A volunteer salmon stewardship group in Powell River received grants from Pacific Salmon Foundation recently to help fund projects to restore and regenerate Pacific salmon in Lang Creek.
The foundation was created in 1987 as an independent, non-government, charitable organization to protect, conserve and rebuild Pacific salmon populations in British Columbia and the Yukon.
Funds were raised in part through the foundation’s annual Powell River Dinner and Auction. This year’s event will be held at 5 pm on Saturday, October 27, at Dwight Hall.
The annual dinner has helped local businesses and salmon-lovers invest more than $265,000 in 17 projects in local streams. Volunteer dinner chair and president of Powell River Salmon Society, George Illes, knows first-hand how important the event is for local salmon conservation efforts. “This event enables concerned people in our region to look after our salmon in a multitude of different ways,” he said. “We have increased our fish numbers, our efficiency, our community education and awareness.”
Illes believes public education is a key component to protecting salmon. He is a familiar figure in the community and can often be seen at public outreach engagements toting a portable salmon tank for educational purposes.
The society received $25,000 to improve and update Lang Creek hatchery. Some of the equipment is almost 20 years old and in need of modifications. Salmon raised in the hatchery migrate through coastal waters to their spawning grounds supporting sport, first nations and commercial fisheries.
This year marks the foundation’s eighth gala dinner in Powell River. The event has a masquerade theme. Dinner highlights include live and silent auctions featuring angling adventures and original artwork, raffles and a seafood appetizer bar. Tickets are $50 each and available at Marine Traders and Powell River Outdoors.
