Event Highlights: What’s the Future of Grasslands and Rangelands in the East Kootenay?

 

Last week, elders, ranchers, ecologists, students, and emerging conservation leaders came together to share knowledge and plan for the future of our grasslands. The gathering brought together generations of expertise and energy to explore the challenges and opportunities facing these vital landscapes.

 

Participants delved into Indigenous stewardship and cultural burning, sustainable ranching, elk ecology, biocontrols, and targeted grazing using virtual collars. A standout moment was the Conversation Café, where attendees reflected, exchanged ideas across generations, and identified priorities for healthy and resilient grasslands. Younger participants tipped their hats to the original stewards, and the respect and energy flowed in return.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attendees also had the honour of visiting the Wycliffe Conservation Complex and the Thibeault Ranch, connecting directly with the lands at the heart of these discussions. Key takeaways included the need for new funding approaches, stronger support for cultural and prescribed burns, and improved collaboration across stakeholders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A huge thank-you to all attendees, speakers, sponsors, partners, field tour guides, volunteers, and members of the planning committee. Your time, energy, and expertise made this gathering possible!

Stay tuned for the event proceedings, which will provide a deeper dive into the insights gained and the outcomes envisioned for the future of East Kootenay grasslands.

 

 

Event partners: CMI was pleased to work with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, BC Range Branch, BC Parks, BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, EcoMosaic Environmental Consulting, Grasslands Conservation Council of BC, Ktunaxa Nation Council, Phyla Consulting, Shuswap Band, VAST Resource Solutions, and Zehnder Consulting to host this event.

 

Event sponsors: We are grateful for financial support from the Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program administered by the Kootenay Livestock Association, Columbia Basin Trust, Wild Sheep Society BC, Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resources Society, VAST Resource Solutions, Keefer Ecological Services, Fortis BC, Kootenay Conservation Program, and the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program funded through the Sustainable Agricultural Partnership.