The Government of Canada has invested more than $18 million to date to restore recreational fisheries habitat through the National Conservation Plan
December 18, 2014 - Penticton, British Columbia
The Government of Canada has partnered with two conservation organizations to undertake fish habitat improvements in the British Columbia Interior. Member of Parliament Dan Albas, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, highlighted today the federal government’s investment in Penticton Creek and Nicola River.
Through the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP), the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. and the B.C. Conservation Foundation will receive up to a total of $207,650 to support their important projects.
As part of the National Conservation Plan, the RFCPP was created to restore Canada’s waterways and to ensure sustainability and ongoing productivity of our recreational fisheries. Given its success in ensuring a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across the country, and high demand, the Government of Canada increased the investment in the Economic Action Plan 2014 to a total of $25 million.
Both organizations, the B.C. Conservation Foundation and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C., will contribute to the conservation and restoration of our country’s natural environment and help connect Canadians to our rich natural heritage. Under the third round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, up to $2,587,043 has been made available for 30 projects in British Columbia.
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. Details about the program can be found on the Program’s website (www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.html) where you can also sign up for updates.
“The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program allows our Government to support an important economic sector while also ensuring sustainable fisheries. I would like to congratulate the proponents who applied under the first rounds of this program. Our Government is proud to support their work that will benefit Canadian communities for years to come.”
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
“The Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. and the B.C. Conservation Society are playing key roles not only in the conservation and restoration of our country’s natural environment, but also in encouraging Canadians to connect to our rich natural heritage. Our government has proudly pledged $25 million to date to support this important work. Along with our partners, we will continue to ensure the future prosperity of our recreational fisheries.”
Dan Albas, Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla
“The Nicola River experiences high use by local residents and visitors, such as anglers, year-round. Improvements to freshwater habitat, particularly those that will enhance recreational fisheries in the area, will be well-received by local residents and visitors alike. Key partners in the project include the Steelhead Society and River Ranch.”
Barb Waters, B.C. Conservation Foundation
“Penticton Creek fish habitat was decimated when the stream was converted to a concrete flume decades ago. This collaborative restoration initiative will have an immensely positive impact on the stream ecosystem, the community and the Okanagan Lake recreational fishery.”
Paul Askey, Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C.
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Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537
Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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