Local Salmon and Species-at-Risk Projects Approved
Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Approves Funding for 2015 Projects

MISSION – Salmon spawning and overwintering in the Stave River watershed in Mission will benefit from a project announced today by the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP). The FWCP’s Coastal Region Board approved funding for the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition to increase and improve the habitat for resident and sea-going Chum, Coho, Chinoook and Sockeye salmon that spawn and over-winter in this urban watershed.

The FWCP also approved a project that will identify, protect and restore habitat used by local species-at-risk including herons, turtles, toads and frogs.

“I am greatly impressed that such a broad range of stakeholders has come together to ensure the future survival of species-at-risk,” said Abbotsford-Mission MLA, Simon Gibson.

Together, these two projects will receive more than $95,000 from the FWCP, which conserves and enhances fish and wildlife impacted by BC Hydro dams.

These projects get underway this spring and conclude by early 2016. They are 41 projects approved by the FWCP-Coastal Region Board, which will provide approximately $2 million in projects this year.

The Board, which includes First Nations, public stakeholders, BC Hydro, the Province of BC 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.

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