The mission of Columbia Basin Trust is to support the ideas and efforts of Basin residents to create a legacy of well-being for present and future generations. It’s a directive that Tim Hicks, as a Senior Manager of Delivery of Benefits, has taken to heart since joining the Trust in 2013.

“Columbia Basin Trust is an amazing public resource that reflects the priorities of the people of this region,” he said. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work with a wide range of people in the Basin — including First Nations, subject matter experts, non-profit groups, government agencies and businesses — who are passionate about the environmental, economic and social well-being of this region, and who know how to continue making this a wonderful place to live for current and future generations… for all living things.”

Originally from New Brunswick, Tim moved to the Nelson area in 1998. With a master’s degree in Environment and Management, and a career in the environmental and resource field spanning over two decades, he’s worked for local and provincial governments, and as a consultant, focusing on terrestrial ecosystem assessment, plant inventories, fisheries and hydrometric studies, community engagement, environmental assessment, solid waste reduction and silviculture. He also completed the Integrated Environment Planning program at Selkirk College and was a founding member of the Slocan River Streamkeepers.

“My focus at the Trust includes ecosystem conservation and restoration, climate change, water stewardship, environmental education and supporting capacity building for non-profits working on environmental well-being,” he said. “These priorities have all come from Basin residents and communities, and are reflected  in our current Environment Strategic Plan approved by the Trust Board of Directors.”

As well as identifying and implementing ways to act on environmental priorities given to the Trust by residents and communities, Tim’s other areas of responsibility include youth, heritage, arts and culture, and recreation and physical activity.

“I feel fortunate to work with a great team of people here at the Trust, as well as with program delivery partners and communities, without whom the benefits we deliver to the Basin would not be possible.”

Given the Trust’s support of conservation efforts across the Basin, Tim offers a unique perspective on this work.

“There’s a deep knowledge in this region about what can be done to support ecosystems, and how to do it effectively. Indigenous peoples’ extensive knowledge and connection to the land, consultants, government agencies, non-profits – there is a wealth of expertise in this region to steward ecosystems now and into the future.”

Together with community partners, the Trust is catalyzing strategic opportunities that yield significant benefits for the region, like the Columbia Basin Water Monitoring Framework that Living Lakes Canada is developing; developing and implementing a wide range of programs, from granting to ones that focus on collecting, developing and sharing knowledge such as the Climate Action Program and environmental education programs; and facilitating large scale benefits for the Basin like the Ecosystem Enhancement Program that is identifying and supporting landscape level ecosystem projects. The Trust is also a major funder of KCP’s programs, initiatives and events.

“I have a deep passion for being part of and supporting efforts to steward ecosystems and peoples’ intrinsic connections with nature,” said Tim. “After all, we’re all a part of the ecosystems we’re caring for and that care for us.”

To access the Trust’s Environment Strategic Plan, visit: https://ourtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/downloads/EnvironmentalStrategicPlan_FINAL-web.pdf