Awarded to the Columbia Lake Stewardship Society to to help preserve the ecological health and water supply of Columbia Lake for present and future generations through scientific investigation, collaboration, and outreach.
PROPONENT: Columbia Lake Stewardship Society (CLSS)
DESCRIPTION: This project addresses the importance of conservation within Columbia Lake and the Upper Columbia River, emphasizing the importance of water monitoring and the significance of public education. CLSS will continue collecting data for their annual water quality and quantity monitoring programs, continue to expand our role as educators on the lake, improving partnerships and increasing collaboration on conservation for critical wildlife and habitat within and near Columbia Lake, and assist with the protection and conservation of three threatened species in the upper Columbia Valley: the bank swallow, barn swallow, western painted turtle and bat populations.
Their ongoing stewardship efforts are made more effective by understanding Columbia Lake, its tributaries, and the upper reaches of the Columbia River. This unique body of water provides critical habitat for wildlife, birds and aquatic species, including many Species at Risk such as the Western Grebe, Bank and Barn Swallows and the Western Painted Turtle. It also plays a significant role in the Pacific Flyway. Increased pressure from recreation, human development, and cumulative effects from climate change, require further environmental monitoring and greater conservation.
OBJECTIVES: The objectives and goals for the CLSS’s project directly supports their vision and mission for Columbia Lake to become an example of the balance that can exist between nature and the needs of communities. The project’s primary objective is to preserve and monitor Columbia Lake’s freshwater resources and aquatic ecosystems and will work towards fulfilling this objective by completing the following outcomes: (1) Water quality and quantity monitoring, and monitoring recreational activity on the lake, (2) Environmental stewardship and conservation activities, and (3) Education and outreach components.
Future projects will benefit from the data that will be collected, creating efficiency and strength in relationships throughout organisations and partnerships.
PHOTOS: CLSS
An overview of the project, which received CVLCF funding in 2020.
Nancy Wilson with the Columbia Lake Stewardship Society presented on this project as part of the 2020 KCP Virtual Spring Tour held on June 22, 2020 featuring five projects that receive funding from the Kootenays’ two Local Conservation Funds.
