Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors (KBFA) program provides information and services to strengthen agriculture in our region.
Continue readingAccess Resources for your Farm Business
Develop an Environmental Farm Plan
Farm Plans
Photo credit: Rachael Roussin
Develop an Environmental Farm Plan for no cost
Join this no-cost and confidential program to develop an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). Farmers who have an Environmental Farm Plan are serious about learning how to reduce agriculture’s impact on the environment. Many Environmental Farm Plan participants enjoy increased efficiency, profitability and new customers as a result of increased environmental sustainability. Completion of the EFP may allow for funding to make improvements on your farm. This is a Provincial program funded and administered by ARDCorp (the BC Agricultural Research & Development Corporation).
Environmental Farm Plan Program
1-866-522-3447
Conserve Species at Risk Habitat on your Ranch
Species at Risk
How do I conserve species at risk habitat on my ranch?
Species At Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Land (SARPAL) pilot program is designed to assist cattle producers in adopting management practices that benefit their ranch operation as well as the bird species (until March 31, 2019)
Receive Incentives for Sustainable Farming
Farm Incentives
Would you like to receive money for conserving critical habitat on your farm?
The project helps farmers identify the natural values which can be protected and enhanced, and develops recommendations and plans to preserve them.
Protect Your Property from Fire
Wildfires
Photo credit: Bruce Blackwell
How do I protect my property from fire?
In the valley bottoms of the Kootenays, forest and grasslands regularly had fires burning that kept grasses healthy and forests open. Learn about how to be Fire Smart, not only to protect your property, but to maintain healthy landscape.
Regional District of Central Kootenay
Joel Hamilton
Wildfire Mitigation Supervisor
250-352-8177
Get Funding for your Local Conservation Project
Local Conservation
Photo Credit: Larry Halverson
How do I find funding for a local conservation project?
Apply to the RDEK’s Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund to support your conservation initiative in the Columbia Valley area. The Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund provides financial support for projects that work to conserve the Columbia Valley’s natural values, specifically water, fish and wildlife, and open spaces like farmland and grasslands.
The Kootenay Conservation Program, or KCP, works in partnership with the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) to deliver this Fund which is a local government, tax-based service in the Columbia Valley subregion of the RDEK from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen and projects must occur within these areas. Non-profit societies, local governments, and First Nations can apply to this fund and individuals can also apply by partnering with these groups.
Applications are due at the end of October each year and application forms and relevant information can be found on our website.
Kootenay Conservation Program
Juliet Craig
manager@kootenayconservation.ca
Additional Resources
This short video provides an excellent overview of the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund.
Get Funding for your Local Conservation Project
Conservation Fund
How do I find funding for a local conservation project?
The Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund provides financial support for projects that work to conserve the Kootenay Lake region’s natural values, specifically water, wildlife and habitat. The Kootenay Conservation Program, or KCP, works in partnership with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) to deliver this Fund which is a local government, tax-based service in Electoral Areas A, D and E of the RDCK and projects must occur within these areas. Non-profit societies, local governments, and First Nations can apply to this fund and individuals can also apply by partnering with these groups. Applications are due at the end of October each year and application forms and relevant information can be found on our website.
Kootenay Conservation Program
Juliet Craig
manager@kootenayconservation.ca
Additional Resources
This short video provides an excellent overview of the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund.
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Report Terrestrial Invasive Species in the Columbia Shuswap
Terrestrial Invasives
Report invasive plants, learn more about how to control them on our property, and receive support for treatment.
Help prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals. Learn more about how to control them on our property, and receive support for treatment. Report using a smartphone app or online form: www.reportinvasives.ca
Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society
Robyn Hooper
1-855-785-9333
info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org
Additional Resources
This short video provides an overview of the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society.
Report Terrestrial Invasive Species in the East Kootenay
Terrestrial Invasives
How do I recognize and report non-native plants?
Report invasive plants in the East Kootenay; learn more about how to control them on our property, and receive support for treatment.
Additional Resources
Watch this short video for an excellent overview of the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council.
Report and Monitor Camas Populations
Report Camas Populations
How can I help document Camas meadows in the Kootenays?
Report camas patches (photo and location) and join “Camas Watch” to help learn more about the timing of key seasonal events (phenology) of camas.
Kootenay Native Plant Society
Valerie Huff
kootenaywild@gmail.com
