Teams
The Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative is composed of two committees: the Technical Working Group and the Community Working Group.
Technical Working Group
The Technical Working Group (formerly called the Recovery Team) was formed in September 2000, and is the technical group, consisting of federal and provincial biologists as well as First Nations and industry experts. Each member has specific qualifications, including a working knowledge of white sturgeon biology, expertise in streamflow management/hydraulic engineering or experience in other animal recovery initiatives. Some members have a regulatory role with regard to the protection of fish and their habitats in the Nechako basin.
This team of scientists is responsible for coming up with the answers to why the white sturgeon is in decline, and then developing an effective plan to help restore the fish to a self-sustaining population. These strategies are based on the best-available science, local and traditional knowledge.
Technical Working Group Members
Trevor Rhodes - Ministry of Forests, Victoria (Chair)
Steve McAdam - Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship (LWRS)
Nikolaus Gantner - Ministry of Forests, Prince George
Ian Spendlow - Ministry of Forests, Prince George
Trevor Davies - Ministry of Forests, Victoria
Greg Andrusak - Ministry of Forests
Mike Ramsay - Ministry of Forests, Williams Lake
Lee Williston - Ministry of Forests, Williams Lake
Lynn Avis - Ministry of Forests, Caribou Region
Brian Toth - Lheidli T'enneh
Christina Ciesielski - Carrier Sekani Tribal Council
Jeff Beardsall - Carrier Sekani Tribal Council
Mike Manky - NWS Conservation Centre Manager
Sarah Stephenson - LWRS, Nelson
Ahdia Hassan - Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Species At Risk Program
Andy Lecuyer - Rio Tinto
Cory Williamson – Consultant
Cale Babey - UNBC Student, Observer
Graeme Lyon - UNBC Student, Observer
Colin Schwindt - Observer
Ray Pillipow - Ministry of Forests, Observer
Travis Gerwing - Ministry of Forests, Observer
Wayne Salewski - NWSRI CWG Chair, Observer
Troy Nelson - Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society, Observer
Fraser Linza - NWS Conservation Centre, Observer
Angie Coulter - LWRS, Observer
Luc Turcotte - LWSR, Observer
Community Working Group
In April 2001, the Community Working Group (formerly called the Action Planning Group) was assembled. Composed of about 20 individuals that represent First Nations, non-government environmental organizations, industry, local and regional governments and affected public, it was created to provide input from river stakeholders, and to act first and foremost as a public advocate for Nechako White Sturgeon and the Recovery Initiative.
The CWG provides an opportunity for key groups essential to the success of a recovery plan to become involved in the process. The group focuses on increasing the public’s awareness and knowledge about the recovery process, as well as the ecological problems facing the Nechako white sturgeon. It is also concerned with building and maintaining community support for the recovery plan.
Community Working Group Members
Wayne Salewski - Nechako Environment and Water Stewardship Society (NEWSS) (Chair)
Mike Manky - NWS Conservation Centre Manager
Fraser Linza - NWS Conservation Center
Andy Lecuyer - Rio Tinto
Andrea Byrne - City of Prince George
Christina Ciesielski - Carrier Sekani Tribal Council
Cora McIntosh - Saik'uz First Nation
Darren Haskell - Tl'azt'en Nation
Brian Frenkel - District of Vanderhoof
Troy Nelson - Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society
Nikolaus Gantner - Ministry of Forests
Ian Spendlow - Ministry of Forests
Ray Pillipow - Ministry of Forests
Guy Scharf - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Kara Varley - Integris Credit Union
Cory Williamson - Consultant
Chad Hellenius - The Exploration Place
Terry Robert - Fraser Basin Council