Myra Juckers is part of the Land and Resources Department with the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it First Nation (Tobacco Plains Band), located in Grasmere. In her role as Environmental Officer, she is directly involved with many on the ground projects including wetland restoration and ungulate habitat enhancement. She especially enjoys being able to connect with a variety of people and organizations, including specialists, government staff, consultants, and NGOs.

Here’s a question. What well-known animal is quickly becoming a true climate change celebrity? Think roly-poly body, wee squat legs, yellowy buckteeth, that pear-shaped profile on the Canadian nickel. Indeed, the lowly beaver may often be disregarded and in some circles despised. But for a landscape facing wildfire, drought or floods, Castor canadensis is a downright superhero— one that scientists and community groups in the Kootenays are turning to for answers.

Camille Roberge, KCP’s new Stewardship Coordinator, has a diverse array of wildlife studies under her belt, having conducted field research on a wide variety of species, from black swifts to bull trout to elk and moose.

In her role as a Senior Manager responsible for Development & Community Sustainability Services with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), Sangita Sudan sees many synergies between the various services and programs that she manages. One of the lenses she views her work through is conservation, which she sees as being vital to the community planning process.