape initiatives and organizations that conduct conservation work within the Great Northern geographic area. The resource directory is a work in progress. The initial list for the Organizations Directory is comprised of organizations on the GNLCC Steering Committee. The Landscape Initiatives Directory displays projects and partnerships that contribute to landscape conservation or have stated landscape goals in the Great Northern area. A map of the initiatives is included.
Click here for more information.

Digital Basin Portal
Rural Development Institute (RDI)
The Digital Basin Portal is an interactive tool for users to access State of the Basin data as it is made available in real time. Users are able to interact with the data and pull information by economic, social, cultural and environmental indicator and by geographic corridor or community. 
Click here for more information.

 

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.