Maternal Roosting Characteristics of Northern Myotis
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 12 p.m. PT / 1 p.m. MT
Register for the online info session or attend in-person at Dawson Creek Ministry of Forests, 9000 – 17th Street, Dawson Creek, B.C.
This info session will explore research into the specific features of tree roosts that reproductive northern myotis bats prefer in our Peace Region. Presenter Brian Paterson is a professional biologist studying the maternal roosting characteristics of these Endangered bats with funding from the FWCP’s Peace Region board. This sessions is hosted by the University of Northern B.C. in partnership with FWCP.
Presenter: Brian Paterson, wildlife biologist
Turtle Day 2024
Tuesday, April 23 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. MT Elizabeth Lake, Cranbook
Park behind Elizabeth Lake Lodge, off Wattsville Road
Hosted by the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program and the Rocky Mountain Naturalists
Learn more about at-risk western painted turtles! See hatchlings after emerging from their nests. Talk to naturalists and discover how this at-risk species has evolved, and how it survives the winter. Learn about the other animals that call Elizabeth Lake home. Opening welcome ceremony by Nasuʔkin (Chief) Joe Pierre Jr., at 2.30 p.m.
This free event is great for families, and anyone interested in the many species that make the East Kootenay one of the most biodiverse regions in Canada.
If you have questions, contact us at fwcp@bchydro.com.
Restoration Community of Practice Workshop – Prince George
We invite restoration practitioners to join us for this free workshop in Prince George on June 4-5, to learn from seasoned experts, ask questions among your peers and connect with like minded professionals. This event is the first in an anticipated series aimed at building a community of practice that shares ideas, insights, and experiences for advancing effective and efficient restoration in northern B.C.
June 4 and 5, 2024. Add the date to your calendar and let the organizers know you are interested: Add your name and email here.
Hosted by SERNbc, with support from Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, and Pacific Salmon Foundation.
A formal agenda and registration details will be sent out shortly. Please save the dates in your calendars while organizers finalize some important details!
Past events
2024
Hidden biodiversity: the fascinating life of parasitic lice that infest birds
March 21, 2024
Join this presentation, hosted by the University of Northern B.C., about the diversity of parasitic lice that infest birds. There are more than 700 bird species in Canada but barely 50% of the expected fauna infesting them has been recorded, most of which are from only a few occurrences. Learn more about some of the more bizarre examples of parasitic lice, both in Canada and from around the world, and why we should be paying more attention to them.
Presenter: Dr. Terry D. Galloway, Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba
Improving fish passage in our Peace Region
February 23, 2024
Since 2019, the FWCP has been funding the Society for Ecosystem Restoration Northern B.C. (SERNbc) to work with the McLeod Lake Indian Band, road and rail tenure holders, and other stakeholders, to prioritize, plan, and implement fish passage restoration at culvert barriers throughout the Parsnip River watershed. Learn more about the challenges met, work achieved, the species benefiting, and the plans ahead.
Presenter: Al Irvine, Biologist and Computer Programmer, New Graph Environment Ltd.
Presentation links:
Aquatic Restoration Resources PDF
Aquatic Restoration Resources CSV
Land Securement: Morrison Creek headwaters on Vancouver Island
February 13, 2024
Across its Coastal, Columbia and Peace regions, the FWCP is helping conserve critical habitats, like the headwaters of Morrison Creek on Vancouver Island, by helping fund conservation lands. Learn more about our approach to land securement, and how you can apply for funding year-round.
Presenter: Tim Ennis, Executive Director, Comox Valley Land Trust
Archived presentation
Nutrient Restoration Program on Kootenay Lake and Arrow Lakes Reservoir
February 8, 2024
The base of an aquatic ecosystem is amazing, and essential for the food web in freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Come and learn about the restoration of two systems through the applications of nutrients. Hear about the microscopic plants and critters that keep these ecosystems thriving, and the animals they benefit. Marley will be talking about the history of the programs, how they work, and findings from a recent independent review of them.
Presenter: Marley Bassett, Fish Restoration Biologist, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Spatiothermal ecology of Arctic grayling in the Parsnip River watershed
January 24, 2024
We’re joining with the University of Northern B.C. to share information about the spatiothermal ecology of Arctic grayling in the Parsnip River watershed. Dr. Eduardo Martins will report on findings from five years of research to understand the relationship between water temperature and the distribution and behaviour of Arctic grayling.
Archived presentation
Whitebark Pine Recovery in the Columbia Region: Restoring a Keystone Species
January 23, 2024
Learn about the importance of whitebark pine, the species it supports, the threats faced, and the results of a five-year project funded by the FWCP to save this Endangered species.
Archived presentation
2023
Grant intake information session
September 26, 2023
Find out what grants we offer and how to align your project idea with our regional action plans. Get answers to your questions and tips to help you succeed!
Archived presentation
Meadow Creek Spawning Channel Open House
September 9, 2023
Learn how the spawning channel works, talk to biologists about the Nutrient Restoration Program in Kootenay Lake, and find out more about co-existing with grizzly bears.
Toadfest 2023
August 16 and 17
CANCELLED due to smoke and air quality
Notice of intent information session
August 9, 2023
Learn more about this mandatory first step for all grant applicants in our Peace Region and—NEW this year—in our Columbia Region. Coastal Region grant applicants are not required to submit a notice of intent.
Find out how the NOI supports First Nations engagement in your project and allows us to provide you with additional guidance ahead of submitting your grant application. Your notice of intent is due September 11, 2023 through our online grant management system.
Archived presentation
Grizzly bear safety workshop
May 30, 2023
Learn how to prevent bear conflicts and how to respond safely if/when you encounter a bear. Safety training will include hands-on practice with inert bear spray.
Juvenile sturgeon release
May 17, 2023, at Shelter Bay Provincial Park
The annual release of captive-reared juvenile white sturgeon into Arrow Lakes Reservoir, is hosted by the FWCP with support from BC Hydro, the Revelstoke Rod and Gun Club, and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C.
Critter Day 2023
May 13, 2023, Beaver Creek Provincial Park
Critter Day – hosted by the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, Kootenay Conservation Program, and Trail Wildlife Association, with support from BC Parks, the Ministry of Forests, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, FortisBC, and Teck.
Turtle Day 2023
April 26, 2023, Cranbrook
The FWCP hosted this event with the Rocky Mountain Naturalists, and support from the Ministry of Forests.
Caribou forage lichen transplant success
April 25, 2023
An innovative project led by the Tsay Keh Dene Nation, Chu Cho Environmental, and the Province of B.C., is transplanting lichen to speed-up restoration of this important caribou forage. Learn more about the project, what lichens was transplanted, the results achieved, and what this new approach may offer as a tool for helping to restore caribou winter habitat in the future.
Link to archived presentation
Not out of the woods yet – Recovering the Klinse-Za caribou herd
April 21, 2023
Every year since 2014, female caribou from the Klinse-Za herd in Central B.C. have been brought to a maternity pen within their native range where they can raise their calves protected from predators. Learn what it means to be an Indigenous caribou Guardian watching over caribou at the maternity pen, the effect the maternity pen has made on herd recovery, and what long-term recovery actions might look like to achieve a self-sustaining herd. Through the primary partnership of West Moberly First Nation, Saulteau First Nation, Wildlife Infometrics and the BC government, the Klinse-Za caribou recovery program is just one example of how indigenous partnerships can support at-risk caribou herds.
Link to archived presentation
Bank and barn swallows: conserving and creating nesting habitat
April 4, 2023
Bank and barn swallows, two species with intrinsic value that provide an immense amount of natural mosquito control, are facing large population declines. In the last 40 years, Canadian bank swallow populations have declined by 98 per cent, and barn swallow populations have declined by 76%. Breeding habitat is known to be a limiting factor.
For more information about the presentation, please contact Rachel Darvill at: racheldarvill@gmail.com
Link to archived presentation
Centring Indigenous fisheries in ways of being, knowing, doing, and connecting
March 23, 2023
Dr. Andrea Reid introduced the Centre for Indigenous Fisheries in the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries at the University of British Columbia. The centre, located on on xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) territory, is challenging past approaches and re-centring Indigenous fisheries as sites of knowledge building, sharing, community practice and connection.
Link to archived presentation
Youth in action: Experiences with environmental restoration
March 22, 2023
Are you interested in leading your own restoration project and not sure where to start? Or have you started a restoration project and unsure of what to do next? An engaging discussion featuring three youth volunteers from the Invasive Species Council of BC who have been leading their own restoration projects. Hosted in partnership with the Invasive Species Council of BC.
Archived presentations:
Elizabeth Cannell,
Amphibian Habitat Enhancement at Maplewood Flats Conservation Area Jackson MacPherson,
BCMMP: Expansion into the Thompson- Nicola Sky Jarvis and Tay Powrie
From sawmill to salmon habitat: Restoring Kus-kus-sum in K’omoks Estuary
March 17, 2023
This presentation covered the first two years of progress on the three-year restoration of a past industrial sawmill site on the Courtenay River, in Courtenay, B.C. The project, now titled Kus-kus-sum, is a partnership project between Project Watershed, the K’omoks First Nation, and the City of Courtenay. The project aims to restore 8.3 acres to forested, tidal wetland and tidal marsh habitat, and reconnect the site to the river, floodplain, and the adjacent conversation area, Hollyhock Flats. The presentation was an overview of the processes and partnerships that facilitated the purchase of the property, along with a step-by-step of the restoration and technical works to restore this piece of land back to pre-development state. After restoration, the land will be rematriated (returned back) to the K’omoks First Nation for long-term management and conservation.
Link to archived presentation
Restoring the Campbell River Estuary using eco-cultural techniques
March 8, 2023
Eco-Cultural Restoration of the Campbell River Estuary is a project delivered through a partnership between the Wei Wai Kum First Nation and the Guardians of Mid Island Estuaries Society. Together, they have been implementing a variety of restoration activities since 2017 to improve the health of the estuary. Now they are taking on the task of controlling overabundant resident Canada geese populations that are threatening the success of previous restoration efforts. Learn more about the eco-cultural approach that they’re using, inspired by traditional Indigenous fish trap systems, that will physically exclude the geese from grazing restored habitat.
Restoring the Squamish Estuary from 2001 to the present
March 3, 2023
The Squamish River Watershed Society’s Executive Director, Edith Tobe, will present on the restoration activities in the last 20 years to restore tidal connectivity and improve salmon habitat within the Squamish Estuary. The project’s focus is to support the out-migration of Pacific salmon, particularly juvenile Chinook.
Link to archived presentation
Squamish River Watershed Society website
Reports associated with the estuary project are available here
Restore the Shore project website (formerly known as Central Estuary Restoration Project)
Investigating thermal regimes of the Upper Peace River Basin for Arctic grayling and bull trout
March 1, 2023
In a century dominated by climate change, the implications of increased magnitude and variability in water temperatures are of great concern for bull trout, Arctic grayling and other species fragmented in isolated watersheds, as well as migratory species which depend on disparate habitats. Conservation status assessments of native species in the Upper Peace River Basin require a contemporary approach to monitoring and modelling freshwater thermal habitat availability.
Link to archived presentation.
Update: managing invasive bullfrogs
February 10, 2023
The invasive American bullfrog has arrived in the Columbia Region. This is bad news for many native species including the fragile population of endangered northern leopard frogs. Join experts to learn what projects are underway to halt or slow-down the spread of this highly-invasive amphibian, the results so far, and how you can help.
Khaylish Fraser, Aquatics Program Coordinator, Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society Link to archived presentation,
Bullfrogs Eat Everything video, Bullfrog calls video
Carley Dolman, tmixʷ Technician, Okanagan Nation Alliance Link to archived presentation
Devon Moore, Coordinator of the Creston Bullfrog Control Program, Province of B.C. Link to archived presentation
Northern spotted owl: returning to the wild
January 30, 2023
The Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program’s (NSOBP) mission is to restore the population of northern spotted owls across its range in BC through captive breeding and release into protected habitat, including areas in the Fraser Canyon and Bridge-Seton Watershed. With fewer than five individuals remaining in BC, the NSOBP is the last chance for the restoration of this old-growth dependent species in BC. The first owls were released into protected areas within Spô’zêm First Nation territory during the summer of 2022. This release was a collaboration between the Province of BC, the NSOBP, and Spô’zêm First Nation.
Link to archived presentation
World’s first captive-bred spotted owls released into the wild – Video
Williston Wetland Explorer Tool: building on wetland mapping tools for conservation
January 18, 2023
This online session introduced the interactive Williston Wetland Explorer Tool (WWET) through a live demonstration and discussion about how this functional assessment tool can support better decision making and evaluation of wetlands to help inform restoration priorities.
Link to archived presentation
2022
Columbia Region Notice of Intent Information Session
August 24, 2022
Learn more about this optional first step for all grant applicants in our Columbia Region.
Peace Region Notice of Intent Information Session
August 24, 2022
Learn more about this mandatory first step for all grant applicants in our Peace Region.
Toadfest is back in August!
August 17 & 18, 2022
Welcome back to Toadfest at Summit Lake Provincial Park.
More info on past Toadfest events here
Conserving at-risk Stone’s sheep in the Peace region
March 30, 2022
An update on an ongoing project to assess sheep health and examine population demographics, behaviour, distribution, and habitat in the Peace Region. Results from this multi-year project could inform future conservation and enhancement actions for Stone’s sheep.
Learn more
Salmon futures: science, stressors, and stewardship of salmon watersheds
March 10, 2022
Climate change and multiple other stressors are key threats to biodiversity and ecosystem health. Salmon watersheds and fisheries are struggling, and during this presentation, professor Dr. Jonathan Moore talked about glacier retreats, sea level rises, the function of estuaries, and the importance of forward-looking science, collaboration, and co-development to align research priorities and approaches with local communities in this era of rapid change.
Learn more
Murphy Creek Spawning Channel: partnering to support rainbow trout
March 4, 2022
A virtual tour of the Murphy Creek Spawning Channel, near Trail, which provides essential habitat for rainbow trout and other species. It’s managed through a partnership between the Okanagan Nation Alliance, Trail Wildlife Association, and the FWCP, and could be a model for improving spawning habitat in the region.
Presentation
Update: conserving and improving understanding of bats across B.C.
February 11, 2022
Updates on research and results of FWCP-funded projects that support bats.
• How the experimental use of probiotics in the Lower Mainland could help reduce the anticipated severity and spread of white-nose syndrome. Presentation
• How artificial bark is providing much-needed roosting habitat in the Columbia Region. Presentation
• How the collection of ultrasonic recordings is shedding new light on bat species found on Vancouver Island. Presentation
• How winter cave exploration in the Peace Region is identifying important bat hibernacula. Presentation
Update: recovery of Vancouver Island marmots
February 25, 2022
Less than two decades ago, these marmots teetered on the brink of extinction. Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, and funding from the FWCP and others, the Marmot Recovery Foundation has re-introduced marmots to many of their historic habitats. Foundation director Adam Taylor shared updates about on-the-ground recovery efforts, including monitoring, captive breeding, re-introductions, population status, and what the future might hold for this species.
Presentation
Winter webinar series: Building Restoration & Enhancement Projects that Make a Difference
Building Restoration & Enhancement Projects that Make a Difference is a four-part webinar series that offered hands-on, practical solutions to build resilience into your ecosystem restoration and enhancement projects.
Fundamentals of a Restoration Project: Planning to succeed
February 2, 2022
Learn that good projects have clear goals and objectives that are linked directly to actions and results that can be measured and monitored using the best available science, leveraging partnerships and successful fundraising.
Learn more about this topic and session presenter(s).
Building Climate Resiliency into your Terrestrial Restoration Project
February 9, 2022
Learn what other practitioners have done to integrate ecosystem resilience into terrestrial restoration projects. The session will focus on a project integrating climate adaptation and restoration in Idaho’s Kootenai River Valley, and a five-year ecosystem enhancement project underway on ʔaq̓am community land near Cranbrook. This session will explore strategies to reduce and prepare for climate change impacts on your terrestrial project.
Learn more about this topic and session presenter(s).
Building Climate Resiliency into your Aquatic Restoration Project
February 16, 2022
Learn what other practitioners have done to integrate ecosystem resilience into their aquatic restoration projects in the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area and the Columbia Wetlands. This session will explore strategies to reduce and prepare for climate change impacts on your aquatic project.
Learn more about this topic and session presenter(s).
Effectiveness Monitoring for Ecosystem Restoration Projects
February 23, 2022
Learn from other practitioners about why effectiveness monitoring matters, different forms monitoring can take, and how the Big Ranch Ecosystem Enhancement Project in the Elk Valley is applying a simple framework. You’ll hear from the presenters on how to set measurable goals and objectives, identify indicators of success, and strategies for data management that will support the reporting of results.
Learn more about this topic and session presenter(s).
2021
eDNA and Arctic grayling habitat use
UNBC Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute online presentation
November 25, 2021
More information and link to archived presentation here.
Western painted turtles in the Lower Mainland: an update on recovery efforts for this at-risk reptile
November 19, 2021
Learn more about western painted turtles in the Lower Mainland and the ongoing recovery efforts.
Overview of FWCP’s Grants and Action Plans
September 28, 2021
An online information session about our grants.
Introduction to the Peace Region’s Notice of Intent (NOI)
September 1, 2021
Learn more about this mandatory first step for all grant applicants in our Peace Region.
Grizzly bear safety workshop
June 23, 2021
Learn how to prevent bear conflicts and how to respond safely if/when you encounter a bear.
Snakes, amphibians, and other critters
Lunch and Learn Series
June 11, 2021
Learn more about the many critters that call the lower Columbia River home, and some stewardship opportunities available to help them.
White sturgeon
Lunch and Learn Series
June 4, 2021
Discover how research and conservation efforts are supporting recovery of the endangered upper Columbia River white sturgeon.
Western painted turtles
Lunch and Learn Series
May 28, 2021
Learn about B.C.’s only remaining native freshwater turtle species and conservation actions underway in the East Kootenay.
Link to the presentation here
Elizabeth Lake Western Painted Turtle Conservation video
Baynes Lake Western Painted Turtle Conservation video
Genetic analysis of char fish
UNBC Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute online presentation
March 24, 2021
More information and link to the archived presentation here.
Restoring connectivity in rivers and streams
UNBC Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute online presentation
March 10, 2021
More information and link to archived presentation here.
Fishers in the Peace Region
UNBC Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute online presentation
February 10, 2021
More information and link to archived presentation here.
Bull trout in the Williston Reservoir
UNBC Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute online presentation
January 20, 2021
More information and link to archived presentation here.
2020
Navigating the uncertain and difficult road to restoration and recovery of Kinse-Za caribou
UNBC Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute online presentation
November 18, 2020
Link to archived presentation here.
Introduction to Owls in B.C.
Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program
October 22, 2020
Link to archived presentation here.
