INVESTING IN BC CONSERVATION SINCE 1981
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The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation is a non-profit charitable foundation acting as Trustee of the Habitat Conservation Trust. HCTF came into existence because its major contributors (hunters, anglers, trappers, and guide-outfitters) were willing to pay for conservation work above and beyond that expected by government for basic management of wildlife and fish resources.

Vision

A future where freshwater fish, wildlife and their habitats are healthy and valued by all British Columbians.

Mission Statement

It is the mission of HCTF to improve the conservation outcomes of BC’s fish and wildlife, and the habitats in which they live. We make a difference by funding conservation projects and by educating and engaging the public about BC’s natural assets.

HCTF is a proposal-driven organization and we invite grant applications from anyone who has a good idea that benefits fish, wildlife and habitat in British Columbia.

Each year, we receive many more applications than can be funded, so we use a thorough review process to determine which projects will provide the greatest conservation benefits within the context of our Strategic Plan. We get results and value for money by carefully selecting projects with a high likelihood of providing demonstrable, measurable benefits to native species of fish and wildlife.

Since the inception of our work in 1981, the Foundation and its predecessors have invested over $232 million in more than 3,834 projects across BC.

What Kind of Work Does HCTF Fund?

  • On-the-Ground Conservation Projects

    HCTF funds a variety of conservation work including:

    • Projects that restore, maintain, or enhance native freshwater fish and wildlife populations and habitats.
    • Information, education, and stewardship projects that enhance users’ enjoyment of fish, wildlife, and habitats or that foster human attitudes and behaviours favourable to management and conservation.
    • Projects that acquire land or interests in land to secure the value of these areas for conservation purposes.

    These investments contribute to healthy and diverse populations of native fish and wildlife by improving knowledge, restoring or managing habitats, and enabling stewardship. Research funding is limited to projects having a direct management or conservation applications for these species and their habitats. Learn more about our current projects.

  • Environmental Education

    The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation strongly believes that education is a critical component of conservation. Our in-house environmental education program, HCTF Education, provides grants to classrooms and schools, professional development workshops for teachers, and publications and other resources to connect individuals and communities to nature. You can learn more about our environmental education programs at hctfeducation.ca

What Makes HCTF Unique?

The uniqueness of the HCTF comes from:

    • its dedicated funding obtained from angling, hunting, trapping, and guiding licence surcharges;
    • its provincial scope;
    • its engagement of committed citizens;
    • its ability to fund acquisition of key habitats;
    • its role as a beneficiary of court awards arising from environmental infractions, and,
    • for certain projects, its ability to fund up to 100% of costs.

While HCTF is supported primarily by hunters, anglers, trappers and guide-outfitters, it welcomes donations from all people and organizations who wish to further its conservation mission.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion are three interconnected elements/values that build strong and healthy workplaces and communities. HCTF adopted the following statement to grow our workplace and community:

The BC Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation is dedicated to fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within our organization. We recognize the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and backgrounds to strengthen our commitment to habitat conservation in British Columbia.

Governing Documents

There are three documents that govern the establishment and operations of HCTF:

  • Part 3 of the Wildlife Act

    Part 3 of the Wildlife Act: Establishes the Habitat Conservation Trust, names the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation as Trustee, defines what money must go into the Trust, and what that money may be used for.

  • Constitution and Bylaws of the Foundation

    The Constitution and Bylaws of the Foundation: Specifies the rules by which the Foundation will operate as trustee.

  • HCTF Strategic Plan

    HCTF Strategic Plan: A working document developed by the Board of Directors and staff to guide the annual operations of the Foundation. The Strategic plan outlines three goals for achieving the its vision: “A future where freshwater fish, wildlife and their habitats are healthy and valued by all British Columbians.”

    • Goal 1: Increased conservation outcomes for fish, wildlife and habitats
    • Goal 2: Increase British Columbians’ participation in environmental stewardship, education and responsible use
    • Goal 3: Expand HCTF’s role as a Trusted Partner in managing and administering conservation funding

For more information on these Goals and their corresponding Objectives, download a copy of the current Strategic Plan

Meet Our Board