Campbell River Salmon Foundation

The Campbell River Salmon Foundation is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to supporting local conservation efforts, particularly those focused on salmon enhancement, in the Campbell River area. The organization operates within the territories of the Ligwilda’xw, Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai, Klahoose, K’omoks, Kwiakah, Tlowitsis, and Tla’amin First Nations.

History

Established in 2007, the foundation has been instrumental in raising community funds to support its mission. Over the years, it has raised over $1.4 million, which are reinvested into projects benefiting the region. The organization's geographic scope extends from the Oyster River to the Salmon River Estuary and includes the adjacent mainland.

Mission and Activities

The foundation's main objective is to provide funding for projects related to salmon enhancement. This includes habitat restoration, research, monitoring, and public education initiatives. By focusing on local projects, the foundation ensures that contributions from the community are used to benefit the same area. Their administrative structure allows for minimal overhead costs, enabling nearly 100% of raised funds to be directed towards projects.

Projects and Impact

Some notable projects funded by the Campbell River Salmon Foundation include habitat restoration, such as the successful gravel placement project on the Campbell River, and the ongoing cleanup and revitalization of the Campbell River Estuary. They have also funded efforts on the mainland, including significant investments in Bute Inlet and the Phillips River area.

The foundation played a crucial role in expanding access up the Quinsam River, enhancing salmon access to spawning and rearing grounds, and in advocating for the removal of the Salmon River Diversion Dam, which has opened over 10 km of fish rearing habitat.

Challenges and Response

The organization faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily due to the cancellation of its annual fundraising gala dinner and auction. This event typically raised over $100,000 annually, crucial for funding salmon enhancement projects. Despite these challenges, the foundation continues to support conservation efforts and engage with community members to identify new salmon enhancement opportunities.

Community Involvement

The Campbell River Salmon Foundation encourages community involvement through volunteer opportunities and invites community members to participate in identifying potential projects. This collaborative approach ensures that local needs are met effectively and that the foundation remains aligned with the broader community goals.