SURREY – A local river project is benefitting from hunting and fishing license fees.
The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation announced last week that it is investing over $6 million in 2011 to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife populations and their habitats across B.C. and a project on the Keogh River is a lucky recipient.
The Keogh River Steelhead Population Dynamics project, valued at $100,000, will monitor smolt emigration and adult return of steelhead in the Keogh River to evaluate success of habitat restoration and other conservation strategies for endangered steelhead stocks, and to provide guidance on recreational fishery openings.
“By making this multi-million dollar investment, B.C.’s anglers, hunters, guide-outfitters, and trappers continue their outstanding record as champions for conservation, habitat restoration and biological diversity across British Columbia. On their behalf, the foundation will continue to invest in projects that sustain this priceless natural heritage for all British Columbians,” said HCTF Board Chair Dr. Winifred Kessler in a press release.
More than 150 projects in communities across B.C. will be led by some of B.C.’s best qualified wildlife biologists, fisheries scientists, and volunteer groups. Project details were released Apr. 15 at the annual BC Wildlife Federation Convention in Surrey.
Since its creation in 1981, HCTF has provided more than $130 million in project funding to more than 2,700 conservation, enhancement, and educational projects across BC. As most HCTF projects are partnered with other organizations, the total invested is almost $400 million, said HCTF in the press release.
HCTF receives 90% of its revenue from hunting, fishing, guide-outfitting and trapping license surcharge fees. The Foundation issues an annual call-for-proposals to re-invest this money back into fish and wildlife conservation projects.
For more information contact check the website at www.hctf.ca