The B.C. government is investing $1 million in the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation to help protect fish, wildlife and ecosystems across the province.

The funding will support a provincewide assessment of water-control infrastructure on conservation lands, including small dams, dikes and other structures that help manage water.

“Healthy ecosystems are critical to protecting fish and wildlife habitat, while supporting the communities and people who enjoy these spaces,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

“Conservation lands are part of our natural ecosystem infrastructure. This work will help us better understand the condition of water-control structures so we can make informed decisions and prioritize future improvements that protect and enhance the environment and recreational opportunities that people in B.C. rely on.”

The project will create a shared database to track the condition of the infrastructure, identify safety concerns, and help prioritize future upgrades.

The Province says the information will guide future investments aimed at improving fish and wildlife habitat, reducing risks to communities, and strengthening resilience to floods and drought.

Officials say conservation lands also provide important opportunities for recreation, Indigenous traditional use, and public access, while wetlands and floodplains play a key role in protecting biodiversity and managing water across B.C.

The assessment is expected to provide the first coordinated inventory of water-control infrastructure on conservation lands, helping government and conservation partners make informed decisions about future improvements.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.