June Newsletter 2018

Now that we are well into June you may be certain that all of our recipient groups are fully engaged in their conservation projects and research initiatives for 2018. This year is definitely a busy one with 65 single and multi-year projects unfolding across all five provinces.

We are very proud of the excellent range of conservation and applied research activity represented in the many projects the ASCF has funded over our eleven years of grants. These projects represent an excellent record of supporting wild Atlantic salmon conservation across five provinces. Since 2008 the ASCF has contributed $7 million to nearly 500 conservation projects. Of these, 40 projects ($1.4 million) have focussed critically necessary applied research and over 50 projects have been delivered by Aboriginal organizations. A lot more conservation work needs to be done, but excellent progress is being made.

This month’s volunteer of the month is Gregory Jeddore, who is among the newer members of our Newfoundland & Labrador Advisory Committee. Gregory is manager of the Natural Resources Department with the Miapukek First Nation in Conne River, NL. This experience gives Gregory the broad perspective that helps our NL advisory committee make solid recommendations where to invest conservation project funding. We are fortunate to have such talented and committed people like Gregory helping the ASCF be successful.

Our featured project for June is the “Salmon Habitat Enhancement” project on the West River, a branch of the St. Mary’s River in Nova Scotia. Under the guidance of the St. Mary’s River Association president, Kenny Silver, the project is aimed at reducing the river’s width to speed-up the flow of water in the river. The project goals include not only increasing water flow, but also creation of a cold water refuge and tree planting for bank stabilization. This is one part of a huge restoration plan for this river. We are happy to be assisting the SMRA in this major effort.
Yours in conservation,

Stephen Chase