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Salmon (photo/Rob-McLean-The Adams River Salmon Society)
Osoyoos and Adams Lake Bands receive funds

First Nations share in salmon restoration funds

Feb 2, 2021 | 7:00 AM

The federal and provincial governments have announced funding for four projects that will help restore wild salmon habitats across B.C.

They include funding for two First Nations for projects in the Okanagan-Shuswap region.

The Adams Lake Indian Band will receive over $2.5 million to support restoration of the Upper Adams early summer run sockeye to a sustainable level, and improve opportunities for sustainable use.

Nutrients will be applied to Adams Lake rearing habitat starting in April and running through August, to restore historical lake productivity, and improve marine survival and future returns of early summer run sockeye. Partners in the project include the Okanagan Nation Alliance and Secwepemc Fisheries Commission.

The Osoyoos Indian Band will receive over $360,000 for post-mudslide restoration and effectiveness monitoring for Inkaneep Creek and the floodplain. Restoration work will improve the survivability of Okanagan steelhead, rainbow trout and Chinook salmon and apply an innovative combination of traditional knowledge and science towards sustainable fisheries co-management. The partners include Okanagan Nation Alliance, Ministry of Forests and local landowners.

“The Government of Canada and the Province of British Colombia share a deep appreciation for the critical importance of Pacific salmon to B.C.’s culture and economy. The projects announced today will help to restore Pacific salmon fish stocks and ensure they are maintained for future generations,” Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, said.

They boost the number of projects to receive assistance through the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund to 42.

(with files from the Canadian Press)

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