Canada's freshwater resources are known the world over for their abundance, their quality and the remarkable fish species that are found within. These resources, however, are under various pressures:water quality deterioration, water abstraction, habitat degradation and loss,industrial and municipal practices and overfishing are but a few of the concerns threatening Canada's waters. In order to provide a stable, long-term funding base for conservation efforts across the country, TUC established the Coldwater Conservation Fund (CCFund). The CCFund is a fund designed to support the delivery of science-based rehabilitation and enhancement programs, to create a scientific and economic research program for TUC and to provide a basis for securing matching fund donations. WHERE DO THE FUNDS COME FROM? The CCFund was launched in 2004 by a donation from TransAlta. The Fund secures its revenue through contributions from corporations, foundations, individuals and governments. Donors may specify certain restrictions on their funding as they see fit — the donor may target their donations to certain geographic areas, to certain types of work, to specific programs or to work of benefit to certain species. Alternatively, undesignated funding is equally welcome. WHERE DO THE FUNDS GO? The funds are utilized by TUC chapters,professional staff and researchers. Potential recipients apply to the TUC National office for funding using a standardized application form. Funds are made available after review of the proposal's science and conservation aspects by TUC biologists. In order to maximize the conservation work supported by the CCFund, applicants are expected, through cash donations or in-kind contributions, to match or exceed the contribution from the CCFund. Additionally, TUC's National Resource Board may identify and bring forward proposals for support that is important in its plans for delivery of planned conservation programs across Canada. Eligible activities are guided by the theme and program areas identified in TUC's National Conservation Agenda including: Science-based rehabilitation and enhancement programs carried out by TUC Chapters; Watershed-scale demonstration and rehabilitation projects; Research on biological and economic issues that affect the existing and long term health of our freshwater ecosystems and coldwater resources; and Research in support of management and recovery of depleted or threatened native salmonid stocks, such as coastal cutthroat trout, bull trout, coaster brook trout, Atlantic salmon in Lake Ontario and sea-run brook trout on the east coast. Please Note:      In order to ensure the most of the limited funds that are donated to the CCFund, grants are restricted to a maximum of $10,000 each.  Trout Unlimited Canada is not currently accepting applications for funding out of the Coldwater Conservation Fund.  For more information, please contact Brian Meagher at 1-800-909-6040 or email bmeagher@tucanada.org.

CCFund DONORS LIND FAMILY FOUNDATION DAVID W. BYLER