Conservation efforts around the water and aquatic systems of Kootenay Lake will see some support from the regional district this year. The Regional District of Central Kootenay board of directors approved $75,000 in grant funds for the Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Fund (KLLCF) to be spread among eight different projects. Established in consultation with residents in electoral areas A, D and E — following a referendum in 2014 — each of the eight projects will receive 80 per cent of the money up front and the remaining 20 per cent upon receipt of the final report. The Kootenay Lake and surrounding area has been impacted for its ecological and habitat values due to dam operations and development pressure, noted Sangita Sudan, general manager of the RDCK’s Development and Community Sustainability.