Harper Government Invests in a Recreational Fisheries Conservation Project in Cochrane, Alberta

COCHRANE, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Sept. 3, 2014) -

Blake Richards, Member of Parliament for Wild Rose, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that, under the second round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, the Government of Canada will provide $21,000 to the Bow Valley Habitat Development to conserve fish habitat in Cochrane, Alberta.

The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program was announced in Economic Action Plan 2013 to support fisheries habitat restoration projects led by recreational fishing and angling groups, as well as conservation organizations. Given its early success and high demand, an additional investment in Economic Action Plan 2014 increased the funding available through the program to a total investment of $25 million.

On May 15, 2014, the federal National Conservation Plan was launched to provide a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across the country. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has taken important steps to conserve and restore our country's natural environment and connect Canadians to our rich natural heritage. To date, the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program has invested nearly $6 million (Round I), in 94 fisheries habitat restoration projects across Canada and funding to support up to an additional 127 projects (Round II) is currently underway. Details about the program can be found on the Program's Web site (www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.html) where you can also sign up for updates.

Quick Facts

• Established in 1986, Bow Valley Habitat Development has organized numerous partnership programs that carry out riparian and fish habitat enhancement projects.
• Funding for this project will directly re-establish a healthy riparian zone along three crucial area streams to the city of Calgary, resulting in improved water quality and the creation of fish and riparian habitat.
• Under the first round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, $287,000 had been made available for projects in Alberta.
• Up to $5.5 million for 127 projects to restore recreational fisheries habitat through Round II has been approved nationally.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to supporting the individuals and organizations who are working along the shores of lakes, rivers and streams across this country to protect and restore fishing habitats for future generations. Recreational fishing is an important economic activity which attracts thousands of visitors to Canada and contributes billions of dollars to our economy every year. The projects funded by the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program will benefit Canadian communities for years to come."

Blake Richards, Member of Parliament for Wild Rose