The Province has awarded $100,000 to the Society for Ecosystem Restoration in north-central B.C. to help rejuvenate damaged ecosystems in the North, Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie, and Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount announced today.

The funding will help the society identify, treat and monitor up to 3,000 hectares of vulnerable and degraded ecosystems in the region.  

The society includes representatives from government, the University of Northern British Columbia, the College of New Caledonia, ranchers, guide outfitters, trappers and conservation organizations.

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

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount –

“B.C. is home to many unique ecosystems and I’m proud that this government is helping organizations like the Society for Ecosystem Restoration in north-central B.C. manage and conserve our these special areas.”  

Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie –

“The Province is really stepping up to the plate with a major investment that will not only help restore damaged ecosystems, but create jobs for a number of people in the region. It’s an important step that will have a long-lasting impact on the North.”

John DeGagne, president, Society for Ecosystem Restoration (SERNbc) –

“SERNbc is very appreciative of this ecosystem restoration grant. It allows us to continue the important work on priority ecosystem in northern B.C.”

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:

• Visit the Society for Ecosystem Restoration in North Central B.C.  website, http://sernbc.ca/index.html
• Read about B.C.’s ecosystem restoration program, Find out more about B.C.’s ecosystem restoration program, http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/esd/documents/EcosystemsProgramPlan.pdf