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June 30, 2000
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2000 Nechako Watershed Council Celebrates 2nd Anniversary Vanderhoof, B.C. - To commemorate their second anniversary
the Nechako Watershed Council (NWC) celebrated with a tree planting ceremony at
Riverside Park, in Vanderhoof, on June 23rd.
Special guests joining this celebration included Vanderhoof Mayor Len Fox
and Regional District of Bulkley Nechako Chair Harold Kerr.
At this anniversary meeting, the Council reaffirmed its willingness and
dedication to work together to achieve its commitment to the environmental,
economic and social well-being of the Nechako Watershed. At this meeting, the NWC also launched a comprehensive
public awareness campaign designed to provide the public, interest groups,
community leaders and all levels of government with an understanding of the
NWC’s activities and progress since the Council signed its Terms of Reference
on June 28, 1998. One element of the campaign is the July 1, 2000 launch of
the NWC website at www.nechakowatershedcouncil.com .
Visitors to this easy to use and interactive website will find historical
information on the NWC, recent activities, a list of members, records of
meetings and current and upcoming meeting details. “The NWC has expanded its efforts to let the public, our
neighbors and users of the Nechako Watershed know that there is an open and
inclusive forum in which to discuss issues that are related to the Nechako
Watershed” said Henry Klassen, Chair. “The Council has worked hard during
the last two years, dedicating a lot of personal time and effort to finding
solutions to improving the situation in the Nechako Watershed and we want to
share this progress with the public.” Over the last three months, the NWC has been developing a
revised flow regime for the Nechako River that could be used if a water release
facility is built at Kenney Dam. This
revised flow regime would reallocate existing flows to accommodate a wider array
of interests in the Nechako Watershed. The
regional office of BC Environment is contributing the services of Glen Davidson,
Engineering Section Head and Adam Wei, Hydrologist to work with the NWC on a
revised flow regime. Wally Eamer, BC Environment’s representative on the NWC,
explained “The BC Government is glad to offer its expertise to assist local
community groups, town councils, chambers of commerce, Alcan and others to
better understand the various interests and find a commonly agreed upon solution
to enhance the Nechako River” The NWC also held its election of officers on June 24th
and is pleased to announce that Henry Klassen, of the Vanderhoof Chamber of
Commerce was re-elected to serve as council chair for the year 2000 – 2001
term. Jerry Petersen of the
Regional District of Bulkley Nechako and Rick Krehbiel of the Lheidli T’enneh
Treaty Office were re-elected first and second vice-chairs, respectively. “Working with such a dedicated group of individuals is a
great experience and I am honoured and pleased to continue as the NWC Chair”,
said Henry Klassen. The next meeting of the NWC will take place August 11 –
13, 2000 in Kitimat. For more information, please contact: Henry Klassen 250-567-4254
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