Annual Report -- 2008

Campbell River Salmon Foundation

Two CRSF director’s also sit on the board of BCRP. Brian Assu represents the First Nations’ interest in BC Hydro’s Footprint Issues and Mike Gage represents the Publics’ Interest. BCRP has a total of nine people on their board: 3 first nation, 3 public, and 3 from agencies (DFO, MOE and BC Hydro). The BCRP mandate is to review, select and fund Foot Print issues relating to Fish and Wildlife on BC Hydro’s fifteen facilities on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. The Campbell River and its estuary has received well over $1,000,000 from BC Hydro through BCRP since its inception in early 2000.

CRSF has partnered with the following groups in 2008:

Sayward Fish and Game Association captured its Chinook brood stock in October 2007 and moved them to their hatchery facility where eggs were fertilized. Later, the eggs were taken to the Quinsam Hatchery where they were cared for until the fry were released at the Salmon River Diversion Bridge on Menzies Bay Mainline in May 2008. To facilitate the delivery of the 85,000 smolts an old tote road had to be rehabilitated. This was done by Westmore Contracting and the cost was paid for by CRSF of $525.

CRSF’s first contribution was made in March 2008 when $5,000 was donated to the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences (CAHS) which operates out of Campbell River’s Marine Heritage Building. This donation was given to CAHS to help fund their studies on the timing of the abundance of planktons as they relate to the timing of the release of Salmon smolts by the Quinsam Hatchery.

CRSF’s next contribution will be to the Simms Creek Watershed Society for a few truck loads of spawning gravel to be placed in Simms Creek close to the Island Highway. This will be in partnership with the CR Community Foundation. Total project cost is estimated at $2,300.

CRSF provided $500 in July 2008 to Discovery Coast Greenways Land Trust to assist with funding the Haig-Brown Kids Camp. 2008 is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Roderick and Ann Haig-Brown. Being held on the Haig-Brown property, the Haig-Brown Kids Camps will assist in the creation of the next generation of stream stewards.

Other groups that are passionate about our stream and fish heritage and fall within our mandate will be considered for funding upon review of their application. Application forms can be obtained by contacting Monique Hebert at 250-850-3222 or monique.hebert@seymourpacific.ca.

In closing, I wish to thank the entire Board of Directors, the Inaugural Members of the Campbell River Salmon Foundation and our numerous stewardship partners for their support in our first year of operation. The year has been a great success and I look forward to the continuous growth of CRSF in the years to come.

Thanks to Seymour Pacific Developments for the use of their excellent facilities and also to their friendly staff for all of the support.

Sincerely,

Mike Gage
Chairperson