Member of Parliament for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, highlighted last week the Government of Canada’s investment in the Bonaparte River Restoration project.
Through the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP) the Bonaparte Watershed Stewardship Society will receive up to $74,000 to support the conservation of fish habitat on the Bonaparte River.
The project will improve rearing and spawning habitats for Coho, Chinook and pink salmon as well as steelhead, kokanee and rainbow trout in Bonaparte River at 10 locations. The sites currently consist of eroding stream banks with little to no riparian vegetation, sites will be restored using rock and large woody debris structures and riparian plantings will be installed along with setback fencing.
“Our government is very pleased to partner with groups that share our commitment to conserving our recreational fisheries. They are an important part of our heritage and a big contributor to local economies across British Columbia,” said Strahl.
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.
“The Recreational Fisheries Conservations 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. I encourage all interested groups to submit an application under the new round,” said Minister Shea.
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. Under the third round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, up to $2.6 million has been made available for 30 projects in British Columbia.