Province Invests In Inga Lake Infrastructure & Fish Habitat Conservation

A popular northeastern BC fishery is among the beneficiaries of a new $1.5-million provincial investment aimed at maintaining critical water-control infrastructure and supporting conservation lands across the province.

 

The funding, provided to Ducks Unlimited Canada, will support dam and dike operations, maintenance and planning work at conservation sites throughout British Columbia, including Inga Lake near Fort St. John.

 

Inga Lake is a well-known destination for local anglers, attracting approximately 6,000 angler days annually. The lake also provides accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for families, residents and visitors.

 

“People in the northeast care deeply about Inga Lake, and we know how important it is to local anglers and families,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “This funding supports the next steps toward a long-term solution that will help protect fish and wildlife habitat, while keeping this valued outdoor space accessible for years to come.”

Aging Infrastructure Prompts Planning For The Future

Water levels at Inga Lake are maintained by aging infrastructure that plays a critical role in supporting fish habitat and recreational access. As the system nears the end of its service life, repairs and upgrades are needed to reduce the risk of future lake-level fluctuations that could affect habitat, public access and long-term use of the site.

 

Approximately $500,000 of the funding will be directed toward assessing the condition of the Inga Lake weir, determining what repairs or upgrades may be required and developing a long-term management solution.

 

Funding Supports Conservation Sites Provincewide

The remaining funding will support maintenance and planning work at Ducks Unlimited Canada conservation sites throughout British Columbia.

 

Projects may include:

• Inspections to identify repair and maintenance requirements
• Maintenance work to help keep sites safe and operational
• Vegetation management, invasive plant control, habitat monitoring and garbage removal
• Planning and engineering work for infrastructure that supports habitat conservation and public recreation

 

Water-control structures such as dams, dikes and weirs help regulate water levels at many conservation properties. These systems support wetlands and other important fish and wildlife habitats while maintaining public access for activities such as angling, hunting, wildlife viewing, research and traditional Indigenous use.

 

Conservation lands also play a key role in protecting fish and wildlife habitat, supporting ecosystem health and providing outdoor recreation opportunities for communities across the province.

 

The work forms part of BC’s broader commitment to conserving and restoring healthy watersheds, fish and wildlife habitat, and outdoor spaces that support biodiversity and future generations.

Conservation & Angling Groups Welcome the Investment

Matt Christensen, manager of provincial operations for BC, Ducks Unlimited Canada, said the funding will help address ongoing infrastructure needs at conservation sites.

 

“We are incredibly grateful to the province’s enduring partnership in conservation with Ducks Unlimited Canada. Today’s announcement is an investment in water-control infrastructure that requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to help reduce risks to fish habitat and public access at sites like Inga Lake.”

 

The announcement was also welcomed by the BC Wildlife Federation, which highlighted the lake’s importance as both a fishery and an outdoor classroom.

 

“Inga Lake is a very popular destination for local anglers. The North Peace Rod and Gun Club also took thousands of students up to learn about the value of fish, wildlife and conservation. It’s great to see this investment in such an important public fishery,” said Jesse Zeman, executive director of the BC Wildlife Federation.