The Kootenay Lake Partnership (KLP) adopted a strategic terms of reference to develop integrated and collaborative approaches to lake management planning. This is a response to recent rapid growth and increased pressure that will protect and enhance the ecological health, aboriginal and socio-economic values of Kootenay Lake.
Through co-operation, information-sharing, optimizing available resources and co-ordinating efforts, the partnership process will seek to provide public education and guidance, and establish lake management strategies for: foreshore development, water quality, protection of culturally and ecologically significant sites, population protection for fish and wildlife, and cumulative impacts.
The partnership includes representatives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, the Regional District of Central Kootenay, the Canadian Columbia River Intertribal Fisheries Commission, the Ktunaxa Nation council, and the Lower Kootenay Band. Other groups representing their interests include the Okanagan Nation Alliance, the Ministry of Environment, the Interior Health Authority, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the City of Nelson, and the Village of Kaslo.
“Kootenay Lake is very important to the past, present and future culture and traditions of the Ktunaxa Nation,” said Ray Warden, director of the Ktunaxa Lands and Resource Agency. “We are pleased to be involved in this multi-agency approach to managing such a valuable resource. Responsible stewardship requires everyone’s involvement, and we hope that Kootenay Lake’s local residents and visitors join us in this important mission.”
Due to increasing development pressures and more people opting to relocate to the area for a more relaxed and nature-oriented lifestyle, Garry Jackman, an RDCK representative on the KLP says, “The partnership is well positioned to provide sound, scientific data to guide development practices and to help educate current and incoming residents about how to best maintain this beautiful environment which they sought out in the first place.”
The KLP will continue to work towards developing a collaborative framework, solidifying intergovernmental relationships and enable the development of a forum for Kootenay Lake management planning.
— KOOTENAY LAKE PARTNERSHIP