Recent Items – 2002
April 22, 2002
DAWSON CREEK — Projects designed to enhance fisheries and wildlife habitat in the Peace region will receive more than $400,000 from the Habitat Conservation Trust.
“As a government, we recognize the need to preserve and protect our natural environment,” said Peace River South MLA Blair Lekstrom. “These funds will go towards improving the habitat of the Peace region and that’s good news for all of us who enjoy and appreciate the beauty of British Columbia.”
Noting that the projects cover a wide scope, Lekstrom said there will be short-term and long-term benefits for the Peace region.
“We’re going to be able to protect, maintain and enhance critical fish and wildlife habitat and that is of immediate benefit to all of us who care about our environment,” said Lekstrom. “But there will also be an improved scientific understanding developed through these projects and that will benefit us in the long-term.”
Water, Land and Air Protection Minister Joyce Murray made the funding announcements on Friday totaling more than $5.3 million across the province.
“Money provided by the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund enhances the effectiveness of government measures, as well as projects undertaken by our stewardship partners,” she said.
The following projects in the Peace region will be receiving grants:
– Burnt and Sukunka River Arctic grayling assessments.
– Migrations patterns of northeastern B.C. inconnu.
– Goldeye in the Peace River watershed.
– Tupper Creek stream channel restoration and fish habitat assessment.
– Lake trout and walleye synthesis and species management plan.
– Peace River prescribed burns.
– Habitat connectivity and conservation of Peace River lowlands.
– Hay River wood bison transplant.
– Monitoring changes in wood diversity.
– defining the predator landscape for ecosystem planning.
The Habitat Conservation Trust Fund is supported primarily by surcharges on angling, hunting, trapping and guide-outfitting licences. Voluntary contributions, sale of educational materials and court awards provide additional revenue.
Since 1981, more than $65 million has been provided to support about 1,930 enhancement and educational project through the trust fund and its predecessor, the Habitat Conservation Fund. Most of the above projects have partners that are working with the fund.