Cheakamus Foundation for Environmental Learning was recently awarded $88,515 in funding from the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) towards salmon habitat conservation at Cheakamus Centre.
The Gorbuscha Intake and Channel Restoration project addresses a poorly functioning river intake that is dramatically reducing inflows and impacting pink and coho salmon habitat. Clearing out the river intake will improve fish habitat and support spawning and rearing. 2021 is a pink salmon run year. This project will ensure there is off-channel habitat for the overall health of these important salmon stocks.
Cheakamus Centre's channel network supports thousands of spawning salmon each season and provides critically important habitat for overwintering populations of bald eagles that depend on the salmon for a food supply. Salmon runs at Cheakamus Centre offer a unique learning experience and memorable up-close viewing opportunities for students and visitors of all ages.
The Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) is a partnership between BC Hydro, the Province of B.C., Fisheries and Oceans Canada, First Nations, and public stakeholders to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife in watersheds impacted by existing BC Hydro dams.
The Cheakamus Foundation for Environmental Learning serves as the fundraising arm for the Cheakamus Centre and is a registered charity. To learn more about Foundation projects and ways to give, contact Cathy Jenkins, Project Manager, Campus Renewal, at cjenkins@sd44.ca.
