In late June, the HCTF Board visited Vanderhoof for some on-the-ground experience with a range of HCTF-funded projects.

The morning began with a regional orientation by Wayne Salewski and a presentation by Ray Pillipow on the Nechako River Bull Trout Project, wherein radio tagging is being used to evaluate the potential for bull trout retention in a variety of watersheds.

The first field stop was the recently-restored teaching wetland beside WL McLeod Elementary school, where we learned about the many educational programs conducted on-site. Next, we visited the busy construction site of the Nechako White Sturgeon hatchery. MFLNRO’s Cory Williamson led the tour, and also gave a presentation on the latest Nechako River sturgeon recovery plans.

The afternoon included a visit to the Murray Creek demonstration site, which provides a working example of the advantages of integrating water stewardship with agricultural practices.

Many thanks go out to Wayne both for organizing the tour. Thanks also to the Vanderhoof Fish and Game Club who, together with Wayne and his wife Lori, hosted a great end-of-day barbecue on the banks of the Nechako River.

The HCTF Board meets three times a year: two of those meetings are held in locations across BC to allow HCTF Board members to meet with project leaders and get an up-close look at HCTF projects. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Osoyoos.