October 29, 2014 - Prince George, British Columbia
Member of Parliament Dick Harris (Cariboo-Prince George), on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that, under the second round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, the Government of Canada is providing up to $140,000 to the Baker Creek Enhancement Society, Fraser Basin Council and Nechako Environment and Water Stewardship Society to conserve fish habitat in B.C.’s Central Interior.
The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program was announced in Economic Action Plan 2013 to support fisheries habitat restoration projects led by recreational fishing and angling groups, as well as conservation organizations. Given its early success and high demand, an additional investment in Economic Action Plan 2014 increased the funding available through the program to a total investment of $25 million.
On May 15, 2014, the National Conservation Plan was launched to provide a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across the country. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has taken important steps to conserve and restore our country’s natural environment and connect Canadians to our rich natural heritage. To date, the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program has invested nearly $6 million under Round I in 94 fisheries habitat restoration projects across Canada, an additional 128 projects under Round II are receiving up to $5.5 million, and most recently, more than 80 projects are eligible for funding under Round III. Details about the program can be found on the Program’s Web site where you can also sign up for updates.
Our Government is committed to supporting the individuals and organizations who are working along the shores of lakes, rivers and streams across this country to protect and restore fishing habitats for future generations. Recreational fishing is an important economic activity which attracts thousands of visitors to Canada and contributes billions of dollars to our economy every year. The projects funded by the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program will benefit Canadian communities for years to come.”
Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George
“The Dragon Creek Car Dump Clean Up and Bioengineering Project has directly decreased sediments and potential contaminants flowing into Dragon Creek and subsequently the Quesnel River.”
Tracy Bond, Baker Creek Enhancement Society
“Fraser Basin Council is pleased to have this opportunity to work with our regional partners, including the Horsefly River Roundtable. Ecosystem health, including hydrology, fish and fish habitat is intrinsically linked to economic and social opportunities. This project provides support that helps link it all together.”
Maureen LeBourdais, Fraser Basin Council
“We are pleased with the funding opportunity from the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program as we continue to bring back recreational fisheries opportunities to Stoney Creek. This important funding opportunity not only helps our restoration projects but also motivates many other stakeholders to contribute to the health of the Nechako Watershed.”
Wayne Salewski, Director, Nechako Environment and Water Stewardship Society (NEWSS)
Carrie Mishima
Communications Advisor
604-666-0392
Carrie.mishima@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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