BC Government Invests $350,000 to Improve Fraser Basin

VICTORIA May 28, 2007 - The B.C. government is supporting the Fraser Basin Council (FBC) with $350,000 to continue its ongoing work to improve the well-being of the province's largest watershed, Environment Minister Barry Penner announced today.

"The Fraser Basin Council has undertaken some very challenging projects since its inception," said Penner. "The board of the council has shown imaginative leadership and the results are starting to bear fruit."

Since the FBC was established in 1997, it has played a leadership role in more than 50 projects throughout the Fraser River Basin. The FBC and its partners have tackled a wide range of important sustainability issues, chalking up an extensive list of accomplishments.

One of the FBC's more important roles has been to bring together government, the private sector and non-government partners to find enduring, workable solutions to many complex sustainability challenges, take advantage of opportunities to enhance the sustainability of the Fraser Basin, and in some cases, resolve entrenched conflicts that started as long as 50 years ago.

"It's both challenging and satisfying to be a member of the board of the Fraser Basin Council," said council chair Dr. Charles Jago. "Achieving sustainability is our primary aim at the Fraser Basin Council. We want everyone to share our vision of social well-being that is supported by a vibrant economy and sustained by a healthy environment."

Regional issues that the FBC is addressing include threats to property and navigation on the river from waterborne debris in the Fraser Valley, maintaining a healthy estuary at the mouth of the river, developing a sustainable region initiative in the Greater Vancouver Regional District, developing a set of sustainability indicators for the City of Quesnel, and resolving conflicts over water flows on the Nechako River.

In November 2006, the government of British Columbia invested $10 million from its $21-million Living Rivers Trust Fund in the Fraser Salmon and Watersheds Program, which is managed in partnership by the Pacific Salmon Foundation and the Fraser Basin Council. The Government of Canada matched the $10 million for a total investment of $20 million in this initiative.

Partners such as community groups, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations will receive funding to implement approved recovery, conservation, science and public awareness projects and will deliver long-term, tangible benefits for salmon populations and habitat. Projects must be dedicated to improving the sustainability of water resources and salmon populations in the Fraser River.

For more information on the FBC and its projects, visit the council's website at www.fraserbasin.bc.ca.