45 Basin environmental projects receive funding
By Contributor
Forty-five environmental projects throughout the Columbia Basin will be receiving a total of $580,000 in support in 2011/12 from Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) through its Environmental Initiatives Program (EIP).
“It is a priority for CBT to encourage long-term stewardship of Basin resources and help build the capacity of residents to take action in meeting environmental challenges,” said Kindy Gosal, director, Water and Environment.
“We have been supporting residents, community groups and organizations since 2002 on projects that focus on reducing impacts on regional aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. We are excited about being able to help all the eligible projects.”
EIP provides support to community-initiated and -supported projects, and includes a small grants stream geared at projects under $10,000 and a large grants stream for projects up to $20,000.
Over the past 10 years, EIP has provided approximately $4.5 million in funding for environmental conservation, restoration, stewardship and education projects across the Basin.
For more information about EIP, visit www.cbt.org/eip. To learn more about CBT’s other environmental priorities, visit www.cbt.org/environment.
Nelson and area funding projects
West Kootenay EcoSociety, Earth Day Challenge ($5,000)
Between April 1, 2011, and National Environment Week, June 6 to 11, 2011, Basin residents will be able to log on to www.kootenayearthday.ca to share what they are doing for Earth Day and invite others to join them. During the last week of the challenge, residents and organizations can also sign on to the National Commuter Challenge. www.ecosociety.ca
Slocan Lake Stewardship Society, Slocan Lake Water Quality Phase 2 ($20,000)
This project consists of a continuation of a three-year study designed to monitor changes in the water of the lake. Samples will be taken, analyzed and collated with prior results to begin the development of a database for evaluating lake water quality over time. www.slocanlakess.wordpress.com
Friends of Sunshine Bay, Design of Interpretive/Environmental Education Signs ($5,120)
This project involves the development of interpretive/environmental signs for placement in and in the vicinity of Sunshine Bay Park. The signs will present information on the park and the importance of protecting riparian habitat in the Sunshine Bay area.
Nelson CARES Society, Earth Matters Compost Education Project ($20,000)
This project will encompass a range of activities and events where education about composting and its many benefits will be offered to the public in clear, interactive and motivational ways intended to inspire people to get (re)started with composting. The project will offer opportunities for volunteers, particularly youth, to be engaged in a learning and teaching role, thereby building capacity for ongoing involvement in composting and for directly supporting local composters. www.nelsoncares.ca
Parent Advisory Council of Salmo Elementary, Salmo Elementary Learning Garden Project ($20,000)
This project will implement a natural landscape design for Salmo Elementary School. The design will include an outdoor classroom, gardens that include native and traditional plants, a nature path, a dry stream feature, shade trees, seating, art murals and playground modifications. www.SD8.bc.ca
Slocan River Streamkeepers, Slocan Side Channel Mapping and Prescription Development ($19,000)
This project is designed to return the river back to a more natural functioning state. Residents of the Slocan Valley and surrounding area will benefit from the improved health of the Slocan River and associated wetlands.
West Arm Outdoors Club, Kokanee Salmon School Program ($5,000)
This project guides community members, elementary, intermediate and high school students toward the awareness and importance of healthy ecosystems and their management in the Basin.
West Kootenay Eco-Society, Kokanee Creek Interpretive Centre ($20,000)
The West Kootenay EcoSociety will be taking over the management and operation of the Kokanee Creek Visitor’s Centre at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. The EcoSociety will provide interpretive displays and programs for thousands of visitors and hundreds of students from around the Basin, which will emphasize actions that people can take to protect and enhance the region’s ecosystems. www.ecosociety.ca
White Bark Consulting, Whitebark Pine Restoration in the Selkirk Mountains ($20,000)
This project will help maintain and restore the endangered whitebark pine, a keystone species that provides food for a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears. Seeds from healthy trees will be collected and planted at restoration sites in community watersheds.
Comments