The KCP Executive Committee is elected from representatives of the KCP Steering Committee and provides ongoing feedback and support for KCP operations.

Derek

Derek Petersen – Ecosystem Scientist, Parks Canada

Derek currently coordinates the Ecological Integrity Monitoring Program for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks.  Derek’s 30 year career with Parks Canada has spanned responsibilities ranging from integrated land use planning, to social science, to conservation biology and has included postings across western and northern Canada.  Derek has a Master’s degree in Science, an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and Economics and a diploma in Renewable Resources Technology.
Adrian Leslie

Adrian Leslie – South Selkirk Program Manager, Nature Conservancy of Canada

Adrian Leslie, MSc, RPBio has been working in the Columbia Basin on ecosystem conservation, restoration and research for over 10 years. He is a Registered Professional Biologist with experience working in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems from low elevation floodplains to high elevation forests throughout the Columbia Basin. He has a Master’s degree in Environment and Management and has lead several research and restoration projects, and has extensive experience helping organizations complete environmental projects. Adrian has worked with a variety of environmental stakeholders in the Columbia Basin including non-profit, governmental, educational, industrial, and private organizations.
KCP Executive Committee - Jen Vogel

Jennifer Vogel

Jennifer is a Professional Agrologist and a Executive Director of the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Royal Roads University, and has spent most of her career working in the field of invasive species management and environmental stewardship. A great lover of the outdoors, Jennifer spends much of her free time exploring the beautiful west Kootenays.

KCP Executive Committee - Ian Parnell

Ian Parnell

Ian Parnell is Head of the Protected Areas Unit for the Canadian Wildlife Service’s Pacific Region. During 8 years with CWS, Ian has also been a Species at Risk Biologist and most recently, the Head of the region’s Landscape Assessment and Planning Unit. As a consultant for 18 years prior to joining CWS, Ian specialized in facilitating the design and implementation of environmental monitoring programs in Canada and the US. He holds a Master of Resource Management degree from Simon Fraser University.
Rob-2012

Rob Neil – Lands Manager, Nature Trust of BC

Rob is the Kootenay Conservation Land Manager for The Nature Trust of BC.  Rob is a habitat conservation biologist with 28 years of operational experience in fish, wildlife, wildlife habitat, forestry and range management. He brings extensive experience in the areas of Forest Ecosystem, Regional Habitat, Fisheries, Planning and Habitat Conservation. Rob’s duties encompass being The Nature Trust local representative in the Kootenays, coordinating all aspects of site management including preparation and execution of ecologically based Management Plans, and supporting local community and outreach activities.
Dave White Sept 2013 low res

Dave White – Past President, BCWF / Board member, FWCP – CB

Dave is past president of both the East Kootenay Wildlife Association and BC Wildlife Federation, past chair of the East Kootenay Conservation Program and the current president of the Canal Wilderness Club.  Dave is also a public representative for the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program – Columbia.  He is a keen angler, hunter, back country horseman, and operates a trapline near his home in Canal Flats.

KCP Manager Juliet Craig

Juliet Craig – Program Manager, Kootenay Conservation Program

Juliet Craig brings a collaborative and innovative mindset to ecological projects. She works out of Nelson and has a broad range of conservation experience including invasive plant management, bat conservation, species at risk planning, and environmental education. This experience has allowed her to focus on the connections between people and the land and the important role of private landowner stewardship in conservation. Juliet has an M.Sc. in ethnobotany and is a Registered Professional Biologist and Professional Agrologist. When not working, she enjoys camping and exploring the beautiful Kootenay region with her family.