Salmon Steward

Robert Gayton Judy Hager The Patrick J. Connolly Family � Eric Peterson, Tula Foundation WJD (John) Woodward salmon Steward Newsletter Edition 7 CORPORATE SPONSORS IN THE COMMUNITY The true lifeblood of salmon stewardship is volunteerism. Which is why the Paci c Salmon Foundation relies on the generosity of the business community to fund grants that mobilize volunteer stewardship organizations to complete their integral work. On that front, Newalta has renewed its three-year pledge of $50,000 per year to the Foundation's Community Salmon Program, and this summer, they'll see their funds ow into the Indian River Watershed Restoration Project. Launched in partnership with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, it will restore water ows to a body with great ecological and cultural signi cance. Meanwhile Port Metro Vancouver donated $10,000 in 2013, part of which will soon be devoted to the Eagle Creek Streamkeepers Society to restore the creek's badly eroded sh ladder, nishing off a years-long effort to revitalize this critical spawning ground. TAKING THE LEAD Important as it is to recognize the generosity of the Paci c Salmon Foundation's many donors, it would be remiss to ignore the men and women who have been just as generous with their time. And indeed, you won't nd a more dedicated volunteer than Powell River Salmon Society vice president George Illes. For 15 years, he has been working tirelessly to safeguard Paci c salmon. Gradually building up the society's infrastructure and public outreach, Illes has shepherded this grassroots operation into an organization that operates four hatcheries, introduces over one million chinook each year to local rivers, and presides over 13 school programs, passing on the legacy of impassioned stewardship to the next generation. Above: George Illes on a shing trip with longtime Foundation supporter Roy Dunbar. Right: George Illes hooks the big one. Volunteers use an excavator to add large woody debris to a salmon stream. FAREWELL TO A FRIEND It's with heavy hearts that we pay tribute to another devoted salmon steward: Peter Swinton, who passed away in May following a cycling accident. Peter, an accountant from the North Shore, was known for his active lifestyle, love of cars and a passion for community service, the latter of which earned him a leadership award from the United Way in 1999. Among his many causes was the protection of salmon, which he accomplished by serving on the board of the Paci c Salmon Foundation and the Paci c Salmon Endowment Fund Society. We bid a heartfelt farewell to a good man and a valued ally in the ght to safeguard salmon. Donations made in Peter's memory will be matched up to $1,000 and granted out to North Shore Streamkeeping projects. Donations can be made online at psf.ca or mailed to the Foundation's of ce.

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