FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 10, 2000

Smithers, B.C. – The March meeting of the Nechako Watershed Council (NWC) was highlighted by several presentations on the Nechako watershed and various guests who attended specifically to hear the presentations.

The weekend long meeting was opened by Smithers Councilor Joanne Groves who welcomed the NWC by expressing her hopes that members would be able to enjoy all that Smithers has to offer during their visit. The NWC welcomed the City of Prince George as a new member organization, represented by Jason Llewellyn. Byron Goerz also joined the group as the new representative for Fort St. James, a member organization since the NWC was formed.

The NWC welcomed the announcement by Katherine Nightingale, a fourth year student at the University of Northern British Columbia, that she would like to use the Nechako Watershed Council as a case study for her undergraduate research. "A hallmark of the Council is its dedication to openness and transparency in all communications," said Ms. Nightingale.

The focus of the March meeting was the Murray-Cheslatta System. Mike Robertson, Policy Advisor to the Cheslatta-Carrier Nation gave a presentation on the Murray-Cheslatta Redevelopment Plan. Mr. Robertson gave a brief history of where the Cheslatta-Carrier people lived prior to 1950 and how they want to once again bring their people together. Gwyndolyn Nicholas, Southside Economic Development Association, presented her organization’s ideas and future plans to develop opportunities for ecotourism and attract more visitors to the area. The Cheslatta-Carrier Nation and the Southside Economic Development Association are working together to benefit all Southside residents.

"The presentations made this weekend were well thought out, informative, and provided the Council with an understanding of how Nechako watershed residents in the Murray-Cheslatta System hope to keep their area a vital ecosystem for residents and visitors alike to enjoy now and in the future", said NWC Chair, Henry Klassen.

Glen Davidson, B.C. Environment, Jason Hwang, Fisheries & Oceans Canada and Clyde Mitchell, Triton Environmental Consultants described how water released from a potential facility at Kenney Dam could affect the sediments in the Cheslatta Fan. As a result the NWC will request the Nechako Environmental Enhancement Fund Management Committee to conduct further research on the various proposed options to deal with the large sediment deposit.

The NWC was joined on Sunday morning by staff of the Skeena Region, BC Environment to hear Rick Krehbiel, NWC representative for the Lheidli T’enneh, talk about First Nations Treaty Negotiations. Mr. Krehbiel provided the audience with an outline of why B.C. is in treaty negotiations, the different stages of the process and where various First Nations are in the treaty process. The Nechako Watershed Council learned that treaty negotiations would not have an impact on the research or subsequent enhancement options available through NEEF. Ron Seymour, Councilor with the Lheidli T’enneh also pointed out that their main table negotiations are open and can be attended by the general public.

Clyde Mitchell presented the NWC and guests with the proposed Alcan Skins Lake Spillway Maintenance Project. Mr. Mitchell demonstrated, via colour slides, the area requiring maintenance, the proposed solution, and effect on, including minimization strategies, to surrounding residents and the environment. A question and answer period followed leaving those in attendance informed that every attempt was being made to minimize the impact on the residents and the environment surrounding the spillway.

The next meeting of the NWC will take place on April 7, 2000 in Vanderhoof.

For more information, please contact:

Henry Klassen

250-567-4254