Interfor donates C$20,000 to Wuikinuxv Nation's project to achieve sustainable salmon populations in Rivers Inlet, British Columbia; support demonstrates respect for connection between business goals of company and local communities, says project partner

Wendy Lisney

VANCOUVER, British Columbia , June 18, 2014 (press release) – Activities Involve Wuikinuxv Nation and Man in Motion Rick Hansen

Interfor Corporation will donate $20,000 to support efforts by the Wuikinuxv Nation to achieve healthy and sustainable wild salmon populations in Rivers Inlet on British Columbia's Central Coast.

"This project is a perfect fit with Interfor's commitment to build value for communities by supporting a healthy economy and environment," said Andrew Meyer, Interfor's Coastal Woodlands Operations Manager, at a fund-raising event near Rivers Inlet today. "This important initiative will enhance salmon stocks and drive environmental, cultural and economic benefits."

Since 2011, the Wuikinuxv Nation, local lodge owners such as Good Hope Cannery and Duncanby Lodge, governments, Rick Hansen, the Pacific Salmon Foundation and independent scientists have worked on an action plan focused on chinook in the Wannock River, with long-term plans for other Rivers Inlet stocks and salmon species.

"Interfor's support for our salmon restoration efforts means a lot to the Wuikinuxv people," said Ted Walkus, a hereditary chief of the Wuikinuxv Nation. "Our Nation is committed to finding a way to ensure salmon remain a fixture in the Wuikinuxv life for our children, our grandchildren and their grandchildren after them."

"Interfor's donation reflects an understanding and respect for the connection between their business goals and those of local communities and conservation foundations," said Rick Hansen, CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. "Corporate support is critical to supporting this work so that the legendary chinook will be enjoyed by generations to come."

A feasibility study in 2012 determined how many chinook salmon return to spawn in the Wannock River, which is 400 kilometres north of Vancouver. The study paved the way for further monitoring and enhancement efforts in 2013.

ABOUT INTERFOR

Interfor is a growth-oriented lumber company with operations in Canada and the United States. The Company has annual production capacity of 2.6 billion board feet and offers one of the most diverse lines of lumber products to customers around the world. For more information about Interfor, visit our website at www.interfor.com.

ABOUT WUIKINUXV NATION

Wuikinuxv Nation was once one of the largest First Nations on the Pacific Coast. Its traditional territory is in the Central Coast region of British Columbia, and it has about 300 members, 70 to 90 of whom live in Wuikinuxv Village. For more information, visit www.wuikinuxv.net.

ABOUT THE RICK HANSEN FOUNDATION

The Rick Hansen Foundation unifies organizations and leaders to work in partnership toward positive change for a healthy and inclusive world. After his Man In Motion World Tour, Rick Hansen established the Foundation to find a cure for spinal cord injuries and create more accessible communities. Rick has had a lifelong passion for the environment and has been volunteering in salmon and sturgeon conservation for more than a decade. In 2001, Rick applied his leadership to the creation of a $30-million endowment fund dedicated to conserving and rebuilding Pacific salmon stocks in Canada. Rick is also the Founding Chair of the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society. The Rick Hansen Foundation extended its charitable purposes to support specific environmental initiatives that contribute to a healthy planet. For more information, visit www.rickhansen.com. 

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