CBT recognizes that a healthy environment is the foundation for all social and economic activities in the Columbia River Basin. CBT's Environment Program is helping to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being by working towards a long-term vision for the future of the Basin and supporting residents' efforts to ensure:
- A healthy environment which will create a foundation for well-being; and
- Commitment to long-term and enduring stewardship of the Basin's natural biodiversity, and sufficient knowledge and ability to take action to meet environmental challenges.
The Columbia Basin is home to an abundance of natural resources, critical habitats and diverse species. The spectacular natural surroundings and the associated opportunities and way of life are what draw visitors and inspire many to stay and reside in this region. CBT is engaging residents and communities in the long-term stewardship of our natural resources, and supporting them to take action to meet environmental challenges.
Click on the link to review CBT's Environmental Strategic Plan, which guides CBT’s environmental directions.
CBT’s Environmental Initiatives Program (EIP) provides support to community-initiated and supported environmental projects that aim to reduce the impacts humans have on local and regional ecosystems.
- EIP Granting – Funding community projects in the Basin which address or aim to reduce the impacts humans have on ecosystems in the Basin through education, stewardship, conservation and/or restoration.
- Stewardship Advisors – Advisors who provide proponents with technical information during project development and implementation. Advisors focus on promoting stewardship and fostering collaboration between communities, groups and regulatory agencies.
CBT supports two major environmental education programs across the Columbia Basin:
- Education in the Wild Program – CBT is a founding and continuing supporter of a school-based, ecosystem awareness program that supports teachers to deliver hands-on, outdoor learning opportunities for students.
- Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network – CBT initially facilitated and continues to support the evolution of this umbrella network which fosters environmental education initiatives, stewardship and sustainability in the Basin through a diverse membership of environmental educators and organizations.
Through consultation with Basin residents and the development of the Columbia Basin Trust Management Plan, CBT has committed to long-term and enduring stewardship of the Basin’s natural resources. CBT’s land conservation and related initiatives strive to achieve a balance between conservation and economic development in order to sustain the way of life and natural surroundings which currently exist.
- Land Conservation Initiative – Provide funding towards community-supported, multi-stakeholder land conservation efforts, which will assist in maintaining a range of community values on lands in the Basin.
- East Kootenay Conservation Program – CBT supports this partnership to promote habitat and ecosystem management for private land, while balancing social and economic needs.
Through a partnership with
BC Conservation Foundation (BCCF), Bear Aware programs will be offered in 10 Basin communities including Castlegar, Elk Valley (Elkford and Sparwood), Fernie, Golden, Kaslo, Kimberley, Nelson, and the rural areas between Salmo, Creston and Cranbrook. This program will assist communities with providing educational tools and information to residents that will look to decrease bear/human conflict.
Director, Water and Environment
Program Manager, Environment
Administrative Assistant