The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation is proud to announce over $9.4 million in funding for 163 conservation and conservation stewardship projects throughout British Columbia, with over $1.1 million allocated to projects in the Kootenays.

This year’s projects in the Kootenays include a habitat enhancement project in Kicking Horse Canyon.

Led by the Golden District Rod and Gun Club and now in its fourth year, the project aims to enhance 112 hectares of ungulate winter range (UWR): “The south-facing slopes being treated represent some of the best UWR on this landscape and are suggested to be important for the maintenance of elk populations,” said project leader Brian Gustafson.

“Improving these habitats will ensure greater access to forage throughout the year, not only for elk but other ungulate species as well.”

The project is being supported by HCTF with $95,000 in funding this year.

For over 40 years, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) has provided grants with over $242 million contributed to conservation projects and programs. The range of project leaders and conservation actions supported all share the goal of conserving B.C.’s freshwater fish, wildlife, and habitats today for generations.

As a registered charity and foundation, HCTF’s unique funding model is led by a surcharge on hunting, trapping, fishing, and guide outfitting licences. “Each year, the conservation surcharge from these contributors funds over one hundred fish, wildlife, and habitat projects, supporting project leaders such as the Golden District Rod and Gun Club in their work to thin an immature forest,” said HCTF’s CEO, Dan Buffett.

“This not only improves the foraging habitat for ungulates but also enhances forest health and generates food and shelter for a broad range of wildlife species.”

Other projects supported in the Kootenays this year include:

• $84,000 to replace aging infrastructure at the Redfish Creek Spawning Channel to continue to supply stock conservation and fishery benefits.
• $130,500 for a River Guardian presence in eight Kootenay watersheds, maintaining or improving the quality of angling and protecting native sport fish populations.
• $73,894 for three organizations to monitor for potential invasive mussels at 77 sites in Kootenay waterbodies.
• $20,000 for a community-driven initiative aimed at revitalizing native pollinator populations in the Slocan Valley by transforming degraded roadside spaces into pollinator-friendly habitats.
• $10,000 to empower local communities to protect and restore Kootenay Lake through volunteer-led hands-on citizen science, habitat restoration, and educational outreach.

Each project funded by HCTF undergoes a multi-level, objective, and technical review process prior to final Board review and decision. HCTF’s Board of Directors ensures that species important to B.C. anglers and hunters are supported, but also places a great deal of importance on conserving whole ecosystems, species-at-risk, and investing in environmental education across the province.

To see the complete list of HCTF-funded projects and learn more about the conservation work being done near you, go to hctf.ca/achievements/project-list.

Lead image: Spring fieldwork in the Kicking Horse Canyon.  Stephanie Higgins photo

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation photos

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