CHEMAINUS – New Democrat MLA Doug Routley says that funding through BC’s Economic Recovery Plan will help restore ecosystems, wildlife and habitats in the Cowichan Valley, ensuring their health and resilience in a changing climate.
“Protecting and preserving the natural environment is so important for the health and well-being of the planet and future generations,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “As the previous co-chair of the Wild Salmon Advisory Council, I’m proud we are partnering with local First Nations to support this project, which will we have a huge impact on the health of our local salmon populations.”
The Cowichan Watershed Board, in partnership with the Cowichan Tribes and Haalalt First Nation, is receiving $500,000. Their project will improve salmonid habitats and alter flow requirements in the Koksilah and Chemainus Rivers.
This local project is one of 60 projects dedicated to restoring diverse ecosystems and conserving fish, wildlife and habitat recently announced by the BC New Democrat government. About $10 million is being dedicated to support the projects for species conservation and ecosystem restoration, which will also create more than 350 jobs.
The projects, which are being completed through partnerships with environmental groups, universities, local stewardship organizations and Indigenous communities are part of the BC New Democrat government’s commitment to develop and invest in new strategies aimed at better protecting fish, wildlife and their habitat. Scheduled for completion by December 2021, the projects were identified by provincial government biologists, non-government partners and regional staff with local knowledge of priority needs.
This initiative is part of the province’s COVID-19 response, which includes StrongerBC — a plan that protects people’s health and livelihoods while supporting businesses and communities.
Learn More:
More information about the BC New Democrat government’s species and ecosystems restoration investment can be found by visiting: https://news.gov.bc.ca/24042