Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program funds 24 Peace Region projects

FORT ST. JOHN — Nearly $2,000,000 is being invested into fish and wildlife conservation programs in the Peace Region, thanks to the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP).

The FWCP, a partnership between BC Hydro, the Province of BC, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and various First Nations and community members, announced Tuesday that it’s investing in 24 projects across the region throughout the 2024-25 fiscal year.

The total investment comes out to $1,863,099. 

The most expensive project is an effort to enhance moose habitat and improve food security in the McLeod Lake Indian Band, by thinning vegetation to allow “understory” plants like huckleberry patches to grow.

“This project is improving moose habitat and increasing the abundance of huckleberries,” said FWCP Peace Region Manager Chelsea Regina. “Moose are a species of high cultural value for the McLeod Lake Indian Band and moose habitat enhancement is a priority for our Peace Region board.” 

$297,000 has been put towards that project. 

Other significant investments include $215,481 for a multi-year initiative to improve fish passage throughout the Peace region, and $129,649 to track the movements of bats and birds in an effort to find critical habitats to protect.

To view the full breakdown of each project the FWCP is investing in in the Peace Region, look below.