FISH AND WILDLIFE COMPENSATION PROGRAM has a New Manager
By Contributor
Crystal Klym is the new Program Manager for the Columbia region’s Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP), replacing Trevor Oussoren who is now managing the FWCP across the province.
The FWCP is a partnership of BC Hydro, the Province of B.C., Fisheries and Oceans Canada, First Nations and Public Stakeholders to compensate for the impacts to fish and wildlife resources caused by BC Hydro dams in the Columbia, Coastal and Peace regions.
“I am very excited about this opportunity,” says Klym. “The FWCP has a strong regional board, and many of the biologists, proponents and contractors helping to deliver its projects have a long history of the Program and extensive local knowledge. I will be supporting them and the Board in the best way I can to make sure the good work continues.”
Klym comes to the FWCP with more than 10 years’ experience in conservation, sustainable natural resource management, and environmental stewardship. Her primary areas of expertise include ecosystem restoration, habitat assessments, and invasive species management.
She will be responsible for managing the FWCP annual budget in the Columbia Region of approximately $5 million and coordinating delivery of technically-sound projects that align with the FWCP’s Basin and Action Plans.
FWCP-supported projects include sturgeon recovery, slashing, thinning and prescribed burns to enhance wildlife habitat, purchasing conservation properties, adding nutrients to Kootenay Lake and Arrow Lakes Reservoir, operating kokanee spawning channels, inventory and monitoring, and building wetlands.
“We support a wide range of on-the-ground and in-stream projects through a combination of delivery mechanisms, working with many partners,” says Rick Morley, public representative on the FWCP-Columbia Board. “With Crystal’s track record in building partnerships and her knowledge of ecosystems in this region, she will be a great asset in helping us achieve our objectives.”
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