KCP welcomes a new 2013-2014 Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is made up of elected representatives from the steering committee and provides ongoing feedback and support for KCP operations.

Derek

Derek Petersen – Ecosystem Scientist, Parks Canada
Derek currently coordinates the Ecological Integrity Monitoring Program for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks.  Derek’s 30 year career with Parks Canada has spanned responsibilities ranging from integrated land use planning, to social science, to conservation biology and has included postings across western and northern Canada.  Derek has a Master’s degree in Science, an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and Economics and a diploma in Renewable Resources Technology.  Derek splits his personal time between the East and West Kootenays.
Nancy Newhouse
Nancy Newhouse – Program Director, Nature Conservancy of Canada 
Nancy has worked as the Canadian Rocky Mountains Program Director for The Nature Conservancy of Canada since 2009.  Nancy has been involved in numerous wildlife conservation projects including private land conservation, badger research, roadkill mitigation, riparian research, and wildlife viewing programs.  Nancy was also the Program Manager for the Kootenay Conservation Program and was successful in leading the development of the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund that KCP now administers.
Crystal
Crystal Klym – Executive Director, Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee
Crystal is a Professional Agrologist and the Executive Director of the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee. Crystal has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management from Royal Roads University, and has spent most of her career working in the field of invasive species management and environmental stewardship. A great lover of the outdoors, Crystal spends much of her free time exploring the beautiful west Kootenays.
Ken Brock2
Ken Brock – Head Protected Areas and Stewardship Unit, Environment Canada
In his nearly 20 years with Environment Canada, Ken has held a variety of positions including Manager of the Ecosystem Coordination Office, Head of Habitat Conservation, as well as a variety of stewardship, environmental assessment and policy roles. Ken is currently Head of Protected Areas and Stewardship for the Canadian Wildlife Service.  Ken holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from McGill and Master in Environmental Studies from York.
Rob-2012
Rob Neil – Lands Manager, Nature Trust of BC
Rob is the Kootenay Conservation Land Manager for The Nature Trust of BC.  Rob is a habitat conservation biologist with 28 years of operational experience in fish, wildlife, wildlife habitat, forestry and range management. He brings extensive experience in the areas of Forest Ecosystem, Regional Habitat, Fisheries, Planning and Habitat Conservation. Rob’s duties encompass being The Nature Trust local representative in the Kootenays, coordinating all aspects of site management including preparation and execution of ecologically based Management Plans, and supporting local community and outreach activities.
Dave White Sept 2013 low res
Dave White – Past President, BCWF / Board member, FWCP – CB
Dave is past president of both the East Kootenay Wildlife Association and BC Wildlife Federation, past chair of the East Kootenay Conservation Program and the current president of the Canal Wilderness Club.  Dave is also a public representative for the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program – Columbia.  He is a keen angler, hunter, back country horseman, and operates a trapline near his home in Canal Flats.
Dave Hillary at Hoodoos
Dave Hillary (non voting) – Program Manager, Kootenay Conservation Program
Dave oversees the KCP’s securement, stewardship, and capacity building efforts and works to develop and implement new ways to collaborate across multiple organizations and borders. A former manager and director with the Nature Conservancy Canada, Dave brings deep and meaningful conservation experience and relationships to KCP. He was previously Chairperson of the East Kootenay Conservation Program (EKCP) and the Heart of the Rockies Initiative (HOTR).