2005 news releases

BC Hydro contributes to fly fishing event
Courier-Islander (Campbell River)
Fri 23 Sep 2005
Page: A3
Section: News
Source: Courier-Islander

BC Hydro has donated $5,000 to the host city efforts to convene the Third Annual Fly Fishing Canada National Fly Fishing Championships and Conservation Symposium being held this week in Campbell River. The nationals form an integral part of the International Rivers Day, the Haig Brown Festival, and the 2005 Campbell River Region Stewardship Awards that take place over this six-day period.

"We are very pleased to lend our support to Campbell River in hosting this National Championship," said BC Hydro's Public Affairs Coordinator, Stephen Watson. "Campbell River is hosting the fly fishing event during Rivers Day and the Haig Brown Festival, so the environmental sustainability of our operations will have special meaning for BC Hydro and our employees who are a big part of this community."

"The conservation aspect of the fly fishing event, and that it is timed during International Rivers Day, is a perfect sponsorship fit for BC Hydro's restoration efforts on the Campbell River system," says BC Hydro's Bridge Coastal Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program manager, Andrew MacDonald.

To bring the Upper Campbell Reservoir/Buttle Lake down in anticipation of the fall rains, BC Hydro ramped up flows by 7 cubic metres per day (m3/s). The flows will increase by about three fold, from the current flow of 31.5 m3/s to 105 m3/s by September 26. The flow increase will also encourage fish migration and spawning.

Fly Fishing Canada's Third National Fly Fishing Championships and Conservation Symposium is an annual event where individuals and teams from across Canada participate in a catch and release sanctioned competition to test their skills and to help select the National Team to compete in the World Championships. There are lake, river and beach fishing. The Conservation Symposium is an important part of the event just as conservation is an integral part of sport fishing.

"Fly Fishing Canada has given Campbell River a great opportunity to demonstrate its legendary reputation," said Patrick Marshall, Campbell River's Host City CEO. "We really appreciate BC Hydro's support to showcase the Campbell River community and provide a memorable event and symposium."

The City of Campbell River has joined BC Hydro in being major event contributors. The event website is www.ffcc3.com For more information on the Bridge Coastal Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program, go to www.bchydro.com/bcrp.