Columbia Valley Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors earlier this month approved most of Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund Program’s 2019 funding recommendations.

However, approval of the seven projects and $86,958 in funding was not unanimous, with Village of Radium Hot Springs Mayor and board director Clara Reinhardt voting opposed.

The reason being, she explained to fellow board members, following a lengthier discussion during the Feb. 7 Columbia Valley Services Committee, is the apparent static nature of funded projects.

Reinhardt argued she sees funding requests for the same projects “year after year.

“There seems to be never-ending projects. I strongly believe the Northern Leopard Frog is not coming back to the Columbia (River) marshes,” she stated.

Reinhardt said a letter is being sent to the Conservation Fund Program to arrange a meeting with RDEK directors and make some possible changes.

Projects approved with funding amount. RDEK agenda

Lead image: Northern Leopard Frog. Columbia Basin Trust photo

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