Sockeye, Kokanee and Species-at-Risk Will Benefit
Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Approves Funding for 2015 Projects

PITT MEADOWS / MAPLE RIDGE – Five projects announced today by the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) will help conserve and enhance fish and wildlife in the Allouette River watershed. The Katzie First Nation andlocal stewardship groups applied for project funding in late 2014 and their projects were approved by the FWCP-Coastal
Region Board from among 54 grant applications.

Sockeye and kokanee salmon will benefit from hands-on work to improve habitat and research aimed at restoring runs and fish abundance. Local species-at-risk will benefit from a project aimed at conserving and restoring these species.

“The preservation of fish and wildlife habitat is key to the survival of species at risk,” said Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows MLA Doug Bing. “Collaboration by all stakeholders will ensure our success.”

Together the five projects will receive more than $190,000 from the FWCP, which conserves and enhances fish and wildlife impacted by BC Hydro dams. Learn more at fwcp.ca.

These projects get underway this spring and conclude by early 2016. They are among 41 projects approved by the FWCP-Coastal Region Board, which is providing approximately $2 million towards fish and wildlife projects this year.

The Board, which includes First Nations, public stakeholders, BC Hydro, the Province of B.C. and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, funds projects that align with its watershed and action plans. The Board may direct funds later in the year to other projects it deems a priority for the region.

“Each project we approve for funding aligns with our local Action Plans, and goes through a technical review before being reviewed by our Board members who make the final decisions,” says FWCP Manager, Trevor Oussoren.

The FWCP-Coastal Region includes Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and the Southern Interior.

-30-

For more information contact
BC Hydro Media Relations
604-928-6468