The Province is providing further support for the BC Living Rivers Trust Fund with an injection of $1 million for their core programs. This money is in addition to the $21 million that was given to the organization between 2002 and 2006.

The Living Rivers Trust Fund supports delivery of critical fisheries research and fish habitat restoration programs throughout British Columbia. It was established by the provincial government to provide a legacy based on healthy watersheds, sustainable ecosystems and thriving communities.

The trust is administered by the Living Rivers Advisory Group and focuses on three major program areas, including:

• The Fraser Salmon and Watersheds Program.
• The Georgia Basin/Vancouver Island Program.
• The Skeena Fisheries Program.

The programs are implemented through community-based projects, developing a network of organizations throughout the province, including significant development with First Nations.

Over the past six years, the fund has enabled 450 projects and leveraged the provincial investment by at least three times through shared funding with other organizations. Nearly $8 million has been invested in the Georgia Basin/Vancouver Island regions on numerous initiatives to improve management of watersheds for the health of fish, aquatic environments and the people who use those resources.

Quotes:

Minister of Agriculture Don McRae -

"The government is a strong supporter of the work being done by the trust. Their programs are invaluable for delivery of critical fisheries research and fish habitat restoration projects throughout the province."

John Woodward, chair, BC Living Rivers Advisory Board -

"In difficult financial times, these new funds are an important contribution to sustain the progress of the BC Living Rivers program and protection for our rivers and streams. Many of the programs have been undertaken with B.C.'s First Nation people, including an initiative on Vancouver Island to involve 11 different First Nation organizations in delivering multi-year projects."

Quick Facts:

• Between 2002 and 2006, the government of British Columbia established a $21-million trust fund to fulfil the vision - "to create a legacy for the province based on healthy watersheds, sustainable ecosystems and thriving communities."
• Funding from the Living Rivers Trust Fund is administered by the Living Rivers Advisory Group, which provides support and funding to its key watershed business plans in British Columbia.

Learn More:

• Learn more about the Living Rivers Trust and their programs: www.livingrivers.ca/lrtf.html
• We want to hear from you. Share your ideas at: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Media Contact:

Kathryn Hardy
Communications
Ministry of Agriculture
250 387-1693