Nine conservation projects were recently approved by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) to receive funding from the RDCK Local Conservation Fund in 2026. A local government service that creates a dedicated fund for conservation, the RDCK Local Conservation Fund distributes funding to projects in Electoral Areas A, D, E, F and H that are approved by the RDCK Board of Directors each year.
Bat conservation depends on both science and community engagement. As Project Coordinator of the Kootenay Community Bat Project (KCBP) since 2021, Elodie Kuhnert works with landowners, volunteers, and local governments to promote informed, bat-friendly practices across the region — helping ensure a stronger future for local bat populations.
Ten conservation projects were recently approved by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) to receive funding from the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF) in 2026. A local government service that creates a dedicated fund for conservation, the CVLCF distributes funding to projects in the area between Spillimacheen and Canal Flats that are approved by RDEK Directors each year.
Our local Kootenay Connect Priority Places (KCPP) project is the topic of a Canadian Geographic feature article. With funding provided by Environment and Climate Change Canada and substantial matching funds from partner organizations, more than 60 habitat enhancement projects have been delivered in seven of the 12 originally identified corridors. “I don’t know that there’s any other NGO-driven or -managed initiative on this scale that we’ve ever seen in B.C,” says Mahr.
Elk Valley resident Bill Hanlon is a longtime wilderness advocate whose work has helped shape conservation efforts at the local and national level. As one of the early Canadian members of the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), he co-founded the BC Chapter in 2014, launching BHA as an international conservation organization. He had already co-founded the Hornaday Wilderness Society in 2000.
Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) is a partnership […]
Amy Waterhouse is a Geomatics Specialist working for B.C.’s Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS). Her team is focused on delivering annual and ongoing projects throughout the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP)’s Columbia Region. She is the sole Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provider for the team’s projects and maintains a suite of data collection tools within the team.
Thurs, Feb 26
Dr. Suzanne Bayley discusses how the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners have been assessing the hydrogeomorphic characteristics that lead to healthy wetlands, and how we can use constructed beaver dams to mitigate the effects of the warming climate on wetlands and streams. This project is in collaboration with Catriona Leven, Jessica Holden and Dr. Ryan MacDonald. Webinar recording is now available!
