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November 2004
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nechako
Watershed Council Take Stock of Progress Smithers – Monday November 22, 2004 Half way through their seventh year in existence, the Nechako Watershed Council (NWC) gathered in Smithers on November 19th for their fifth and last meeting for 2004. The highlights of the meeting included: § a review of the Council’s efforts to record their progress in developing new flow regimes to accommodate the diverse interests of the watershed; § an assessment of the current level of the Nechako Reservoir; and § an update on the progress of the NWC Work Plan to construct a water release facility at Kenney Dam For the last three months an independent resource consultant, Kristann Boudreau, has collected and recorded the NWC’s efforts to understand, describe and resolve the diversity of interests related to flows in the Nechako Watershed. This initiative will result in a concise and comprehensive collection of the Council’s work and also identify areas for additional work, review and discussion. “To have a single document that summarizes our Council’s progress in resolving our diverse issues is a valuable tool as we proceed to implement various activities related to our number one goal – managing the Nechako’s water to meet the many interests, made possible by building a cold water release facility.” Stated Council Chair Henry Klassen. During an update on the status of the Nechako Reservoir, the Council was informed that during the spring and summer months the flows into the Reservoir were lower than annual averages. However, in September and October there was a marked increase in rain in the region that raised the level of the reservoir to an acceptable and comfortable level. Another meeting highlight was a review of recent activities related to the Cold Water Release Facility Work Plan, which included the Council’s recognition and appreciation of the recent BC Government contribution of $100 000 to support these activities. This contribution was matched by Alcan and represents a fourth year of financial investment by Alcan and the BC Government toward the studies related to the release facility. The first meeting of the new year of the NWC is already set for February 11, 2005, and will be in Smithers. For further information, please contact: Henry Klassen, Chair Phone Number (250)567-4254 |
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