It’s a moment to celebrate!

Photo credit: Roxanna Froese

For the past 11 months we’ve worked with a coalition to stop the development of two islands in the Heart of the Fraser, between Hope and Mission. Yesterday, we received confirmation that the bridge development permit for one of these islands (Herrling Island) has been denied! 

Huge thanks to all of our supporters, especially those who sent letters, signed the petition, and spread awareness about our Defend the Heart of the Fraser campaign. You made sure our decision makers heard that British Columbians want this important salmon and sturgeon habitat area protected from development.

Highlighted in the reasons for the decision paper are:

1. the potential impact of the proposed use of Crown land on habitat for Fraser River white sturgeon and salmon;
2. the fact that the People of the River Referrals Office, on behalf of eleven Stó:lō communities, have given notice that they reject the bridge application based on substantial potential impacts to sensitive aquatic habitats;
3. And it is in the public interest to take a precautionary approach.

You can read the full reasons here.

This decision is a major milestone on the road to protecting these important islands in the Heart of the Fraser. Now, we are waiting to hear the decision on the bridge permit to Carey Island. Will you write to Minister Donaldson and tell him not to approve the bridge permit for Carey Island either.

Carey is just as ecologically important as Herrling and deserves the same considerations. Use our easy-to-use online letter writing tool to write your letter today.

We are working as part of the Heart of the Fraser Coalition with: Outdoor Recreation Council of BC, BCIT Rivers Institute, BC Wildlife Federation, BC Federation of Drift Fishers, Raincoast Conservation, Georgia Straight Alliance & Alouette River Management Society

Find out more about our work to save this important salmon habitat area at www.heartofthefraser.ca.