Kootenay Conservation Program, on behalf of the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), is now accepting proposals for the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund (CVLCF) for local projects that enhance conservation values.

The CVLCF is a dedicated fund that each year provides financial support to local projects that help conserve and restore the valley’s world-renowned natural surroundings. The success of the CVLCF has not only created a new model for community conservation that’s gained traction across B.C. and beyond, but locally it’s resulted in more than $1.7 million in funding for over 65 projects since 2009, and has helped leverage over an additional $17 million for those projects.

The Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP), which works in partnership with the RDEK to administer the CVLCF, is encouraging conservation groups operating in the Columbia Valley to submit funding proposals for any 2019 projects.

The deadline for applications is November 1. In November, a Technical Review Committee will review project proposals and make recommendations to the RDEK for final funding approval.

”The Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund is an excellent resource for local organizations who have projects that help support fish and wildlife habitat, open spaces and water quality,” said Nicole Trigg, Communication Coordinator for the KCP.

In 2019, nine projects successfully received CVLCF funding: acquisition of the Columbia Wetlands Edgewater property by The Nature Trust of BC, restoration of Marion Benchlands by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, lake monitoring on Columbia Lake and Lake Windermere by the Columbia Lake Stewardship Society and the Lake Windermere Ambassadors respectively, treatment of the noxious weed Leafy Spurge by the East Kootenay Invasive Species Society, bat conservation in the Columbia Valley led by the Kootenay Community Bat Project, conservation and enhancement of critical habitat on agricultural lands through the Farmland Advantage program via the Windermere District Farmers’ Institute, and the ongoing re-introduction of the endangered northern leopard frog to the Brisco wetlands by the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners.

For more information and how to apply.

For phone or email inquiries, please contact KCP Program Manager Juliet Craig at 250-352-2260 or [email protected].

The Kootenay Conservation Program is a broad partnership of over 80 organizations from across the Kootenays that works to conserve landscapes in order to sustain naturally functioning ecosystems.

Above images: Northern Leopard Frogs, once abundant, are now endangered and one of the projects funded by the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund and led by the Calgary Zoo is re-introducing Northern Leopard Frogs to the Columbia Wetlands near Brisco. Calgary Zoo photos

Kootenay Conservation Program

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