Summary

• The Province is investing $1 million in the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation to support a provincewide assessment of water infrastructure located in areas that support fish, wildlife and ecosystems
• Information gathered will help guide investments that are expected to improve public safety, fish and wildlife habitat, community resilience

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Critical ecosystems throughout B.C. will be safer and better protected, thanks to provincial funding for a new partnership led by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF).

B.C. is providing $1 million to HCTF to identify and assess water-control infrastructure on conservation lands and other areas that support ecological values throughout the province, helping guide investments that improve habitat, reduce risks and support local communities.

“Healthy ecosystems are critical to protecting fish and wildlife habitat, while supporting the communities and people who enjoy these spaces,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “Conservation lands are part of our natural ecosystem infrastructure. This work will help us better understand the condition of water-control structures so we can make informed decisions, and prioritize future improvements that protect and enhance the environment and recreational opportunities that people in B.C. rely on.”

As part of the work, a shared database will be created to identify infrastructure such as small dams, dikes and water-control structures. It will track infrastructure condition and safety risks, while taking into account ecological, cultural and community needs associated with each site.

“This funding represents a significant investment in the future of B.C.’s wetlands, small lakes and critical aquatic habitats,” said Dan Buffett, chief executive officer of HCTF. “By bringing together people, infrastructure and knowledge, HCTF and its partners, including the Province and Ducks Unlimited Canada, will collect the information and create the tools needed to better manage water resources on our conservation lands, inform decision-making and enhance the conservation of freshwater fish, wildlife and their habitats for generations to come.”

Protecting habitat, water and public access

Conservation lands primarily help protect key fish and wildlife habitat, while supporting public access for activities such as angling, hunting, wildlife viewing, day hiking, research and Indigenous traditional use. Conservation lands are part of B.C.’s natural infrastructure network. Wetlands, floodplains and managed water-storage areas help store water on the landscape, moderate flood peaks, reduce drought impacts and improve watershed resilience, while supporting biodiversity.

The initiative is expected to provide, for the first time, a co-ordinated inventory and assessment of water-control structures allowing government and conservation partners to better understand infrastructure needs and prioritize future upgrades. While specific projects for improvement have not yet been identified, assessments completed through the project will inform decisions on where future investments can deliver the greatest benefits.

The work will also support evidence-based decision-making and help ensure that regionally and internationally significant fish and wildlife habitat are protected, while supporting recreation and cultural needs.

This investment is part of the Province’s ongoing work to protect biodiversity, and improve climate resilience and ecosystem services that will continue to deliver environmental, cultural and recreational benefits for people throughout British Columbia.

Learn More:

• Learn more about conservation lands in B.C.: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/wildlife-habitats/conservation-lands
• Interactive conservation lands map: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/wildlife-habitats/conservation-lands/find-conservation-lands
• Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation: https://hctf.ca