VICTORIA - The B.C. government is contributing $335,000 to the BC Conservation Foundation (BCCF) to support its work to document fish and wildlife populations, Environment Minister Barry Penner announced today.

"The best way to achieve a world-class standard in natural resource management is to combine scientific expertise with local knowledge and managerial acumen," said Penner. "The BC Conservation Foundation embodies all three elements."

The British Columbia Conservation Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the science-based management of fish, wildlife and ecosystems. Beneficiaries of their work include land managers, forest licensees, academics and all levels of government.

"This funding will deliver direct benefits to British Columbia residents and visitors," said BCCF executive director Deborah Gibson. "Accurate, comprehensive wildlife and fish inventories help build a conservational context for promoting tourism and outdoor recreational opportunities."

Specific projects supported by the B.C. government include:
* Restoration of salmon and steelhead habitat within a side channel of the Pitt River.
* A sustainable fisheries and watershed management conference to improve overall stewardship of B.C.'s aquatic resources.
* Fish and wildlife stock assessment planning, prioritization and implementation to support both conservation and sustainable angling and
hunting opportunities.

"A close connection to local conservation groups forms an invaluable network of expertise, energy and enthusiasm," said Penner. "The foundation has built ground-up support for the ongoing stewardship of British Columbia's species and ecosystems."

The foundation works with community groups, First Nations and municipal governments to achieve common conservation goals. Supporting a community-based, collective approach to caring for the environment is integral to the B.C. government's overarching goal of leading the world in environmental management.