The B.C. government is awarding a grant of $52,000 to the Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resources Society (Cranbrook area) 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 society restore fire-maintained grassland and open forest ecosystems on Crown land in the East Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia.

The Rocky Mountain Trench Ecosystem Restoration Program has been operating as a successful partnership with government, industry, First Nations, non-governmental organizations and members of the public since 1998.

The program’s long-term goal is to restore East Kootenay/Columbia Valley low-elevation grasslands and dry Ponderosa pine/Douglas-fir forests to their natural state. Restoration is taking place from Radium Hot Springs to the U.S. border.

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 Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District last year, 575 hectares were treated mechanically and prescribed fires were completed on 1,025 hectares.

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 –

“Congratulations to the Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resource Society on receiving this grant. The society has operated in successful partnerships for nearly twenty years in their important work to restore historical ecosystems to southeastern B.C.”

Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resource Society co-ordinator Dan Murphy –

“The Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resources Society thanks the ministry for their generous financial support and ongoing support as an active partner with the Rocky Mountain Trench Ecosystem Program.”

Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review Bill Bennett –

“Congratulations to Dan Murphy and his volunteer board of directors. Our region has led B.C. for many years in the restoration of natural grasslands. I know the Trench Society will make good use of these funds.”

Learn More:

Rocky Mountain Trench Ecosystem Restoration Program: http://www.trench-er.com/

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