Mission and Vision:

The mission of the IFC is to improve the effectiveness of state and provincial instream flow programs and administrators in protecting, maintaining and restoring aquatic ecosystems. The vision of the IFC is that each stream and river in Canada and the United States would have instream flows that sustain important ecological processes. In furtherance of the IFC vision, each state and provincial fish and wildlife agency must exercise its stewardship and legal obligations to maintain or restore ecosystem values on behalf of its citizens. Over the next 20 years, IFC wants to become a permanent, effective organization that 1) has significantly contributed to the effectiveness of member agency instream flow programs, 2) is a recognized authority and source of information about instream flow science, policy, and administration, and 3) has helped foster and empower an informed citizenry supportive of the need for effective instream flow stewardship.

Goals

Goal I. Help state, provincial and territorial fish and wildlife management agencies establish, maintain, and administer effective programs for quantification, protection, and restoration of instream flows for aquatic resources.

Goal II. Promote sound instream flow science.

Goal III. Encourage and facilitate the regular exchange of information among all levels of instream flow scientists, natural resource administrators, and aquatic resource managers.

Goal IV. Increase general public awareness and understanding of instream flow issues and state/provincial stewardship responsibilities so as to stimulate action and support of instream flow protection/enhancment.

Goal V. Maintain or improve the effectiveness of IFC’s structure and function.