Restoration efforts have been announced for several fish habitats in Saanich, thanks to a financial boost from the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
The Vancouver-based non-profit has promised to provide more than $42,000 through its Community Salmon Program to fund improvements to fish habitats in Douglas Creek, Swan Creek and Colquitz River. The improvements will be taken on by the Friends of Mount Douglas Park Society and the Peninsula Streams Society.
“For Colquitz, the main thing is doing the groundwork and establishing a citizens group that’s going to be a lot of the volunteer work and to help educate them,” said Ian Bruce, executive co-ordinator of the Peninsula Streams Society.
“Hopefully we’ll have some opportunities to build some viewing areas so they can watch salmon spawn on the spawning beds they helped build.”
Bruce noted the donation is a tremendous help to the society’s efforts on the Island.
“We couldn’t do nearly all that we do without their support,” he said.
Additionally, funding will also go toward the Stewards of the Future Conference, a series of seminars and training sessions for 120 secondary students who are studying sustainable resource management.
“We are pleased to support the Stewards of the Future Conference because of its focus on training and educating students about the management of our resources,” said Dr. Brian Riddell, president and CEO of the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
The majority of funds were raised through sales of the federal Salmon Conservation Stamp, a $6 decal that anglers must purchase annually to keep Pacific salmon caught in saltwater off of Canada’s west coast. The stamps generate an estimated $1 million for community grants every year.
Money is also raised through fundraising dinners, auctions and donations from individuals, foundations and businesses.
jacob.zinn@saanichnews.com