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Steelhead Society full of plans for future

The Steelhead Society of B.C. was formed in 1970 by a group of dedicated Steelhead anglers concerned about the state of wild steelhead stocks and the wild rivers of British Columbia. Since that time the Steelhead Society has evolved into a charitable, non-profit advocate for the well being of all wild salmonids and rivers in British Columbia.

The Steelhead Society of B.C. was formed in 1970 by a group of dedicated Steelhead anglers concerned about the state of wild steelhead stocks and the wild rivers of British Columbia. Since that time the Steelhead Society has evolved into a charitable, non-profit advocate for the well being of all wild salmonids and rivers in British Columbia.

The Northern Branch of the Steelhead Society has an agenda full of community projects from Smithers to Terrace and Kitimat. Sparked by enthusiasm from new directors and members, the Northern Branch is shifting its focus to projects that directly benefit the community and allow for the public to get involved.

The Interior News recently reported on the Telkwa River Coho Ponds project.  Director Derek Kaufman has been working hard on making the project move forward.

The ponds were original built in 1993 and David Bustard & Associates collected data until 2001. Shortly after, fencing was damaged due to heavy snowfall and lack of maintenance. The data shows positive results from the ponds, which is why the Steelhead Society wanted to take the project on.

“The ponds are prime habitat for coho fry. You will see survival rates of these fry upwards to 10 per cent, rather than the typical two-three per cent. But it’s not just about the fish – the 8700m2 pond complex is home to a myriad of creatures; beavers, western toads, spotted frogs, salamanders, and is a nesting area for Canada Geese.”

“It’s important we get the pond complex cleaned up. We have been in touch with Houston and Smithers Secondary Schools and both have expressed interest in using the ponds as an educational tool. It’s great for the public as well,” Kaufman says.

But that isn’t the only project in the making. Jessea Grice, Chairman of the Northern Branch, explains that the Steelhead Society will soon be undertaking the Storm Drain Marking Program in partnership with Department of Fisheries and Oceans. “We are currently discussing with DFO and it’s on the list to complete this summer providing adequate volunteer support.” The marking program is a reminder to the public that everything going into a storm drain ends up in our sensitive fish bearing rivers.

The Society is also coordinating a project that includes putting up new signage adjacent to fishing areas on various rivers. The signs include fish species information and identification, safe handling techniques, and proper angling etiquette.

“Most of the signs already up are in need of repair and we want to put new signs in various popular fishing locations that do not have any,” Grice said.

After years of the Steelhead Society focusing on political issues, Grice and Kaufman feel it’s time to get back into the community.

“We have a solid group of directors that do a great job with political issues such as Enbridge and steelhead by-catch issues in commercial fisheries. But we want to make sure our members can do some hands on projects that the whole community can see and benefit from,” Grice said.

A membership to the Steelhead Society is $30 and a charitable receipt can be provided if requested.

“We encourage anyone to be a part of these projects – you don’t even have to be a member,” Kaufman said.

For more information, contact Jessea Grice at 846-5089 or Derek Kaufman at 877-1424 or visit www.steelheadsociety.org.

- Submitted