Salmon Steward

Kids rest in the sun after harvesting garlic at the Glorious organics Kids Farm Camp. Spawning Tomorrow's Salmon-Safe Stewards The goal of Salmon-Safe B.C. is to not just maintain the ecosystems that farms operate in, but to improve them for future generations of species that support salmon. One Salmon-Safe B.C. - certified farm is taking that pay-it-forward message a step further by teaching kids to protect the land that nourishes salmon habitats. Aldergrove co-op Glorious Organics' second annual Kids Farm Camp took place over the summer, with children from all over stopping by to learn about agriculture and how it affects the watershed, play plant-and-salmon-themed games, and just plain enjoy 20 acres of diverse farmland. "We haven't had too many kids not excited when they come here," says David Catzel, co-founder of Glorious Organics. "And I don't think there's a lot that we need to do other than allow them to explore. A lot of [the education process] has to do with getting kids to interact with nature. Just being here in the environment, it's pretty easy to inspire them." "Salmon-Safe B.C. isn't just about protecting salmon, it's about a healthy watershed," says Catzel. "All types of farming we do leads toward that." "You know, I could increase the area I have to [farm] on if I cut into the woods a bit more and if we came closer to the stream," he continues. "But we stay a bit further back and try to maintain the wild areas." Catzel and his co-owners also refrain from using herbicides or pesticides, opting instead to look for the imbalance that's causing any pest problems. After witnessing the program's success in the United States, the Pacific Salmon Foundation was able to bring the Salmon-Safe certification to B.C. through a sizable grant of $200,000 over three years from RBC's Blue Water Project. Since 2010, 40 farms in the province have been designated SalmonSafe B.C. for employing practices that promote healthy salmon habitats. IN MEMoRY oF RoBERT H. (BoB) WRIGHT BY DR. BRIAN RIDDELL on April 17, 2013, we lost a bigger-than-life friend, promoter, angler, personality, orator and philanthropist. Bob Wright was a prairie boy who learned to love the sea, building his empire,theOakBayMarineGroup,outofthe OakBayMarinainVictoria.Inmypreviouslife as a fishery scientist and advisor, Bob lectured me eloquently (and often loudly) many times about the huge importance of the recreational fishery to B.C. He did more to promote opportunity for anglers in this province than any person I know. Bob was one of the founders of the Pacific Salmon Foundation, a Canadian commissioner for the Pacific Salmon Commission and a longtime adviser on the Sport Fishing Advisory Board. In 2007 he donated $11 million to the University of Victoria for research in climate change and the creation of the Bob Wright CentreforOcean,Earth,andAtmosphericSciences. In 2011, he was inducted into the Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the recreational fishery and tourism. B.C. anglers have lost a colourful and dedicated friend and a great supporter of Pacific salmon. Bob will be missed. Above: A painting of Bob Wright by artist Myfanwy Pavelic. Q&a: The Importance of Giving A chat with Michael Preto, an Investor's Group financial planner and Pacific Salmon Foundation volunteer. Q: Why are salmon important to you? A: Salmon are a staple of B.C.'s ecosystem, and as a longtime angler I've benefitted immensely from the resource. I became involved with the Foundation's Vancouver Gala Dinner and Auction to give back and hopefully give my children the same opportunities I've had. If you can donate to a cause you're passionate about, why wait until you're no longer around to see the benefits? Q: Any advice for people who want to donate money in addition to time? A: Makingadonationhassignificanttax advantages; it's important to sit down with a qualified professional to determine the best strategy for you while still achieving your financial goals. To discuss donation options, contact Michael at: mike.pretoassistant@investorsgroup.com 4 Fall 2013 psf.ca SS Oct newsletter.indd 4 13-10-25 9:53 AM C S fi S c s k h o p b i F F i w e e a h c l d a o e a

• Cover