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Local Conservation Fund accepting 2027 proposals
Submitted by Kootenay Conservation Program
Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP), on behalf of the Regional District of East Kootenay, is now accepting 2027 project proposals for the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund.
“The Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund supports local projects that help conserve the valley’s wildlife, habitat, open spaces, and water,” said Juliet Craig, KCP Program Director. “Through this dedicated fund, residents are helping conserve and restore the valley’s world-renowned natural areas.”
The Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund provides financial support to local projects ranging from habitat restoration, wildlife, invasive plant management, farm stewardship, water monitoring, and more. From 2010 to 2026, the Local Conservation Fund has disbursed 148 grants totalling over $3.2 million.
This local funding has helped raise almost nine times that amount in additional grants and in-kind contributions — a substantial return on initial investment. In 2026, ten projects successfully received CVLCF funding.
KCP, which works in partnership with the Regional District of East Kootenay to administer the CVLCF, is encouraging non-profit organizations and First Nations operating in the Columbia Valley to submit funding proposals for 2027 projects. Community groups and individuals can also apply by partnering with an eligible organization.
If you have a new project idea, it is highly recommended that you contact the KCP Program Director prior to submitting an application to discuss your project idea.
The deadline for applications is 4:30 p.m. MT on Friday, October 30. In December, a Technical Review Committee will review project proposals and make recommendations to the RDEK Directors for final funding approval.
For more information and how to apply, please visit https://kootenayconservation.ca/columbia-valley/. For inquiries, please contact KCP Program Director Juliet Craig at [email protected].
Lead image: A local project to monitor water in the Wilmer/Boulder Creek watershed was funded by the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund. Living Lakes Canada photo
