CN and Pacific Salmon Foundation announce $1.25 million partnership to implement the long-term salmon recovery plan in the Squamish River Watershed

VANCOUVER, Feb. 7, 2006 — CN and Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) are pleased to announce a five-year funding commitment of $1.25 million in support of the implementation of the Squamish River Watershed Salmon Recovery Plan.

Pacific Salmon Foundation, with the support of the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund, completed the Squamish Watershed Salmon Recovery Plan in May, 2005. PSF, CN, the BC Living Rivers Trust Fund, BC Ministry of Environment, Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Squamish River Watershed Society, Squamish First Nation and local government are working in partnership toward the goal of returning the Squamish River watershed (including the Cheakamus River) to one of the most significant salmon bearing watersheds in British Columbia. Based on the effectiveness of projects completed and underway on the watershed, PSF and CN are confident that the commitment of $250,000 a year for five years that began with the funding announced on August 17 th, 2005 will allow for further vital project implementation, monitoring and results.

Peter Marshall, senior vice-president for CN's Western Canada Region, said: “CN is very pleased to support the Pacific Salmon Foundation and its partners to help create and implement the recovery plan for the Squamish River watershed. We look forward to seeing the results this partnership will bring.”

Dr. Paul Kariya, executive director of Pacific Salmon Foundation, reiterated: “With the announcement of this long-term commitment, CN has demonstrated its responsibility and dedication to the recovery of Pacific salmon in British Columbia. PSF is confident that, with the support of our partners, we have the ability to recover Pacific salmon in the Squamish River watershed.”

The Squamish River watershed is a large, complex ecosystem that encompasses approximately 3,650 km². It is the largest watershed within the Straight of Georgia and entirely within the traditional territory of the Squamish First Nation. The area is vital habitat for fish species, marine and terrestrial mammals and birds, invertebrates and all six species of Pacific salmon, including steelhead.

Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) is an independent, non-profit organization and a national leader in the conservation and recovery of Pacific salmon. Formed in 1987, PSF directs funding to grassroots, volunteer-driven projects specifically focused on the conservation and recovery of Pacific salmon. Beginning in 2006, PSF is leading efforts to restore and conserve the Fraser River watershed, the largest watershed in BC and home to the world's largest runs of wild Pacific Salmon. PSF forges partnerships with local communities, First Nations, all levels of government, private companies, educational institutions, commercial and recreational fisheries and other non-profit organizations all working together to restore and enhance Pacific salmon.