Fish, turtles and other wildlife will benefit from nearly $150,000 in improvements and studies along the Coquitlam River.
The Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWSP), funded by BC Hydro but administered by the province and federal fisheries, will see work carried out by the North Fraser Salmon Assistance Society to ensure a pond in the area of the Archery and Oxbow Restoration project doesn't dry up in the summer. The pond is frequented by coho fry that overwinter there.
As well, the Watershed Watch Salmon Society and Kwikwetlem First Nations will plant thousands of trees along the river to provide shelter and shade for fish.
Funding will also be provided to assess the risk and protect various species, including the Western Painted Turtle, the Red-legged Frog, the Pacific Water Shrew, owls and ungulates.
"These are diverse and important restoration and research projects that target species and habitat that are a priority for the FWCP in these watersheds," FWCP Coastal program manager, Allister McLean stated in a press release. "They also reinforce the continued positive partnerships between the FWCP, local First Nations and community groups."
