The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is providing over $3.3 million for eight projects aimed at restoring habitats and ecosystems across the region.
The money will be split, with over $3.2 million going to six large-scale projects and two smaller-scale, shorter-term projects will split $97,000.
“These projects reflect the commitment of Basin communities and organizations to restoring and enhancing local ecosystems,” said Johnny Strilaeff, CBT President and CEO.
“By working together, we are not only protecting biodiversity but also ensuring that future generations benefit from healthy, resilient landscapes.”
Examples of a few of the projects can be found below.
Ɂaq̓ am First Nation – Prescribed burns – $329,000
The Trust says ʔaq̓am will use its grant to continue using controlled fire to maintain and steward their lands.
ʔaq̓am has two prescribed burns for 2026: one near the Cranbrook Airport and one near Crown land to the north of the community.
The projects will be undertaken in partnership with the City of Cranbrook, BC Wildfire Service and others.
ʔaq̓am’s burns aim to thin dense forest stands to create new habitats, reducing future wildfire risks and reclaiming historic cultural practices.
“Our community is well acquainted with prescribed burning and the impacts of wildfire,” said Cheryl Casimer, NasuɁkin (Chief) of ʔaq̓am.
“We are committed to continuing to collaborate with partners through implementing prescribed burning to restore wildfire resiliency to our lands, protect our community, and be proactive to climate change.”
Golden – Moberly Marsh restoration project – $750,000
CBT officials say the grant will go to Ducks Unlimited Canada for floodplain restoration to bolster the local wetland ecosystem.
The organization will start a five-year project to return 20 hectares of land to its natural state.
This work will involve removing dikes, disabling ditches and restoring historical wetland areas.
“Spike Elk Farm has been impacted by agriculture since the late 1800s,” said Matthew Wilson, Head of Conservation with Ducks Unlimited.
“This project aims to restore wetlands on the property while retaining existing values for migratory waterfowl and songbirds. The restoration effort will increase habitat values for a diversity of species and provide climate resilience by creating additional water storage and re-establishing connectivity to the Columbia River and Columbia wetlands.”
Elko – Wigwam Flats restoration – $750,000
The Fernie Rod and Gun Club will oversee a five-year project to improve over 250 hectares of land near Elko.
This will include planting native seed mixes to provide ungulate food and reducing tree density to improve sightlines.
The land is home to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep when they raise their young in the spring.
Work will be done in partnership with Yaq̓it ʔaꞏknuqⱡi ‘it First Nation, the Province of B.C., Nature Trust of BC and Nature Conservancy of Canada.
“Wigwam Flats is truly a special place both for wildlife and for community members and First Nations Peoples,” said Kevin Marasco, President of the Fernie Rod and Gun Club.
“The area has seen significant forest encroachment following a regime of fire suppression, and restoring and enhancing open forest and grasslands will enhance biodiversity values and wildlife habitat for critical ungulate species.”
You can see the rest of the projects and their funding amounts here.
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