Fishing and Wildlife Compensation Program seeks new board member in region

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — An organization dedicated to fish and wildlife conservation in the peace region is on the lookout for a new public board member.

Funded by BC Hydro, the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) is an initiative dedicated to conserving and enhancing the lives of fish and wildlife in watersheds impacted by BC Hydro dams, such as the Dinosaur and Williston Reservoirs in Hudson’s Hope.

While all residents are eligible to apply, preference will be given to those living in the communities of Chetwynd, Hudson’s Hope and Mackenzie, which do not have a sitting board member, according to Chelsea Regina.

Regina is the peace region manager for FWCP and says the initiative is a partnership among the hydroelectric company, First Nations, the public and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

“The challenges are diverse,” Regina told Energeticcity.ca. “The way that our decision-making works is it is consensus decision-making. We try to ensure that all of our board members have a voice at the table and are equally heard, and so that can sometimes make decisions a little bit more difficult.”

“It is the kind of scenario everywhere when it comes to funding programs, where you get a bunch of applications in, and you can’t approve everything, even though we might want to. We just recently received an increase in funding from BC Hydro this past year, so we are able to approve more projects and have more good work on the ground.”

Those looking to become a board member can do so by downloading an application form from the FWCP’s website. 

The application must include a one-page cover letter, resume and two letters of endorsement “demonstrating community support” for the application.

Regina said they are looking for someone with a mind for conservation and knowledge of the region’s current fishing and wildlife issues, rather than someone with a “one opinion approach” trying to represent the public’s view.

“We are looking for someone who has a lot of regional knowledge or community knowledge on fish and wildlife conservation issues,” said Regina. “They are representing the public, which is a pretty broad group, so we want them to have touchpoints with different groups and organizations that have those types of interests.”

“Someone who’s involved in a rod and gun club, a stewardship group or someone who works in the sector that has a biology background.”

While the position is voluntary, Regina said the FWCP offers an honorarium to board members for travel to and from meetings or to project sites.

The term for the position is three years, which can be renewed for a second term for up to six years.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 5. For more details about the FWCP or to apply, visit the FWCP’s website.