Salmon populations throughout the Lower Mainland will continue to get the help they need thanks to the latest round of grants from the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
These grants are given twice each year and come from the foundation’s Community Salmon Program, which has been helping fund local stewardship programs for more than 30 years.
The most recent distribution of grants handed out nearly $800,000 across B.C. and the Yukon, funding a total of 65 projects, including ones in Maple Ridge, Langley, and Surrey.
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For Maple Ridge, the Alouette River Management Society (ARMS) received $10,000 for their Alouette Watershed Community Connections project.
This three-part initiative strives to raise awareness for local salmon populations and promote public engagement through hands-on restoration activities for volunteers each month.
The funding will also help provide more streamkeeper training and restore approximately 600 square metres of salmon habitat in the South Alouette River.
ARMS project manager Marissa Waddell explained that the restoration activities will include removing sediment and invasive plants, and replacing them with up to 250 native trees.
“Stewardship activities like these are critical in continuing to develop environmental stewards in our region, playing an important role in building a community that strives to restore these vital spaces,” said Waddell.
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Applications for the next round of Community Salmon Program grants can be submitted until Feb. 15 at www.psf.smapply.ca.