July 2020
 
July 6, 2020
I'm having a difficult time adjusting to the idea that it is already July in this year of 2020.  It's definitely a year that is writing an unusual footnote in the annals of history.
 
The weather has been very different than we've experienced the last few years as well and I'm sure nobody is missing the wildfires thus far.
 
Now that we are adjusting to our new routines, I'd like to introduce our two new co-workers here at CVWMA.  Brody and Blair came on board in early May and would love to greet you if meet them out on the land.
 
Smiles!
Pamela Sabo
Administrative Assistant to the Head of Conservation Programs
 
Introducing: BRODY KUNZE - Operations and Wildlife Habitat Technician
I grew up in the Creston Valley and have lived here off and on my whole life. All the amazing outdoor recreational opportunities and natural areas I’ve gotten to experience really inspired me to take an active role in managing and conserving the land base.
 
I have a diverse background of work experiences that have led me to this point. In the past I have worked as a carpenter, a stone carver and even as a prop builder in a local fabrication shop. Before attending school, I traveled to the southern reaches of Chilean Patagonia and worked at a remote fishing lodge hosting and guiding clients on the fishing trip of a lifetime. This trip really sparking my interest in all things fish and led me to enrolling in a 2-year diploma program in Recreation, Fish and Wildlife at the Selkirk College in Castlegar, BC.  Between these two years of school I got hired on with the BC government as a wildlife and habitat technician. I worked with the Sturgeon and Burbot recovery team monitoring population trends and health factors through a variety of sampling techniques on Kootenay Lake and River. I also worked with the Kootenay Boundary American Bullfrog team to help capture and euthanize the invasive bullfrogs in the Creston Valley.
 
With the desire to stay in the Valley and continue to work in the environmental field, it seemed like a natural progression to work at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. I’ve been hired on as the Operations and Wildlife Habitat Technician, and work on a variety of projects. From maintaining dike roads and operating pumps and water controls, to monitoring and surveying for a variety of wildlife species throughout the wetlands. I’m excited about my new position here and thrilled to be a part of the team!
 
Introducing: BLAIRE SMITH - Wildlife Technician
 
Blaire is from Nelson, BC and has been living in Cranbrook for the last few years. She is a self-proclaimed bird nerd and can usually be found with binoculars around her neck. In addition to birding, she enjoys learning about the natural world and hiking and exploring in the Kootenays.
 
Blaire is a graduate of the Recreation, Fish, and Wildlife Program at Selkirk College and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries from University of Northern BC. 
 
Over the last few years Blaire worked as a field technician with FLNRORD, the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, and the University of Northern BC. Highlights from these positions included collecting data for a hybridization study of Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout in the East Kootenays, surveying for Northern Leopard Frog right here in Creston, and monitoring a nest box population of Mountain Chickadees in Kamloops.
 
Blaire is excited to be working as a Wildlife Technician for the CVWMA and looks forward to getting to know the Creston area, learning about the many species that call the CVWMA home, and meeting the people that recreate here. Be sure to introduce yourself when you see her!
 
 
 
 
 
Administration Building Hours
 
 
Regular business hours are:
 
Monday to Friday
 
9 am to 4 pm
(closed from 12-1)
 
 
 
Winter 2019-20
Wetlander Newsletter
and
2018-19 Annual Report
 
 
 
 
The Winter edition of the Wetlander newsletter is available for viewing.  Check out the articles about the 2019 Field Season,  the Kootenay-Columbia Society Discovery Centre, Six Mile Slough Restoration Project, a Swan Quiz, Barn Swallows, photos and more!
 
The 2018-19 Annual Report is also included in this issue.
 
To read the latest Wetlander, click here
 
The CVWMA Trails are Open Year Round.

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Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority
PO Box 640
Creston, BC V0B 1G0

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