NDP MLA Pam Alexis says new ecosystem projects in the Abbotsford Area will help restore and protect our habitats and wildlife

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ABBOTSFORD – New Democrat MLA Pam Alexis says that funding through BC’s Economic Recovery Plan will help restore ecosystems, wildlife and habitats in the Abbotsford area, ensuring their health and resilience in a changing climate.

“The efforts of locals to preserve and protect our environment is inspiring,” said Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. “B.C. is beautiful and biodiverse, and this area along the Fraser River is no exception. This funding will support important conservation for our local wildlife and habitats.”

This funding will contribute to the following projects in the area:

  • The Nature Stewards Program: Habitat Restoration and Nature Based Solutions to Climate Change, will enable the Fraser Valley Conservancy to support an increased number of Nature Stewards improving habitat on their land, while providing meaningful employment for two new staff members.
  • The Sumas/LFFA Bank Stabalization Fish and Fish Habitat Survey, aims to understand and monitor changes in fish abundance before, during and after bank armoring initiatives with an ARIS Explorer 1800 hydro-acoustic sonar.

These local projects are two 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/releases/2021ENV0022-000516