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Mar 16, 2001
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 16, 2001 Nechako Watershed Council takes Water Release Facility Proposal to Ottawa Smithers, B.C. In eager anticipation to hear about the five member delegations’ meetings in Ottawa, the Nechako Watershed Council (NWC) met in Smithers, B.C. on March 9 and 10, 2001. The purpose of the Ottawa trip was to promote to senior federal Ministers, Members of Parliament, and officials the importance of a water release facility at Kenney Dam. Over the course of their two day visit to the nation’s capital on February 27 and 28, 2001 the delegation was able to meet with David Anderson, Federal Minister of the Environment, four federal ministries (including Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs, Western Economic Diversification and Natural Resources Canada), Canadian Alliance B.C. Members of Parliament Dick Harris, Prince George-Bulkley Valley, Andy Burton, Skeena, and representatives for John Cummins, Delta-South Richmond and John Duncan, Vancouver Island North. During these meetings the NWC made a concise, easy to understand presentation that demonstrated the array of benefits and values to be gained by constructing a water release facility at Kenney Dam. The government participants were especially interested in discussing the opportunities such a facility would have on enhancing the environment and economic interests of the Nechako River and surrounding watershed area. These discussions resulted in three federal departments requesting a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of the social and economic benefits for the Nechako Watershed region. On March 10th, Wally Eamer, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks presented the provincial government’s Nechako River White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative to the NWC. This initiative is consistent with relevant legislation, policies and strategic direction and based on the best available science. The NWC is confident that a water release facility will also benefit this native species to the Nechako River. Special guests to the NWC meeting included members of the Haisla, Nee Tahi Buhn and Cheslatta First Nations as well as residents of the Nechako Watershed including Mayor Paul Jean of Burns Lake. Alcan has increased its monetary support by $5,000, compared to last year, to the NWC by committing $25,000 in funding for the fiscal year 2001/2002. The next meeting of the NWC will be held in Burns Lake, B.C. from April 20-21, 2001. For further information, please contact: Henry Klassen, Chair 250-567-4254
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