The B.C. government is awarding a grant of $52,000 to the Fraser Basin Council Society (Williams Lake) to support ecosystem restoration projects, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson announced today.

The grant is intended to help members of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Ecosystems Restoration Steering Committee identify and restore critical grasslands in the Cariboo-Chilcotin area. The Fraser Basin Council Society is an active member of the steering committee and offers support as secretariat.

The Cariboo-Chilcotin Ecosystem Restoration Committee was formed in 2008 to address the need for more concentrated efforts of ecosystem restoration projects within the Cariboo-Chilcotin region. Its main mission is to oversee, promote and support ecosystem restoration of grasslands.

Each year the province’s ecosystem restoration program treats approximately 2,000 hectares mechanically and applies prescribed fire to another 2,000 hectares in their restoration efforts. Restoration work can vary from year to year. In the Cariboo region last year, 660 hectares were treated mechanically.

Restored ecosystems help to improve an area’s resiliency to climate change, at the same time reducing wildfire risks to communities. Restoration programs improve habitat for grassland dependent species – including many species at risk, increase natural forage for wildlife and livestock, protect drinking water sources and enhance overall forest health.

The province’s ecosystem restoration program consists of steering committees whose members come from different levels of government, First Nations, industry and non-governmental organizations.

Quotes:

Minister of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson –

“This grant will help the Cariboo-Chilcotin Ecosystem Restoration Committee in its ongoing work to restore healthy, open forests and grasslands that are a benefit to First Nations, wildlife, water sources as well as businesses, communities and families in the region.”

Cariboo-Chilcotin Fraser Basin Council regional manager, Erin Robinson –

“The Fraser Basin Council is very appreciative of this ecosystem restoration grant. It allows us to continue the important work on the land with First Nations partners.”

Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch Coralee Oakes –

“This grant is an endorsement of the work that is ongoing by the Fraser Basin Council and the Cariboo-Chilcotin Ecosystem Restoration Steering Committee. Their commitment to ecosystem restoration is commendable.”

Parliamentary Secretary Donna Barnett –

“Members of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Ecosystem Restoration Committee are to be congratulated for their dedication to restoring critical grasslands in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region. I know this grant will go a long way to supporting their efforts.”

Learn More:

Cariboo-Chilcotin Ecosystem Restoration Committee: http://www.ccerc.net/the-ccerc-final/

Cariboo-Chilcotin Ecosystem Restoration Steering Committee Fraser Basin Council (Secretariat): http://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/ccr_grasslands.html

Ecosystem Restoration in British Columbia: An Overview – https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/HRA/Restoration/ER%20Program%20Overview.pdf