"Heart of the Fraser" Campaign
Posted on January 10th, 2006 by Rodney Hsu

A new initiative is being launched, to better protect a key part of the world's greatest salmon river -- our own Fraser River in British Columbia. The "Heart of the Fraser" campaign focuses on the Hope-to-Mission stretch. In the words of river conservationist and Order of Canada recipient Mark Angelo, "This may well be the most productive stretch of river in the world".

Values Worth Protecting The natural values of the Hope-to-Mission stretch are enormous:

• Up to 10 million Pink Salmon spawn right in the Fraser mainstem (BC's largest single run!), along with 1 million Chum Salmon. This is in addition to the millions of other Pacific salmon that migrate through on their way to tributaries upstream, including Coho, Chinook, and Sockeye. 
• 30 species of fish are found in this stretch, including Canada's largest population of White Sturgeon, which grow to 6 metres in length and live for 150 years or more.
• Hundreds of bird and other wildlife species thrive on the lush forests and numerous side channels and sloughs that occur between Hope and Mission.
• Fishers depend on the millions of salmon that migrate or spawn along this stretch. This includes First Nations use, as well as the many recreational and commercial fishers who depend on Fraser River salmon.

A Plan For Protection - Government, First Nations, and the private sector can work together to protect the Heart of the Fraser from unchecked development. With population growth continuing to explode in the Fraser Valley, it's important that we act quickly.

• Key private lands can be purchased for conservation purposes.
• Governments can help to protect and manage key crown lands.

Visit our Web site to download a report and find out more about the Heart of the Fraser.

If you have any questions about the "Heart of the Fraser" initiative, please contact Mark Angelo.

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