INTERFOR ENGINEER AWARDED FOR FISH HABITAT PROTECTION

News Release

January 18, 2005 Campbell River, B.C. -- Fisheries and Oceans Canada has recognized an engineer with forest company Interfor Ltd. for exemplary efforts to protect fish habitat in road construction in the Kauwinch River watershed on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. Branko Samoukovic received a Industry Habitat Stewardship Award from the Department's South Coast Area office. The award is presented to companies and individuals that demonstrate excellence and innovation in protecting fish habitat. The award also acknowledges the importance of proactive habitat protection, as a complement to Fisheries Act enforcement. "Mr. Samoukovic was selected for this award because of his ongoing and demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship," said habitat chief Bruce Adkins. When the road project began in the Kauwinch River watershed in 2001, it was described as the most difficult and challenging project in the Campbell River Forest District. The Kauwinch system is home to salmon - such as coho, pink, chum, chinook and steelhead - and resident trout. Mr. Samoukovic's leadership and engineering skills resulted in the protection of the large spruce trees that are an integral part of the Kauwinch River's riparian (streamside) area. His work resulted in a road that exceeded expections with minimal impacts to the streamside vegetation and exceeded requirements for created habitat. Post-construction studies have shown the habitat is functioning well. Riparian vegetation adjacent to rivers, streams and foreshores is vital for fish habitat because it shades the water, provides cover and protection for fish, stabilizes streambanks, prevents erosion and contributes to the aquatic food chain. Mr. Samoukovic has had a long record of working to protect habitat extending well beyond the Kauwinch River. He was instrumental in preparing and initiating plans to address concerns about sediment in Jensen Lake, near Kyuquot Sound, and the accumulation of tree bark on a local beach. Mr. Samoukovic's ongoing assistance, enthusiasm and leadership in habitat stewardship have been praised by consultants and other partners in several projects to restore and improve fish habitat in the area. - 30 - For more information: Carrie Mishima Communications Officer Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region 604-666-0392

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2016-12-15

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INTERFOR ENGINEER AWARDED FOR FISH HABITAT PROTECTION

News Release

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