The Province has awarded $60,000 to the Fraser Basin Council to help restore ecosystems in the Cariboo, Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North, and Donna Barnett, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin, announced today on behalf of Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson.

The funding is an increase from last year’s $52,000 grant and will support the work of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Ecosystems Restoration Steering Committee as it oversees, promotes and supports the restoration of grasslands in the region. 

Ecosystem restoration involves logging, thinning and slashing excess trees from grassland and open forest sites. Once the trees are removed, the area is carefully burned, which replicates natural wildfire and creates the environmental conditions that encourage the growth of native grasses and shrubs.

The Fraser Basin Council is devoted to advancing sustainability in the Fraser Basin and throughout British Columbia. Society members include representatives from federal, provincial and local governments, First Nations and the private sector.

This year, B.C. is investing a total of $270,000 to ecosystem restoration programs in the Kootenays, Cariboo and Northern B.C.

Quotes:

Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North –

“The Government of B.C. is committed managing and conserving our complex and unique ecosystems, and is working hard with community partners like the Fraser Basin Council to revitalize grasslands across the Cariboo.”

Donna Barnett, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin –

“The funding for ecosystem restoration will not only help bring back our grasslands and help reduce wildfires risks, but will also provide a boost to local economies and create long-term employment opportunities.”

David Marshall, executive director, Fraser Basin Council –

“The natural ecosystems of the region are invaluable and need continuing attention. We would like to thank the Province for its continued support for the ongoing work of the Cariboo Chilcotin Ecosystem Restoration Committee to restore healthy, open forests and grasslands in the region.”

Quick Facts:

• Restored ecosystems help to improve habitat for grassland plants, reduce wildfire risks to neighbouring communities, and increase forage for wildlife and livestock.
• The Province funds restoration work on more than 4,000 hectares of Crown land each year.

Learn More:

Read about the Cariboo-Chilcotin Restoration Steering Committee: http://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/ccr.html

Find out more about B.C.’s ecosystem restoration program: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/esd/documents/EcosystemsProgramPlan.pdf