Input wanted on plans to conserve local fish and wildlife

A draft plan that identifies actions to help conserve and enhance fish and wildlife in the upper Kootenay River, including Koocanusa Reservoir, is ready for final public review. The Watershed Action Plan will guide fish and wildlife projects delivered through the East Kootenay Koocanusa Fish and Wildlife Program. The deadline for public input on the draft is June 12, 2014.  

Groups and individuals interested in local fish and wildlife are encouraged to review the draft plan on Columbia Basin Trust’s website and provide comments in a variety of ways, including:

• Submit written comments to [email protected]
• Attend a free open house/presentation in Cranbrook on Tuesday, June 3 at the Cranbrook Public Library—Manual Training School Conference Centre, 1212 2nd St. North

Open House: 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm; Presentation: 3:30 – 4:30 pm

• Participate in an on online discussion from 7:30 – 8:30 on June 3

You must pre-register by June 2 to join the evening presentation online.

“When final we hope that stakeholders and community groups will apply for funding and help deliver some of the projects recommended in the final plan,” says Dave White, Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program-Columbia Board member, representing the East Kootenay.

“The Watershed Action Plan will help determine the projects and research that receive funding from the East Kootenay Koocanusa Fish and Wildlife Program. I encourage everyone with an interest in protecting and supporting our local fish and wildlife to review the draft plan and participate in the consultations,” says the Honourable Bill Bennett, speaking as MLA for Kootenay East.

This plan is the first step in implementing the East Kootenay Koocanusa Fish and Wildlife Program jointly announced in spring 2013 by the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program and Columbia Basin Trust. The program is in response to long-standing public requests to address fish and wildlife issues in the Upper Kootenay River area, including the Koocanusa Reservoir from Canal Flats in the north to the border, and east to the Elk Valley.