$613K Boost for Community-Driven Salmon Conservation

Jan. 21, 2025

PSF invests $613,000 in 59 local projects, leveraging a value of $3.1 million for salmon

The Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) granted $613,531 to 59 community-led salmon restoration, stock enhancement, education, and stewardship projects in British Columbia. The projects will leverage these dollars to generate an estimated $3.1 million in total value for salmon conservation.

The Community Salmon Program amplifies the impact of salmon recovery efforts across B.C. and the Yukon by providing crucial funding to streamkeepers, First Nations, schools, and conservation groups.

Since 1994, PSF has stewarded funds from the Salmon Conservation Stamp, a decal anglers buy with their saltwater fishing license, on behalf of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). PSF strategically leverages approximately $1.5 million in annual stamp revenue, along with generous donations, to support more than 150 community- and Indigenous-led salmon conservation projects each year. Additional funding from the Province of B.C. further enhances the impact of this program.

To date, the Community Salmon Program has directed nearly $30 million to more than 3,400 salmon conservation projects across B.C. and the Yukon, engaging DFO and salmon experts in project selection, plus 30,000 volunteers who get involved in community-led projects. Recent initiatives include major habitat restoration efforts, educational and awareness programs, and the removal of barriers to fish passage.

“The Pacific Salmon Foundation’s Community Salmon Program amplifies community-driven efforts to save and restore salmon, delivering a five-fold return on investment thanks to our generous donors, anglers who purchase the Salmon Conservation stamp, and boots-on-the-ground streamkeepers,” says Michael Meneer, CEO and president, Pacific Salmon Foundation.

“For decades, Community Salmon Program grant recipients have made significant strides for local salmon populations by restoring critical habitat, fostering climate resilience, and raising awareness for at-risk populations. Donations to PSF’s grant-making program ensure that thousands of individuals from First Nations groups and stewardship organizations can access resources vital to their work in communities across B.C. and the Yukon.”

The Community Salmon Program accepts applications twice a year. The spring cycle – currently accepting applications – will remain open until Feb. 15, 2024. Applications can be submitted online here.

Learn how recent Community Salmon Program recipients are helping to restore Pacific salmon and their habitats.

Reviving riparian habitat in the Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area

Since the early 1900s, efforts to control the Okanagan River’s levels and flows have drastically altered its natural state. Once abundant with fish, the river was channelized in the mid-1950s, destroying most of its riparian habitats and severing its connection to the floodplains.

For more than 20 years, the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) has been working to restore the Okanagan River to a more natural state. They are currently leading a major restoration effort in the Vaseux Floodplain area — a site recognized through traditional ecological knowledge as vital for Chinook.

The goal of this project is to return portions of the Okanagan River to provide more than 10,000 square metres of off-channel rearing habitat for juvenile salmon. The ONA will excavate and reshape the floodplain, creating a new pond and adjoining floodplain that will be reconnected to the river through a culvert.

“The scale and extent of development within the Okanagan River valley since European colonization continues to impede restoration. What makes this project special is that the Vaseux Floodplain area is one of the few places in the valley where floodplain reconnection doesn’t require the removal of buildings and other major infrastructure,” says Kasey Moran, Ecosystems Project Manager, Okanagan Nation Alliance.

“This project will make a huge difference in our Chinook recovery efforts and continue to support kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ (cause to come back). We are grateful for PSF’s support of this project, and we hope to continue to work together to restore and protect siwɬkʷ (water) for tmixʷ (all living things), including ntytyix (Chief Salmon).”

Using data to drive conservation in Lang Creek

The Powell River Salmon Society (PRSS) is using data to protect salmon populations in the Lang Creek Watershed, which encompasses roughly 1,200 hectares east of Powell River. By tracking environmental conditions, PRSS engages more than 240 community members and equips local agencies with information about habitat degradation in salmon-bearing streams.

 “Our water monitoring program plays a crucial role in preserving Lang Creek’s watershed. Continuous water quality sampling ensures the creek remains healthy for salmon populations. PRSS produces an annual technical report providing valuable data, guiding conservation efforts, and safeguarding the watershed’s integrity for future generations of salmon,” says Philip Nakatsu, Assistant Manager at PRSS.

With Community Salmon Program funding, volunteers will access new mobile monitoring devices and gear to track the effects of climate change and incidents such as landslides, log jams, or runoff pollution.

A new digital salmon experience for B.C. youth

More than 20,000 young people across the Lower Mainland annually experience the Sea Dome – an inflatable, six-metre dome created by Ocean Wise that projects 360-degree cinematic footage. The mobile dome, which supports ocean protection efforts, will now feature a program on Pacific salmon thanks to PSF funding.

“The Sea Dome program fosters a deep connection to the ocean, inspiring stewardship through immersive experiences and highlighting incredible ecosystems,” said Mercedes Bosch Toca, Education Manager at Ocean Wise.

“Our new salmon-focused program will emphasize Indigenous stewardship and the cultural and environmental importance of salmon, promoting sustainable management of these vital ecosystems.”

PSF’s Community Salmon Program will support a new Sea Dome program focused on the lifecycle of sockeye and chum salmon. Through new footage and learning activities, students will leave with an improved understanding of the conservation actions needed to protect Pacific salmon and their habitats.

The Community Salmon Program benefits from the generous donations of corporations and foundations, with thanks to: Alta Gas, BC Hydro, Enbridge, Grassroots Conservation Fund, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services, Methanex, Mosaic Forest Management, Neptune Terminals, Paper Excellence, Secure Energy Services, Seaspan, Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee, and The Wolrige Foundation. Special thanks to the many individuals who support the program. To learn more about PSF’s grant program and opportunities to support on-the-ground action to save and restore salmon, contact salmon@psf.ca.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Please contact Braela Kwan, Communications Specialist, Pacific Salmon Foundation, bkwan@psf.ca, (604) 664-7664 ext. 1025

A full list of recipients for the fall 2024 Community Salmon Program funding cohort includes:

Applicant	Project Title	Funding confirmed $	Project Value $	Project Type
Alvin A McKay Elementary – School District 92	Salmonids in the Classroom	1,690	3,400	Education & Awareness, Training
Baker Creek Enhancement Society	North Cariboo Salmon Aquaria Support	2,500	29,888	Education & Awareness, Training
Baker Creek Enhancement Society	Stewardship Centre Expansion	15,000	99,800	Education & Awareness, Training
Beaufort Watershed Stewards	Trent River Stream Mapping Project	15,333	31,961	Habitat Assessment
BlueAct Marine Society	Salmon Habitat Marine Education at TidePools Aquarium	3,700	9,700	Education & Awareness, Training
Bowen Island Community School	Salmonids in the Classroom	1,690	3,400	Education & Awareness, Training
Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society	Mossom Creek Hatchery Colouring Book	800	2,530	Education & Awareness, Training
Coquihalla Elementary	Salmonids in the Classroom	1,690	3,490	Education & Awareness, Training
Coquitlam River Watershed Society	Supplies for Enhanced Engagement in the Coquitlam River Watershed	560	1,189	Education & Awareness, Training
Discovery Passage Aquarium Society	Exhibit Water Quality Upgrades	2,395	7,292	Education & Awareness, Training
Eagle View Elementary	Salmonids in the Classroom	1,690	3,400	Education & Awareness, Training
Friends of French Creek Conservation Society	French Creek Stream Mapping Project	12,354	27,742	Habitat Assessment
Gwa’sala Nakwaxda’xw Nations	Taaltz Creek Chum Enhancement Equipment	15,000	32,970	Stock Enhancement
James McKinney Elementary	Stream of Dreams	5,858	17,231	Education & Awareness, Training
Kitasoo Xai’xais Indian Band	Salmon Restoration Initiative – Kitasoo Creek	23,150	48,350	Stock Enhancement
Lakelse Watershed Stewards Society	Lakelse Informational Kiosk Refurbishments	2,500	5,540	Education & Awareness, Training
Loon Foundation	Enhancements to the Pender Harbour Coastal Waters Monitoring Program	8,009	18,559	Habitat Assessment
MakeWay Charitable Society – Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative (“MSI”)	Searching for Slhawt’ / Herring Spawn Survey Program	8,938	50,800	Stock Enhancement
Mayne Island Conservancy Society	Mayne Island Shoreline Care Program	2,186	44,686	Stewardship/Community Planning
Mid-Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society	Shelly Creek Smolt Trap / Antenna Array Renewal	4,400	8,980	Stock Assessment
Millard Piercy Watershed Stewards	Program Coordinator	8,000	53,600	Stewardship/Community Planning
Morten Creek SEP	Bridge over “troubled” waters Morten Creek	7,500	34,322	Stock Enhancement
Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Society	Year 0 Timeline Restoration Monitoring	4,258	10,258	Habitat Assessment
‘Namgis First Nation	Nimpkish River – ‘Namgis fish fence modernization & improvements	50,000	100,000	Stock Assessment
Nanaimo Science and Sustainability Society	Science in the Park – Salmon Theme Materials	1,500	4,300	Education & Awareness, Training
Ocean Wise Conservation Association	Sea Dome: Immersive salmon conservation programming for students in their communities	10,780	84,971	Education & Awareness, Training
Okanagan Nation Alliance	Vaseux Floodplain Re-engagement Project	44,600	525,132	Habitat Rehabilitation
Old Massett Village Council	Yakoun River Hatchery Safety and Efficiency Upgrades	23,741	48,566	Stock Enhancement
Oyster River Enhancement Society	Culvert Replacement on  Connolly Channel	23,500	61,040	Habitat Rehabilitation
Peninsula Streams and Shorelines	Mobilizing Youth for Salmon Stewardship: Expanding Education and Community Engagement in Greater Victoria	5,530	120,410	Education & Awareness, Training
Peter Greer Elementary	Okanagan Sockeye: Deepening our collective responsibility to tmixʷ/all living things	2,500	10,900	Education & Awareness, Training
Pinetree Secondary	Salmonids in the Classroom	800	2,500	Education & Awareness, Training
Powell River Salmon Society	Lang Creek Watershed Environmental Climate Monitoring Project	10,470	90,470	Habitat Assessment
Quw’utsun Smuneem Elementary School	Land Based and Sustainability Program	2,500	4,500	Education & Awareness, Training
Redd Fish Restoration Society	A Walk in the Forest Trail Rehabilitation	10,000	85,600	Education & Awareness, Training
RiverSprings Hatchery	RiverSprings Hatchery Siding Upgrade	7,350	14,750	Stock Enhancement
Salmon Coast Society	New Beach Seine for Community-Based Juvenile Salmon Program	2,500	11,600	Education & Awareness, Training
Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation	3rd Annual Advancing Women in Conservation Summit	2,500	65,500	Education & Awareness, Training
Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea	Ocean’s Heartbeat AV and IT Equipment Replacement Project	2,500	29,169	Education & Awareness, Training
Shoreline Community Middle School	Salmonids in the Classroom	1,690	3,400	Education & Awareness, Training
Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society	Monitoring for Salmon Habitat Health In Somenos Lake	1,075	73,035	Habitat Assessment
Spruce City Wildlife Association	Saltwater Tank Critters	1,623	7,443	Education & Awareness, Training
Squamish River Watershed Society	Salmon Heroes	2,500	20,000	Education & Awareness, Training
Sunshine Coast Salmonid Enhancement Society	Hatchery Infrastructure Upgrades	2,500	12,000	Stock Enhancement
Toboggan Creek Salmon & Steelhead Enhancement Society	Toboggan Creek Salmon Renovation – Bathroom, Office & New Stewardship Area	27,750	116,398	Stock Enhancement
Tyee Elementary	Stream of Dreams	2,692	7,964	Education & Awareness, Training
Ucluelet Aquarium Society	Salmon Exhibit Enhancement and Salmon Education Program	4,512	12,676	Education & Awareness, Training
Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance	Stuart Watershed, Early Stuart Sockeye, Purchase of Water Monitoring Equipment	6,000	100,000	Habitat Assessment
Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance	Quesnel River Research Centre Chinook Juvenile Rearing Shelter	54,000	188,096	Stock Enhancement
Vedder Middle School	Salmonids in the Classroom	1,650	3,550	Education & Awareness, Training
WaterWealth Project	Deer Creek Deeper Dive	2,135	5,655	Habitat Assessment
Wei Wai Kum First Nation	Completing Fish Projects (fish fence, habitat analysis) in Loughborough Inlet	45,000	482,000	Habitat Assessment
Westsyde Elementary	Stream of Dreams	4,940	13,218	Education & Awareness, Training
Wildcoast Ecological Society	Kincross Creek and Fraser River Education and Restoration	2,400	32,280	Education & Awareness, Training
Woodland Park Elementary	Salmonids in the Classroom	1,690	3,400	Education & Awareness, Training
Yucwmenlúcwu (Caretakers of the Land) LLP	Developing a Watershed Health Assessment for Splatsin te Secwepemc	8,902	46,132	Education & Awareness, Training
Clayoquot Action	Wild Salmon Gathering	2,500	5,000	Stewardship/Community Planning
Oyster River Enhancement Society	New Chum Rearing Channel	40,000	108,202	Stock Enhancement
Raincoast Conservation Foundation	Updating Approaches to Estimating Fisheries Related Incidental Mortality	50,000	94,521	Stock Enhancement
TOTAL		613,531	3,143,466