Protecting what matters most….
Acting informally between 2018 and 2021 and incorporated in 2022, the West Kootenay Watershed Collaborative ( WKWC) is a collective voice that advocates for resilience and restoration of the landscape, which in this region means the protection of consumptive watersheds, benefiting a diversity of ecological values. Forests, critical habitats for apex predators, agriculture and residents all gain through landscape protection. Understanding the critical historical, present and future landscape impacts on the sensitive slopes of the West Kootenay refocuses watershed protection to a macro scale. We are grateful for the group's initial work Community in Nature accomplished under the administration of Neighbours United, and are proud to have been a lead partner part of the Healthy Watersheds Initiative.
Meet the Board of Directors
Ramona Faust - Board Chair
Ramona Faust has lived in the Kootenay Lake Watershed for 46 years.
During that time she was employed in forestry, education, social services, community forestry and was elected for 4 terms as the Regional District Director for Central Kootenay Area E serving 14 years until retirement in 2022. During that time her focus was on family friendly community, the expansion of parkland, community development and climate adaptation and watershed governance.
Her volunteer activities are many including the West Kootenay Ecosociety, the Harrop ProcterWatershed Protection Society, Vancouver Foundation Environment AdvisoryCommittee, the Real Estate Foundation of BC Board of Governors serving as chair for 2 years.
Currently she is on the board of The Local Government Climate Caucus and the Central Kootenay Food Policy Council . Ramona is married with 2 adult children and 4 wonderful grandchildren.
Andrew McBurney - Vice Chair
Andrew has lived beside Cottonwood Creek for 25 years. Reliant on its water quality and watchful of its flow rate during freshet, he is keenly aware of the requirement to safeguard all Kootenay watersheds against the downstream effects of industrial activities.
As a founding board member and spokesperson for the Cottonwood Lake Preservation Society, he celebrated as the Nelson community-at-large galvanized, fundraiser and purchased 49 ha. of mature forest up-slope of Cottonwood Lake Regional Park, gifting it to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, to be protected in perpetuity.
A building contractor for over 30 years, Andrew appreciates the need for the lumber that our forests provide. That said, he’s convinced that status quo logging practices/attitudes must change, especially in this time of climate crisis and ecological distress.
Currently working as a BC Ambulance paramedic, Andrew and his partner like to, among other things, spend time canoeing on Cottonwood Lake, mountain biking, and staying involved with their community.
Landon Veregin
Landon Veregin, a devoted advocate for environmental stewardship and community engagement, stands at the forefront of efforts to protect the West Kootenay watershed. A Nelson native with deep roots in the region, Landon ran for RDCK Area E directorship in 2022, reflecting his commitment to local governance and sustainable development. Now residing in Longbeach near Redfish on the unceded ancestral lands of the Sinixt and Ktunaxa First Nations, Landon brings a unique perspective shaped by his background in international business, including 15 years in China. His return to the Kootenays has revitalized his dedication to ensuring universal access to clean drinking water, underscoring his renewed spirit in championing environmental rights and conservation efforts in the region.
Willem Betts
Willem was born in the West Kootenay and has lived here most of his life. He has worked in the forest industry for over twenty years and currently runs a small saw milling business.
Arianne Chagnon
Arianne is a recent graduate in Public Affairs and Policy Studies with a background in environmental advocacy, forestry, and sustainable food systems. She brings six years of experience working in the forestry industry, alongside a strong track record supporting non-profit campaigns focused on biodiversity and ecosystem health, sustainable agriculture, and environmental policy. Her work includes deep-canvassing to build community support for conservation initiatives, as well as leading strategic outreach and storytelling efforts. Currently residing on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Sinixt, Ktunaxa, and Syilx peoples in Blewett, BC, she is committed to advancing conservation efforts that honor Indigenous leadership, community well-being, and ecological integrity.