ACC Environment Grant

Contributing to the protection and preservation of mountain and climbing environments

ACC Environment Grant

Contributing to the protection and preservation of mountain and climbing environments

The ACC Environment Grant is issued annually from a permanent fund to be used to create a legacy of environmental improvement.

Wilderness is a diminishing and irreplaceable resource of great intrinsic value not only to those who recreate in its spaces, but to everyone on our planet. The focus of the Fund is wilderness conservation rather than recreation enhancement, in recognition of the fact that wilderness is a rapidly diminishing and irreplaceable resource of great intrinsic value and that we must act quickly to save these areas. The Fund is a permanent legacy for environmental work.

The purpose of the Fund is to provide support that contributes to the protection and preservation of mountain and climbing environments, including addressing climate change in mountain ecosystems, the preservation of alpine flora and fauna in their natural habitat and support for mountain cultures that rely on these ecosystems.

Priority will be given to projects initiated by the Alpine Club of Canada, its sections and its members. However, outside agencies and individuals may be supported if their projects meet the mandate of the Fund. Fund allocations to outside organizations and individuals will be made based primarily on the merits of the projects, not agency affiliation.

Details

Applicants should include the amount they are hoping to receive through the environment fund, but amounts available may change year after year. Below are past winners from 2024 to provide a reference for amounts that may be received.

Living Lakes Canada – High Elevation Monitoring Project: $5,000
The data collected through the HE Monitoring Program will support climate modelling, watershed management solutions, and adaptation strategies and decision0makers within the Canadian portion of the Columbia Basin, home to roughly 178,000 residents. The study areas will initially benefit three regional communities in the West Kootenays; New Denver, Silverton and Kaslo before providing information that can be extrapolated to infer more expansive insights across the wider Columbia-Basin.

Hanna Davidson and a Research group working with the Alberta Mycological Society – Polyozellus in the Canadian Rockies: $960
The project involves hiking to alpine elevations to determine the alpine range of an under-researched fungus, Polyozellus, which is edible and holds medicinal properties. This fungus has only been characterized from the coastal regions of Canada, and collections hold very few records of the fungus in alpine regions, and none at all in the Rockies, although it seems clear that the habitat is ideal. The project will take place from late July to early Sept of 2024, the fruiting season, and it will serve to characterize the biodiversity in this region, specifically for Polyozellus sp. which have never been searched for in the Canadian Rockies.

Trip Reports

Living Lakes Canada: High Elevation Monitoring

High-elevation headwaters are the lifeblood for people and ecosystems alike. They provide the freshwater that pours through taps, supports the growth of food, and nurtures a diversity of freshwater species, including the iconic Kokanee Salmon.

January 9, 2024

Sustainable Waste Management in the Bugaboos

By using a revolutionary urine-diverting system, Marc, alongside the volunteer group Friends of Bugaboos Park (FOBP) and the climbing community, the team significantly reduced the amount of helicopter service flights to this site and contributed to the longevity of East Creek Camp.

January 9, 2024

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We appreciate that the lands known today as Canada are home to the enduring presence of all First Nations and Métis people, and the Inuit and we acknowledge the past, present, and future generations of these Nations who continue to lead us in stewarding this land, as well as honour their knowledge and cultural ties to this place. The Alpine Club of Canada’s head office is located in the traditional lands of Treaty 7, which is comprised of the Stoney Nakoda Nations of Wesley, Chiniki, and Bearspaw; three Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy: the Piikani, Kainai, and Siksika; the Mountain Cree; and the Tsuu T’ina of the Dene people. This territory is also shared with the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. Before the signing of Treaty 7, and prior to the establishment of provincial boundaries, this region was also used by the Ktunaxa and the Maskwacis people.

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The Alpine Club of Canada is a registered Amateur Athletic Association and a registered Canadian charity (Registration No: 10670 4182 RR0001). The ACC’s US ACC Foundation can accept charitable donations from donors living in the United States. We will issue a charitable tax receipt for eligible donations of $20 or more.