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Bull Trout Will Benefit . Unstable slopes (right) are putting sediment into Whitewater Creek north of Kaslo. That’s why drainage ditches were re-established on the creek. This work will reduce the amount of sediment entering the creek and improve downstream fish habitat. FWCP and Ministry of Environment staff coordinated this work to stabilize the slope and improve bull trout spawning habitat in Kaslo Creek. Bull trout are blue-listed in B.C., meaning they are considered to be a vulnerable species.     Cottonwoods Need Help . Cottonwood riparian ecosystems in the B.C. southern interior have been reduced to small fragments. These endangered ecosystems along shorelines and riverbanks are critical for many at-risk species here in the Columbia Basin including Lewis’ woodpeckers, Townsend’s big-eared bats and western screech-owls. Help conserve cottonwood riparian ecosystems.

	. Need Funding For Your Idea? . If you have an idea for a project that will help local wildlife, and you need funding to make it happen, the FWCP might be able to help. Each year the FWCP funds small projects that have the support of community or non-profit groups and can be completed within a year for less than $10 thousand. The project should support the FWCP mandate to conserve and enhance wildlife impacted by the construction of BC Hydro dams. FWCP biologists can help you develop your idea. Recent small works project: Creston Valley Rod & Gun Club members improve spawning habitat in Boulder Creek on Kootenay Lake.

	Upcoming Events. You’re Invited! . This spring FWCP staff will be hosting several free information sessions on bats and bees. Plus, we'll teach you how-to build an owl nest box and help you release a juvenile sturgeon. We'll also tell you when to head to the Lardeau River to watch the mighty Gerrard Rainbow trout spawn. Check out FWCP for the latest information! .
	Get Hands-On

	. Owl Nest Box Building Session March 10 - Blueberry Creek (near Castlegar) . See incredible photos and learn more about the local, endangered western screech-owl. Join FWCP for a hands-on session and leave with a nest box suitable for local owls. $10 per owl box to cover materials. See you at 7 p.m. at Blueberry Creek Community School, 200 Centre Avenue. You must pre-register. Wynndel resident and FWCP volunteer public representative Gerry Thompson, right, has helped assemble many owl nest boxes. Hosted by the FWCP with support from CBT and FortisBC. Help Endangered Sturgeon April 19 & 20 - Castlegar & Creston . On behalf of the Upper Columbia White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative, the FWCP is organizing a juvenile sturgeon release at Hugh Keenleyside Dam near Castlegar on Monday, April 19. The FWCP also invites you to release a juvenile sturgeon into the Kootenay River near Creston on Tuesday, April 20. This is your chance to help an endangered species! These dates are tentative so check FWCP for the latest information.		.

	.		. Gerrard Rainbow Trout Coming Soon April & May - Lardeau River . Each spring, Gerrard rainbow trout spawn in the Lardeau River at the outlet of Trout Lake. The viewing platform is a great place to watch these spectacular fish. We’ll post daily fish counts so you can time your visit to see the most Gerrards.

	FWCP Presentations
	. Bats of the World May 15 - Castlegar . FWCP wildlife technician Thomas Hill will share amazing photos of bats from around the world. You’ll learn about their natural history and the role these nocturnal animals play in our daily lives. Time and location will be announced soon. For more info contact: castlegargardenfest@shaw.ca Hosted by the Castlegar Garden & Nature Fest.

	. Native Bee Presentations May 5 - Invermere May 6 - Fernie May 7 - Cranbrook May 15 - Castlegar . Entomologist Lynn Westcott will deliver several native bee presentations highlighting the important role these power pollinators play. Plus, you will leave with how-to info to make your own bee “condo” that will attract bees to your garden.

	See You There!
	. Kootenay Trout Hatchery Open House April 10 - Cranbrook . Organized by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, this free event is at the Kootenay Trout Hatchery, 32 kms southeast of Cranbrook near Wardner from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Be sure to drop by the FWCP display.

	. Community Science Celebration April 10 - Castlegar . Hosted by Kootenay Association of Science and Technology, this free event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. at Selkirk College. FWCP staff will have lots for you to see and feel.

	. Creston Home & Garden Show April 16 & 17 - Creston . FWCP staff will host a booth at this show organized by the Creston Chamber of Commerce. Admission is $2. .

			Send Us Your Photos! . The FWCP is always looking for great images of local fish & wildlife. Send us your high-res, digital image and if we publish it, we will send you a FWCP shirt or baseball hat. Please do not harass fish or wildlife for the sake of a photo. Thanks to Larry Halverson of Radium Hot Springs for this photo of a northern pygmy owl.

	Conserving & enhancing fish & wildlife affected by the construction of BC Hydro dams in the Columbia Basin since 1995