Kootenay Nature for Neighbourhoods Program
Regional District of Central Kootenay Local Conservation Fund supports local conservation initiatives.
Planning for the Future: Watershed Security in a Changing Climate
Regional District of Central Kootenay Local Conservation Fund supports local conservation initiatives.
Creston Valley Check-in Meeting
Creston Valley Check-in Meeting - February 2026
Protecting what matters: RDCK Local Conservation Fund supports water and wildlife
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.
Elodie Kuhnert
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.
Protecting what matters: Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund supports water and wildlife
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.
Kootenay Connect and the science of success
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.
Bill Hanlon
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.
