Projects

Paintbrush

Purpose
A special Trust Fund was created for the M-KMA in 1998, although the funding model is currently under review and may lead to changes. The purposes of the M-KMA Trust Fund are outlined in the M-KMA Act S.12.

a. to support wildlife and wilderness resources of the management area through research and integrated management of natural resource development;

b. to maintain in perpetuity the diversity and abundance of wildlife species and the ecosystems on which they depend throughout the management area.

From low impact resource development planning to parks and wilderness recreation planning, the goal of the Trust Fund was to generate information in support of planning and management activities in the M-KMA. In addition to these aims, the Trust Fund supported initiatives aimed at preserving culturally-related values and providing education about the Management Area.

Changes to the M-KMA Funding Model in 2006

As of March 31 st , 2006 the M-KMA Trust Fund expired in the M-KMA Act (Section 18).  Funds to support the purposes under the M-KMA Act are now provided through voted funds from the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (MAL) and the Minister for MAL acts as the Trustee.

How it works

The Muskwa-Kechika Advisory Board (M-KAB), through voted funds, support planning initiatives and special projects in the M-KMA, including support for local strategic plans, research and outreach and educational programs.

Annual Expenditure Plan
The M-KAB works closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands to allocate annual expenditures in an Annual Budget , approved by the Trustee (Minister, Agriculture and Lands). All expenditures reflect, complement or enhance the statutory responsibilities of the Advisory Board, as defined in the M-KMA Act and the M-KMA Management Plan .

M-KMA Project Objectives
To achieve the purposes under the M-KMA Act, the trustee may make payments out of voted funds only for one or more of the following Management Area purposes:

• conserve and enhance biological diversity, fish, fish habitat, wildlife, wildlife habitat and wilderness values;
• conduct research into wilderness management, fish and wildlife biology and ecology, with emphasis on large predator/prey ecosystems;
• conduct research into integrated management of wilderness, wildlife, fish, recreation and resource development;
• support inventories and mapping of wildlife, recreation, range and culture;
• support planning initiatives regarding wildlife, recreation, parks, access and resource development;
• involve and train persons from local communities in resource related career opportunities;
• promote knowledge and awareness of the trust fund, the management area and its wilderness values, by way of promotional, educational or other programs or activities;
• support enforcement training and activities that serve to ensure compliance with this Act and other relevant enactments;
• pay reasonable traveling and out of pocket expenses incurred by the Advisory Board on matters relating to this Act;
• pay for administration, staffing, services and supplies provided in relation to matters referred to in this section or provided to otherwise manage the trust fund.