http://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=8&cat=23&id=554383&more=1UBC Farm acquired by local farmerBy Bruce MacInnis
Record Staff WriterDec 14 2005
The University of B.C. Research Farm at Oyster River has been sold to a local farmer, the university announced on Monday.
Patrick Evans, owner of Evansdale Farm, said he plans to farm the land and does not intend to develop it or remove it from the Agricultural Land Reserve.
The sale price and date the property is to be transferred were unavailable at press time. The sale has been approved by the UBC board of governors, but requires assent by the Minister of Advanced Education, according to the university.
Evans has lived and farmed in the Valley since the 1960s.
“We want to work with our neighbours to preserve the salmon hatchery and we want to discuss with the regional district how we can make the main nature trail safe and accessible,” Evans said.
Evans said he would retain Montford House, a classroom building on the property used for public events.
The purchase allayed fears by local environmental groups that the farm would be sold to a developer.
Speaking for local groups who met recently to voice concerns about the sale, Kathy Campbell said she welcomes news that the Evans family has bought the property.
“They are a local farming family who have shown commitment to community trails with the Evans Trail that they have kept open near the school,” she said.
“We are into a new era and I look forward to working with Patrick and his family to make the most of this beautiful property.”
The UBC Research Farm includes 1,746 acres in two parcels, one of which fronts the Strait of Georgia. It was bequeathed to the university by New York stockbroker Barrett Montford in 1962 with the stipulation that it be used for agriculture and teaching for 20 years.
UBC phased out the farm and moved its dairy herd in 1999 when it consolidated its research farms on a property at Agassiz. The marketing board milk quota went with the herd and is no longer attached to the farm, according to UBC.
The property is currently held for the university by the UBC Management Trust.
Trust president Tom Gunn said proceeds from the sale will be used to support scholarships and research.
http://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=8&cat=23&id=556322&more=Funding improving salmon habitatBy Bruce MacInnis
Record Staff WriterDec 16 2005
A $15,000 grant from the Pacific Salmon Foundation helped the Oyster River Enhancement Society turn a dry channel into fish habitat, according to Bud Skinner, former president of the society.
The river changed its course decades ago and the Connelly side channel near the old Island highway was left dry.
Research by the Oyster River Enhancement Society and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans indicated the channel could become valuable habitat for coho and other fish if it were restored, Skinner said.
“There are a number of these channels and in some cases the stream becomes overgrown, but we put in spawning gravel for adults and habitat for coho fry ... they are engineered by DFO habitat biologists and they are as close to nature as they can be,” Skinner said.
Piped water prevents the streams from drying out during summer months so coho fry can survive to swim out to sea the following year.
Total cost of the project is estimated at $103,247.
The Oyster River project was one of five projects funded by $42,000 in grants from the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
Other grants to local organizations announced by the foundation include:
• $4,680 to the Hart Watershed Society for habitat assessment on Hart Creek (Washer Creek) in Union Bay. Total cost of the project is estimated at $27,945.
• $6,200 to the Tsolum River Restoration Society for river bank stabilization plus assessment and prescriptions. Total cost of the project is estimated at $27,945.
• $5,150 to the Little River Enhancement Society for water aeration equipment and other improvements to the hatchery. Total cost of the project is estimated at $25,400.
• $2,000 to the Fanny Bay Salmonid Enhancement Society for a stream habitat survey of Rosewall Creek. Total cost of the project is estimated at $8,780.
“PSF works in partnership with the community, government and industry to restore salmon habitat. Applicants must be supported by Fisheries and Oceans Community Advisors and PSF is pleased to be part of such an integrated team,” said Paul Kariya, executive director of the foundation.
The foundation is an independent non-profit organization funded by government, corporate donations and groups with an interest in salmon enhancement.