Salmon Steward

"WHEN THE NEW SOOKE RIVER JACK BROOKS HATCHERY CELEBRATES ITS OFFICIAL OPENING ON APRIL 26, IT WILL STAND AS A TESTAMENT TO THE BASIC GOODNESS OF A MYRIAD OF PEOPLE: THE DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS, THE MANY GENEROUS DIVERSE CORPORATE SUPPORTERS, THE PACIFIC SALMON FOUNDATION, THE T'SOU-KE NATION AND MANY MORE. THEIR EFFORTS ARE SIGNIFICANT BEYOND MEASURE TO SUPPORT WILD PACIFIC SALMON AND OUR ECOSYSTEM." — Elida Peers, Secretary Treasurer & Volunteer Administrator, Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society; Member, Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society 10 spring/summer 2020 psf.ca (KIDS) LANGLEY ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERS; (HATCHERY) SOUTH CHAIR MEDIA; (BIRD WATCHING) MARK WEST PHOTOGRAPHY Says LEPS Executive Director Nichole Marples: "We're very grateful to PSF and the Community Salmon Program – funding from this program has enabled us to leverage funds from other sources and engage the wider community in stream restoration projects. Hundreds of volunteers have planted thousands of native trees and shrubs throughout the watersheds of Langley, contributing to the improvement of local biodiversity and increasing climate resilience of these important habitat areas." SOOKE Unique problems can lead to unique solutions. For example, the Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society and the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society, operators of the Jack Brooks Hatchery, have joined forces to ensure the sustainability of Chinook salmon on South Vancouver Island. The 40-year-old conservation hatchery was facing water supply challenges at its former location, leading to stress of the salmon and lower productivity. Together with funding from PSF and in-kind support from the Capital Regional District and local volunteers, the hatchery has been moved adjacent to the Charters River Salmon Interpretive Centre, home of the Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society. The added water supply at this new location will increase rates of survival for salmon fry and future returns to the river. As well, the location of the new hatchery will lead to increased visibility and public awareness of the hatchery and educational opportunities for local students and members of the public. HOUSTON The community of Houston is located in the picturesque Bulkley Valley, midway between Prince George and Prince Rupert. The area is known for two famous fly- fishing rivers – the Bulkley and the Morice. The Bulkley River is the largest tributary of the Skeena River, a key habitat for Chinook, Coho, Sockeye and Steelhead. In 2017, PSF's Community Salmon Program supported a small Coho hatchery, operated by the Upper Bulkley River Streamkeepers. Together with local partners, A Rocha Canada is now building a nature centre adjacent to the hatchery. This new facility will be a hub for environmental education and stewardship for both local residents and (Left) Local schoolchildren are invited to participate in hands-on projects to plant trees and shrubs with high habitat values.

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