$8.6 Million for Fish & Wildlife Conservation Projects Throughout B.C.

VICTORIA, BC –(COMMUNITYWIRE)– The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation is proud to announce over $8.6 million in funding for 110 conservation projects throughout British Columbia. The announcement was made at the BC Wildlife Federation annual general meeting this weekend.

For over forty years, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) has provided grants with over $242 million contributed to conservation projects and programs. The range of project leaders and conservation actions supported all share the goal of conserving B.C.’s freshwater fish, wildlife, and habitats today for generations.

As a registered charity and foundation, HCTF’s unique funding model is led by a surcharge on hunting, fishing, trapping, and guide outfitting licences. “Each year, the conservation surcharge from these contributors funds over one hundred fish, wildlife, and habitat projects above and beyond government funding,” says HCTF’s CEO, Dan Buffett. “Yet, we recognize that government funding, such as the Together for Wildlife Strategy, along with funding from partners, First Nations and other organizations and individuals, remains crucial to meet the shared goals to conserve and enhance B.C.’s fish, wildlife and their habitats.”

“Our government has been working alongside First Nations, conservation organizations and other key partners for many years to help protect and restore important ecosystems throughout this beautiful province,” says Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “It is deeply rewarding to see the ongoing progress of this crucial work, which is improving the lives of British Columbians today and will continue to benefit future generations. The surcharge revenue, which is dedicated to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation’s funding program, complements a suite of integrated conservation initiatives in B.C., including the Together for Wildlife Strategy, the Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation, the Conservation Lands Program, the draft Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework, and our commitment to protect 30% of the province’s land base by 2030.”

Projects supported this year include:

• $84,000 to replace aging infrastructure at the Redfish Creek Spawning Channel to continue to supply stock conservation and fishery benefits
• $68,224 to restore whitebark pine ecosystems for bear habitat in the Skeena region
• $94,050 for the restoration of year-round fish passage and improvement of aquatic and riparian habitat at the Westside Road weirs in Six Mile Creek
• $262,650 towards restoring caribou habitat on approximately 86 km of roads within the Whitesail Priority Restoration Area
• $99,621 to conduct cultural burns to enhance forest health in the Mount Currie/Líl̓wat area and improve habitats for grizzly bears, black bears, deer, and elk
• $45,645 to better understand the factors that limit porcupine survival in north central B.C., given the limited ecological knowledge of this species

To see the complete list of HCTF-funded projects and learn more about the conservation work being done near you, view the 2025-26 Approved Project List.

In addition to Fish and Wildlife grants, HCTF provides grants for conservation stewardship and education. Additional projects will be announced in June under our Action, Capacity, and Community Grant programs, and scholarship recipients in autumn. Learn more at hctf.ca.

For an interview with HCTF, contact:

Carly McGregor, Communications Coordinator | carly.mcgregor@hctf.ca | 250.940.3011

About HCTF: The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving the natural diversity of British Columbia’s wildlife and habitats. HCTF works in partnership with governments, non-profit organizations, and the public to ensure a sustainable future for B.C.’s wildlife and their habitats through funding conservation projects, as well as providing educational opportunities on B.C.’s freshwater fish, wildlife, and their habitats. Since 1981, HCTF has provided over $242 million in grants for over 3,800 conservation projects across B.C.