Taking care of Kootenay Lake together

Welcome to Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society, a place to learn and take part in your local water.

Please consider becoming a member. We need your support now – more than ever before!!

Learn More

Learn more about what we’re up too, by browsing our current events, blog, or Kootenay lake library.

Get Involved

Take part in the FOKL community by joining an event, making a donation or becoming a volunteer.

FOKLSS Initiatives

Learn more about our key activities on the lake

The Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society have been busy beavers and have developed the following 4 main initiatives to increase stewardship and protection of the Lake:

Lake Watchers Program

Water Quality Monitoring, Lake Observations, Report illegal activity, Osprey Nest Monitoring

Lake Education

Kootenay Lake Presentation, Outreach at various community events, Kootenay Lake Library

Shoreline Restoration

Convert your altered shoreline to a natural one, Shoreline restoration and resources (Kootenay Lake Partnership’s Shoreline Guidance Document), Wetland restoration

Lake Planning

Working with the Kootenay Lake Partnership on the Lake Planning Process currently underway, Kootenay Lake Community Values Study.

News & Blog

FOKLSS News & Stories from the Field

Experience Kootenay Lake in the Winter

It’s officially winter in the Kootenays, although it might not look like it in some areas! One of the beautiful things about living near Kootenay Lake is that it doesn’t freeze in the wint...

20 December, 2023

Friends of Kootenay Lake is currently running a silent auction! We are still in the midst of our fall fundraiser, and all money raised will go directly to helping us continue our work around the lake....

05 December, 2023

The 2024 Nelson Polar Bear Swim is coming up!

The 2024 Nelson Polar Bear Swim is on January 1! There are a ton of prizes to be won, including a staycation at The Sentinel in Kaslo, a $200 gift card to Relish in Nelson, and a two-day pass to White...

05 December, 2023

Since the creation of FOKLSS in 2012 we’ve come a long way!

Friendly facts about Kootenay Lake

154

meters is the maximum depth

th largest lake in BC

7771

km2 of drainage area

Species of fish

Learn more about FOKLSS

A Soraya Olszewski film

A Message from Kootenay Lake

As friends of Kootenay Lake, we are dedicated to improving the health and stewardship of this waterbody. Together, with our volunteers, members, funders, and supporters we monitor wildlife and water quality, restore important habitats, clean shorelines, educate lake users, and empower local communities, First Nations, and stakeholders. But most importantly, we act as a voice for the lake, to ensure she thrives for future generations.

Be the voice, be a friend. Join us.

Film: Soraya Olszewski

Kootenay Lake Drone Footage: Douglas Noblet

Whether swimming, kayaking or fishing on Kootenay Lake, it’s always a fresh adventure. Some days it’s enough to just sit and watch shorebirds or the sunlight as it plays across the waves. Becoming a Friends of Kootenay Lake board member gave me the opportunity to learn more about the lake and meet others who are passionate about it. It’s satisfying to work on projects that will protect and enhance our lake environment.
Greg Utzig, FOKLSS Board Member
"I feel excited about the projects that are coming to life through the efforts of this organization and am proud to be a part of it. With a focus on the lake that connects us all, you are bound to find something of interest happening at FOKLSS. As with any good community, what you put in is what you get out" -
Tina Deenik - FOKLSS Board Member