West Kootenay Watershed Collaborative

Jacqueline Stoeckler-Sihvonen, PhD (she/her)

Living along and dependent on Laird Creek, on the ancestral territory of the Sinixt and Ktunaxa First Nations, became abundantly aware of the threats to water sources surrounding Kootenay Lake, has applied her acquired skills to diverse civic projects. Using analytical, philosophical and rhetorical tools of interdisciplinarity and an evolving engagement with resident First Nations, she brings to the table a tool box fit to the work of restoration, land rematriation and cross border relations.

Willem Betts

Coming Soon.

Korina Langevin (she/her)

Korina was raised on the north shore of Kootenay Lake. Her late father moved to the East Shore in the 70’s. Korina was raised on pristine beaches boat access from Kootenay Lake and up logging roads on the back of her dad’s motorcycle. She currently owns Red Light Ramen Bar in Nelson, BC and you may find her hosting dj’s on Friday nights. Korina founded Backbone Botanicals, a line of culinary digestive bitters in 2021. She is currently enrolled in an intensive Advanced Clinical Holistic Herbalism program. When Korina is not focused on herbal studies or at the restaurant, she is hiking mountains and enjoying our unique interior rainforest. 
 

Landon Veregin (he/him)

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.

Ramona Faust (she/her)

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 (he/him)

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.

Are you interested in joining the WKWC board?

Please fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you shortly.