Pacific Salmon Foundation Press Release
Wednseday, February 08, 2006 Squamish Watershed Recovery BackgrounderPacific Salmon Foundation www.psf.caPacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) is an independent, non-profit organization and a national leader in the conservation and recovery of Pacific salmon. Formed in 1987, PSF directs funding to grassroots, volunteer-driven projects specifically focused on the conservation and recovery of Pacific salmon. Beginning in 2006, PSF is leading efforts to restore and conserve the Fraser River watershed, the largest watershed in BC and home to the world’s largest runs of wild Pacific Salmon. PSF forges partnerships with local communities, First Nations, all levels of government, private companies, educational institutions, commercial and recreational fisheries and other non-profit organizations all working together to restore and enhance Pacific salmon. PSF Strategic Salmon Recovery ProgramPSF’s Strategic Salmon Recovery Program has seven ongoing recovery plans in three priority areas: the Thompson Basin, Georgia Basin and Rivers and Smith Inlets. Watershed Plans are developed and implemented by Local Recovery Teams that include significant involvement of technical staff and expertise from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, BC Ministry of the Environment, academia, and private professionals. Since 2001, a total of $2,716,439 has been invested by the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund and PSF into the seven recovery plans. Squamish River Watershed Society www.squamishstreams.comThe Squamish River Watershed Society (SRWS) consists of a wide representative group of people who reside or have interests within the geographical area represented by the Squamish River. First established in 1993, the SRWA was formed in order to act as lead proponent for projects within the Squamish watershed. The Watershed Society works on restoration based projects, land use decisions and facilitating change while striving for watershed management that will lead to responsible and healthy decisions towards the use of our water, air, and resources. Edith Tobe, RPBio, is the Project Coordinator for the Squamish River Watershed Recovery Plan. The Squamish WatershedThe Squamish River watershed is a complex ecosystem that encompasses approximately 3,650 km2. It is the largest watershed within the Straight of Georgia and entirely within the traditional territory of the Squamish First Nation. The area is vital habitat for fish species, marine and terrestrial mammals and birds, invertebrates and all six species of Pacific salmon, including steelhead. The Stawamus River watershed comprises 40.6 km2 of mountainous terrain immediately east-southeast of the District of Squamish, and southeast of Valleycliffe. The lower reach passes through Stawamus IR #24, and flows under Highway 99 and the BC Railway. The Cheakamus River, one of the major tributaries to the Squamish River, is located on the east side of the Squamish River occurring about 15 km upstream of the Squamish estuary. The Town of Squamish lies within the Squamish River watershed and supports a growing population of approximately 15,000 people. |