Victoria Golden Rods & Reels

1) Who are you?

Victoria Golden and Reels Society

2) What does your group do?

Fresh and saltwater fishing and social club. Conservation projects include restoration and pollution control on O’Donnel Creek in the 1990s; Goldstream fish hatchery work, and learn-to-fish events. Since 2013, our club has provided volunteer leadership and secured funding for the Elk/Beaver Lake Initiative, a program to rejuvenate this prematurely aging lake.

3) When does your group meet?

September to June, inclusive. Weekly, on Tuesdays—9 am to 11 am at CNIB/Silver Threads 2340 Richmond Rd., Victoria. Executive meetings, 10 am to 11 am, first Tuesday of the month.

4) What is your geographical jurisdiction with respect to the Colquitz watershed?

Our particular interest is in improving water quality and fish habitat in the headwaters of the Colquitz, i.e., Elk/Beaver Lake and its watershed.

5) What projects have you accomplished with respect to the Colquitz watershed?

Our members contributed over 2,000 volunteer hours to enhancing O’Donnel Creek in the 1990s.

6) What are your current projects with respect to the Colquitz watershed?

The Elk/Beaver Lake Initiative involves the Province of BC, Capital Regional District, District of Saanich, Peninsula Streams, and other conservation organizations. Victoria Golden Rods and Reels Society, in cooperation with other non-government organizations, such as fishing and rowing clubs, provides volunteer leadership, water quality sampling teams, and funding to improve conditions at Elk/Beaver Lake. Our particular interests are water quality, fish habitat, weed harvesting, invasive species, in order to enhance fishing and other water based activities. We gratefully acknowledge financial support received from Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, Canadian Wildlife Federation, BC Wildlife Federation—Region One Vancouver Island, and the Victoria Protective Fish and Game Association.

7) How can others participate in your groups’ projects? Are there any requirements?

We welcome everyone to become involved in the Elk/Beaver Lake Initiative. To learn more, we encourage people to come as guests to our meetings.

8) How is your group funded?

Membership fees. Fundraising for the Elk/Beaver Lake Initiative– $21,500 raised to date.

9) Contact info: email and/or website

http://www.goldenrodsandreels.com/

See website for contact form.