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
Cory Williamson - BC Ministry of Environment (Chair)
Steve McAdam - BC Ministry of Environment
Zsolt Sary - BC Ministry of Environment
Tola Coopper - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Byron Nutton - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Justus Benckhuysen - Rio Tinto Alcan
Christina Ciesieslki - Carrier Sekani Tribal Council
Brian Toth - Lheidli T'enneh/Carrier Sekani Tribal Council
Jim Powell - Freshwater Fisheries Society
Bryan Ludwig - Freshwater Fisheries Society
Ken Scheer - Freshwater Fisheries Society
Lana Ciarniello - Coordinator
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
Brian Frenkel - Avison Management (Chair)
Christina Ciesieskli - Carrier Sekani Tribal Council
Wayne Sawleski - BC Wildlife Federation
Bill Douglass - Sports Fisher representative
Justus Benckhuysen - Rio Tinto Alcan
Cory Williamson - BC Ministry of Environment
Andy Soles - Spruce City Wildlife Association
Jocelyn White - City of Prince George
Henry Klassen - Nechako Watershed Council
Tina Chestnut - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Roy Argue - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Terry Robert - Fraser Basin Council
June Wood - Federation of BC Naturalists/Nechako River Alliance
Lana Ciarniello - Coordinator
Jim Webb - Tl'azt'en Fisheries Program
Troy Nelson - Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society
Dennis Bell - BC Wildlife Federation
Darren Carpenter - District of Vanderhoof
