Media Contacts

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Media Relations
250 953-3834

Backgrounders

Species conservation and ecosystem restoration projects

More than 60 initiatives for species conservation and ecosystem restoration are taking place throughout the province this year. Some of the projects are described below:

Conserving and enhancing wildlife habitat in the Fraser Valley

The Fraser Valley Conservancy’s Nature Stewards Program encourages private landowners throughout the eastern Fraser Valley to conserve and enhance habitat for wildlife on their properties. The program is open to all landowners who have suitable habitat to support native species and want to implement nature-based solutions to climate change. This project will enable the Fraser Valley Conservancy to assist landowners with habitat improvements while providing meaningful employment for new staff members.

Restoration and stewardship of small watersheds in Greater Victoria

The urban watersheds of Greater Victoria provide important habitat for a variety of species and a place for people to enjoy nature. However, high urban storm runoff is causing severe erosion and loss of spawning gravel for fish. Simplified ditch-like channels, debris barriers and invasive blackberries are also a concern. Led by World Fisheries Trust, this project focuses on correcting habitat problems for coho salmon, sea-run cutthroat trout and native amphibian species. Trained interns will implement habitat restoration plans for the upper Colquitz River, Gorge Creek and the Lower Colquitz River along Craigflower Creek.

Conservation and land management intern project

The Conservation Intern program will hire about 10 people under 30 to work with the Nature Trust of British Columbia and provincial regional staff to deliver conservation land management programs on approximately 100 hectares (40 properties/property complexes) in the Okanagan, Kootenay, west and south coast regions. These projects include ecological restoration to improve ecosystem function and resilience to climate change, invasive species inventory/removal, recreation management and public consultation. Participants will work with First Nations, local governments, non-governmental organizations, stewardship groups and volunteers.