Evening plenary with Jakob Dulisse
All are welcome to join this evening plenary with Jakob Dulisse, part of our Annual Rearchers Forum in Rossland this fall. No registration is required, doors open at the Miners Hall at 7pm, talk commences at 7:30pm. Find more event information here.
Secret lives of snakes and other unsung creatures of the lower Columbia
Presenter: Jakob Dulisse, independent researcher
Long-time resident of the West-Kootenay, biologist, photographer and champion for creatures large and small – Jakob Dulisse – will share stories about his many years of wildlife research in the Lower Columbia. His talk will include surprising discoveries involving snakes, spiders and other fascinating creatures.
Researchers’ Forum Draft Agenda Posted!
🚨 Researchers’ Forum 2026 is officially ONE MONTH away! 🚨
Join us in Rossland from October 22–23 for two days of learning, connection, and collaboration.
This annual gathering brings together scientists, Indigenous and provincial land managers, stewardship groups, naturalists, and community members to share updates on ecological work across southeastern BC — the traditional territories of the Sinixt, Secwepemc, Ktunaxa, and Syilx Okanagan nations.
What to expect:
🌱 Updates on new restoration & community initiatives
📊 The latest in ecosystem monitoring, research, & field trials
💬 Land stewardship discussions
🤝 An informal, welcoming environment to mix & mingle
Whether you’re a senior ecologist or a passionate community member, everyone is welcome!
📋 View the DRAFT AGENDA.
🎟️ Secure your spot & register today.
Meet Marcy Mahr!
Director Spotlight – Marcy Mahr
Meet Marcy Mahr, a Slocan Valley ecologist who has spent three decades championing mountain ecosystems across western North America! Whether she’s tracking western toads by headlamp or mucking around wetlands, her passion for nature remains her constant compass. 🌲🐸
Her strength lies in connecting on-the-ground inventory, research, and stewardship with broader conservation outcomes — understanding exactly how localized research contributes to solutions within the larger ecological whole.
🎨 An Artful Approach to Science
Marcy’s unique lens on ecology was shaped early on. During her final year of high school, amidst courses in biology, ecology, and chemistry, an art history class opened a brand-new world. After earning her undergraduate degree and spending the summer studying geomorphology and glaciers in Alaska, she set off to spend a year living and working in Paris, followed by six months in Amsterdam, immersing herself in art, languages, and culture.
While she always knew her career would belong to the biological sciences and wild places, that detour to explore Europe continues to shape how she recognizes nature’s artistry and patterns today, helping her see landscape dynamics and nature’s cathedrals through a deeply creative lens.
🐻 Championing Kootenay Connect
Marcy is a driving force behind Kootenay Connect, alongside grizzly bear biologist Michael Proctor. The initiative stems from a simple idea: nature needs to move. What began in 2018 as a vision to keep the Kootenays connected through a network of 12 ecological corridors is leading the way to shape ecological corridor policy and management in BC. This vision also provided a framework that guided an ambitious, on-the-ground effort to restore habitats for species at risk and increase landscape resilience to climate change.
Kootenay Connect weaves together leading science, local and Indigenous knowledge, and community-based action to advance wildlife movement, ecological connectivity, and landscape-scale conservation across the region. By working across jurisdictional boundaries, Kootenay Connect identifies where conservation and stewardship can have the greatest impact. The project safeguards vital pathways for roaming wildlife —from grizzly bears and badgers to bats— ensuring diverse and healthy populations and resilient ecosystems in southeast BC.
Dive deeper into Kootenay Connect here: https://kootenayconnect.org/ and into Kootenay Connect Priority Places here: https://kootenayconservation.ca/kootenay-connect-priority-places/
🌎 Why She Joined CMI
For Marcy, it’s all about the community. She thrives alongside fellow researchers who love to “nerd out” on ecological details while keeping the grander picture of landscape biodiversity in sharp focus.
Marcy’s advice for Early-Career Ecologists?
“Stay curious and open to opportunities to ensure you have an interesting journey. Believe you are needed in this field and your ideas matter. There are many pathways to becoming a biologist or ecologist so ask people you admire about their careers… and network, network, network!”
Meet Isobel Phoebus!
We are pleased to introduce CMI Director Isobel Phoebus!
Isobel is a Wildlife Biologist, Species-at-Risk Technician, and Science Instructor with a deep background in applied ecology.
Her work with Girls on Ice Canada perfectly combines her passions—building courage, confidence, and environmental stewardship in young women as they explore science and outdoor recreation.
🌿 Fieldwork with Impact:
Isobel takes pride in a recent field campaign mapping the endangered Williamson’s Sapsucker population across the East Kootenays. By locating previously unrecorded territories and nesting pairs, her work will directly contribute to establishing new Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHAs) to safeguard the species.
Favourite part of working in applied ecology? “I appreciate hands-on work in the field that provides opportunities to connect with and learn from diverse landscapes and species.”
🏔️ Beyond the Field:
Isobel brings that same drive to extreme environments— summiting Mount Logan (5,959 m), completing a 600+ km ski-touring expedition through the Monashee Range, and just this summer establishing an all-female first ascent on an unclimbed face of Mariposa Mountain in Peru (5,842 m)!
💡 Advice for Early-Career Researchers:
“Make connections with those, both organizations and people, whose work inspires you. Ask them questions, volunteer with them, and see what you can learn along the way.”
While Isobel is new to our Board, she is a longtime supporter of CMI courses and forums.
📅 Connect with Isobel and the regional ecology community!
Registration is officially OPEN for the CMI Researchers’ Forum 2026 this October.
👉 Click here to reserve your spot: https://cmiae.org/event/researchers-forum-2026/
CMI Researchers’ Forum is Heading to Rossland—Registration Now Open!
We’re excited to host this year’s Researchers’ Forum in Rossland on October 22–23! Traveling across the Columbia Mountain region, this annual gathering brings together scientists, Indigenous and provincial land managers, stewardship groups, naturalists, and locals to share updates on ecological projects across southeastern B.C.—the territories of the Sinixt, Secwepemc, Ktunaxa, and Syilx Okanagan people.
Expect a mix of presentations, ecosystem monitoring insights, restoration updates, and field trials—all in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Thursday, Oct 22: Full day of presentations, dinner, and an evening plenary.
Friday, Oct 23: Guided field tours around the Rossland area.
Everyone is welcome to attend, connect, and mingle! Registration is now open—go to our Event page. Call for Proposals is open until Sept 4.
Meet Doris Hausleitner!
From Owls to Wolverines: Meet CMI Director Doris Hausleitner!
Originally born in the Yukon, Doris moved to Nelson, BC in 2004, where she started Seepanee Ecological Consulting. She also teaches applied wildlife sciences, ecology and restoration at Selkirk College.
Her work in the West Kootenays focuses primarily on species at risk—including radio-telemetry studies on Western Screech-owls, Western toad migration, and a long-term project on wolverines as the co-founder of the Kootenay Wolverine Project (@wolverine_watch). 
We asked Doris about community, conservation, and what keeps her inspired. Here’s what she had to say:
Q: What drew you to CMI?
“The great people and the organization itself. Plus, having so many wonderful opportunities for professional development right here in our backyard!”
Q: What’s a project you’re most proud of?
“My involvement with wolverine research in the South Columbia Mountains. It’s a powerful example of how field-based science can directly inform and shape policy and conservation. Seeing that tangible impact is easily my favorite part of working in applied ecology.”
Q: What is your advice for early-career ecologists?
“Be a scientist and an advocate. Work on your being able to formulate a story so you can effectively relay complex science to all types of public audiences.”
Q: What’s one thing people might be surprised to know about you?
“People might be surprised by my passions outside work. I’m a beekeeper, an avid gardener, a mom, and a coach. Each one brings me joy in a completely different way.”
Meet CMI Director Kevin Bollefer!
Kevin has been a cornerstone of the CMI board for over a decade and currently serves as our Treasurer to ensure CMI’s long-term financial sustainability.
Outside of CMI, Kevin is the General Manager at the Revelstoke Community Forest Corporation (RCFC). As both a Registered Professional Forester and Registered Professional Biologist, he brings nearly 30 years of forestry experience to the table—19 of those dedicated to the community forest.
At RCFC, Kevin and his team work to advance forestry practices by using alternative harvesting methods that mimic natural systems. His focus? Merging forest ecology with modern technology to build a productive, sustainable working forest.
💡 Fun fact: Next time you’re driving up the Keystone FSR (north of Revelstoke), check out the 1 km mark—you might just spot some of RCFC’s work!
What does he enjoy most about his work?
“It is always evolving and you never stop learning. Being observant of what processes are occurring around you teaches you more every day. Nothing beats a day of wandering in the forest.”
What inspired Kevin to join CMI?
“Being in forestry, I wanted to stay connected with my biology roots, and CMI was a great place to find that.”
His advice for early-career ecologists?
“Keep your head up. In the days of electronics, too often we rely on technology to give us answers or get us to a set location. Learn from nature and be an observer.”
Want to dive deeper? Catch Kevin’s CREDtalk on Alternative Forest Harvesting Practices in Revelstoke (season 3) —plus the full archive—on CREDtalks. We look forward to partnering with @KootenayConservationProgram (KCP) once again for this informative series.
Researchers’ Forum: Call for Proposals open!
The call for proposals is open for the annual Researchers’ Forum, taking place in Rossland this year! Find the call and event details here. Hope to see you there Oct 22-23, 2026.
CMI Network Survey
Help shape the future of CMI programming!
Whether you’re a member or have participated in one of our courses, your feedback plays an important role in guiding the learning opportunities, events, and courses we offer.
We’ve compiled the most requested event topics from the past two years, and we want to know which ones would be most valuable to you now. Please take a few minutes to complete this quick survey and share the learning experiences you’d find most helpful in the coming months.
Your input helps us create programming that reflects the needs and interests of our community. Thank you for taking part!
Find our survey here.
Have you registered for the FREE Whirling Disease in Southeast BC Online Training?
Whirling disease is one of the most significant emerging threats to trout and salmon in British Columbia. Understanding how it spreads and how we can prevent further impacts is critical for anyone working or recreating in freshwater systems.
CMI is pleased to offer a free two-day online training featuring leading provincial experts who are directly involved in monitoring, research, and response planning for whirling disease in BC. You are welcome to attend one or both sessions:
Day 1 | April 23, 2026 (9:00 am – 12:00 pm PST)
Whirling disease biology and current status in BC
Day 2 | April 24, 2026 (9:00 am – 1:00 pm PST)
Risk mitigation, decontamination, and planning. Public awareness and regional action plan next steps interactive session.
Featured Presenters
David DePape, Aquatic Biologist and Senior Resource Manager and Former Member of the Alberta Whirling Disease Task Force, will be joined by Martina Beck, Head of Freshwater Applied Science and Invasives Unit at the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.
You will hear from specialists working across provincial surveillance and testing programs, fish health science and parasite biology, risk pathways and aquatic invasive species management, and on-the-ground prevention and decontamination strategies.
This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from the professionals shaping BC’s response and to ask your questions live.
Who Should Attend
Whether you are a consultant, land manager, field technician, stewardship volunteer, river guide, angler, kayaker, or decision-maker, this training will give you practical, science-based tools to reduce risk and protect freshwater ecosystems.
This event is FREE! Visit the event page for more details and to register to receive the Zoom link.
Our Partners
CMI is pleased to partner with the following organizations on this event: BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society, Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society, East Kootenay Invasive Species Society, Invasive Species Council of BC, and Masse Environmental.
With Thanks to Our Sponsors
This training is made possible through the generous financial support of FortisBC, Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society, Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society, East Kootenay Invasive Species Society, and Columbia Power, whose contributions allow us to offer this event free of charge.
