Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors (KBFA) program provides information and services to strengthen agriculture in our region.
Continue readingAccess Information and Resources to Steward Your Farm
Develop an Environmental Farm Plan for No Cost
Farm Plans
Photo: Rachael Roussin
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 the Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF). Visit their website to learn more about the program, view some success stories, and make an inquiry.
Additional Resources
Receive Incentives to Conserve and Restore Riparian Sites on Your Farm
Farm Incentives
Farmland Advantage is a research and development program that works with farmers to protect and conserve critical, natural lands, streams and habitats in British Columbia.
The project helps farmers identify the natural values which can be protected and enhanced, develops recommendations and plans to preserve them, and provides financial compensation to offset the costs of improvements. The Farmland Advantage Program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
Support a Healthy Landscape and Reduce the Risk of Wildfire on Your Property in the RDCK
Wildfires
Photo: Bruce Blackwell
Fires are a natural component of ecosystems in the Kootenays. FireSmarting your property not only improves the forest ecosystem but also protects land and buildings. Individual homeowners and wider communities can take simple steps to reduce the impact of wildfire.
The time to reduce the threat of wildfire is now, not when a fire is at your doorstep. Be proactive, be practical, and be FireSmart.
Contact the RDCK to schedule a free FireSmart home assessment and earn up to $500 for taking action to mitigate wildfire risk around your home and property.
Regional District of Central Kootenay
Wildfire Mitigation Office
1-250-352-1539
Additional Resources
It’s Time To Get FireSmart About Wildfires In BC. In British Columbia, wildfires are becoming an increasing threat. Fortunately, there is a solution that everyone can be a part of. Introducing FireSmart BC: the go-to resource for combating the problem of wildfire in BC.
Get Funding for your Local Conservation Project in the Kootenay Lake Area and Slocan Valley
Conservation Fund
Apply to the Regional District of Central Kootenay Local Conservation Fund (RDCK LCF; previously called the Kootenay Lake LCF) to support your conservation initiative the Kootenay Lake area and Slocan Valley. The fund provides financial support for projects that work to conserve natural values, specifically water, wildlife and habitat in these areas.
Kootenay Conservation Program, or KCP, works in partnership with the RDCK to deliver this Fund which is a local government, tax-based service in Electoral Areas A, D, E and H of the RDCK and projects must occur within these areas. Non-profit societies, Indigenous Nations, and local governments 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 the KCP website.
Kootenay Conservation Program
Local Conservation Fund Coordinator
kendal@kootenayconservation.ca
Additional Resources
This short video provides an excellent overview of the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund.
Donate Ecologically Significant Land to a Land Trust
Land Donation
Some landowners in the region have ecologically significant properties that include these types of habitats and are situated in important wildlife corridors. If you are a landowner with ecologically significant land, you may be interested in conserving its biodiversity and wildlife habitat values for future generations.
Land trusts are organizations that acquire properties for conservation. Kootenay Conservation Program assists with coordinating private land securement amongst these land trusts and key partners and funders to collectively prioritize the most strategic, important properties for acquisition.
If you are a landowner interested in selling or donating your property for conservation, and it has significant ecological values, please feel free to contact Kootenay Conservation Program.
Kootenay Conservation Program
On behalf of participating land trusts.
info@kootenayconservation.ca
Additional Resources
This video explains the Kootenay Conservation Program’s role in private land securement for landowners interested in donating land to conservation.
Receive Tax Benefits by Donating Ecologically Significant Land to a Qualified Recipient
Tax Incentives
Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program provides a way for Canadians with ecologically sensitive land to protect nature and leave a legacy for future generations.
Made possible by the terms of the Income Tax Act of Canada, it offers significant tax benefits to landowners who donate ecologically significant land land or a partial interest in ecologically significant land to a qualified recipient.
Recipients ensure that the land’s biodiversity and environmental heritage are conserved in perpetuity.
Additional Resources
2020 marks the 25th anniversary of Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program. Land donors Howard and Jean Clifford speak about why they participated in the program and the importance of conserving nature for future generations.
Report Bullfrogs and Learn to Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species in the Central Kootenay
Aquatic Invasives
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) works to minimize the impacts of invasive species on the ecosystems, communities, and economy of the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
Protect our waters from aquatic invasive species by learning more about how to prevent their spread and how to Clean, Drain and Dry all watercraft and equipment.
Contact CKISS for information, resources and to report invasive species. Invasive Mussel Reports should be reported directly to the BC Conservation Officer Services Hotline: 1-877-952-7277.
Additional Resources
This short video provides an overview of the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society.
Receive Information and Resources to Prevent and Control Invasive Plants in the RDCK
Invasive Plants
Photo: Northwest Invasive Plant Council
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) works to minimize the impacts of invasive species on the ecosystems, communities, and economy of the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
CKISS provides guidance and support so you can learn more about invasive species and prevent the introduction and spread of terrestrial invasive plants and animals on your property and across the region.
Contact CKISS for information, resources and to report invasive species.
Additional Resources
This short video provides an overview of the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society.
Plant NOW for the future! Protect the Kootenays with EcoGardens
EcoGardens
Photo: Elk Root Conservation Farm Society
Want to know which plants to use in your garden to help nature? Want to attract pollinators and make a difference?
Follow the EcoGarden plant list. EcoGardens are native and non-invasive cultivated plants that thrive in the Central Kootenay region. They were chosen by local experts to meet the needs of our future ecosystems and the needs of declining wildlife. Plants that are ClimateSmart, WaterSmart, FireSmart, non-invasive, and attract birds and pollinators are highlighted on the EcoGarden Plant list.
It is important to recognize that plants that attract birds such as fruit bearing plants, also attract bears and deer to their detriment. Take note of WildSafe concerns which are explained in the detailed plant list. All these plants are available from local sources and chosen by local experts to ensure success by gardeners and landscapers alike.
Let’s grow something good. The EcoGarden vision is that Kootenay gardens are ecologically informed and at least 20% native plants. Plant lists are available on the CKISS website.
Consultation by Donation and Inclusionary Educational Program webinars, workshops, and field days on Planting for Pollinators, Gardening with Native Plants and EcoGardening are available through Elk Root Conservation’s website.
The Kootenay Native Plant Society website has research-based lists of West Kootenay native plants for specialist bees, rare and climate-vulnerable butterflies, and other insects, as well as information about upcoming events.
