Submitted by Kootenay Conservation Program

Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Conservation Leadership Awards, honouring individuals in both the East and West Kootenays who have shown exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to conservation. The awards were presented earlier this month at the annual KCP Fall Gathering, which was held in Nelson this year.

In the East Kootenay, this year’s award goes to Dr. Suzanne Bayley, recognized for her leadership with the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners. She received a framed photograph by Pat Morrow of a beautiful sunrise over Columbia Lake.

Dr. Bayley has helped grow the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners (CWSP) as a leading organization within the Columbia Wetlands Wildlife Management Area. With her team, she has led over 30 major projects that CWSP carried out over the seven years of Kootenay Connect Priority Places, a science-based initiative designed to sustain and connect exceptional places of biodiversity across Kootenay landscapes.

Dr. Bayley taught at the University of Alberta for more than 20 years, specializing in aquatic and wetland research and conservation. She now mentors and continues to guide post-graduate students working on projects within the wetlands.

Dr. Bayley successfully fosters partnerships and collaboration in the field of conservation, including with NTBC and the Nature Conservancy of Canada on ecological projects within the Columbia Wetlands, and with other organizations throughout the Kootenays.

She is generous with sharing her vast knowledge and ecological insights, giving presentations at Wings over the Rockies nature festival, sitting on the former East Kootenay Wildlife and Habitat Advisory Committee, and assisting the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) with several Official Community Plans. Suzanne generously shares her knowledge and experience and plays a vital role in wetland conservation in the Kootenays.

“We are privileged to have someone with Suzanne’s academic knowledge and expertise, combined with her passion for conservation, live in the Columbia Wetlands,” said Rick Hoar, Vice Chair of the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners. “She has vastly increased our understanding of wetland function, restoration, and conservation, and continues to apply that knowledge to protect these valuable ecosystems”.

In the West Kootenay, the 2026 award was presented to Dr. Brenda Beckwith, who was recognized for her leadership with the Kootenay Native Plant Society. She received a framed photograph by Janice Arndt of a silver spotted skipper nectaring on spreading dogbane. Marcy Mahr was also presented with a special award for her outstanding contribution to KCP over the years, receiving a framed photo by Tyson Ehlers of Slocan Lake.

Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) is a diverse network of over 95 organizations working together for connected habitats and landscapes in the Kootenays that sustain biodiversity and naturally functioning resilient ecosystems that, in turn, support community well-being. Learn more at www.kootenayconservation.ca.

Photo submitted

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