Local Salmon Project Gets More than $120,000
MISSION – A project to increase habitat for Chum, Coho, Sockeye and Chinook Salmon in the Stave River is being
given more than $120,000 through the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP).
The project, undertaken by the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition, will restore and create new salmon habitat in tidal floodplains near Silvermere Island and south of the Lougheed Highway.
Funding for this project will start in spring 2014 and conclude by early 2015. It is among 31 fish and wildlife projects approved for more than $1.7 million in funding this year in the FWCP’s Coastal Region, which includes the Lower Mainland.
QUOTES:
Marc Dalton, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission
“British Columbia’s environment is something that belongs to us all and should benefit us all. As a government we recognize the need to support job growth in the natural resources sector while also developing those resources in a responsible way. That’s why I am proud to support a great initiative like the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, which will support and enhance fish and wildlife habitats in my riding.”
Brian Assu, Chair, FWCP – Coastal Region Board
“Salmon stocks are of great importance to First Nations and others, and this project will support stocks in an important local watershed. We are fortunate to have strong working partnerships with conservation groups and others working to make a real difference in our watersheds.”
Patrice Rother, Manager, Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program
“We are pleased with the interest in the FWCP and the quality of project proposals that support the FWCP vision of thriving populations in watersheds that are functioning and sustainable.”
A few facts about the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program
• The Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program funds conservation and enhancement projects in the Coastal, Columbia River and Peace River regions. The Coastal Region includes Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and the Southern Interior.
• In 2014, the FWCP will provide more than $7 million towards more than 80 fish and wildlife projects province-wide in its Coastal, Columbia and Peace regions.
• FWCP funds are provided by BC Hydro and managed in a partnership with the Province of British Columbia, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, First Nations and the public to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife impacted by the creation of BC Hydro dams.
• Funding applications are received each fall and reviewed annually in the Coastal Region by technical committees and FWCP Coastal Board members. Projects are chosen based on technical merit, linkages to watershed-specific priorities, cost-effectiveness, level of partnership, and overall benefit to the FWCP’s mandate and vision.
• For a full list and descriptions of all 2014 projects funded by the FWCP across the province, and information on how you can apply for funding next year, visit fwcp.ca.
For more information contact
BC Hydro Media Relations 604-928-6468