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May 16, 2000
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 16, 2000 Nechako Watershed Council starts to look at Nechako River flows after a water release facility is built. Vanderhoof, B.C. – The Nechako Watershed Council (NWC) held its May meeting at the Elks Hall in Vanderhoof on May 12 & 13. The meeting was once again well attended with individuals from the public joining the Friday evening session to hear Peter Becker, BC Environment, give a presentation on the B.C. Provincial Water Use Plan Guidelines. Recognizing existing legal and constitutional rights and responsibilities, as set out in legislation and court decisions, the province is developing Water Use Plans for water control structures to address the issues of greater protection of fish resources and other environment and social concerns like recreation on the river. The NWC members observed that they are already dealing with issues in a manner that is similar to the B.C. Water Use Planning Guidelines. "After hearing this presentation it is encouraging to note that the NWC is already very much into a process such as is outlined by the province," said Henry Klassen, chair of the NWC. Building on their strong support for the construction of a water release facility (WRF) at Kenney Dam, the NWC embarked on the challenging process of illustrating post-WRF flows. This exercise will advance the discussion and assessment of the various watershed interests and objectives by defining the possible flow regimes in the Nechako River Watershed from a WRF. Alcan reported on its ongoing Skins Lake Spillway Maintenance Project and invited NWC members to join them at the spillway on May 22nd to get an aerial view over the length of the Cheslatta River during this short period of lower flows. This field observation will be useful in assisting members and the public with their effort to develop a flow regime after the construction of a water release facility. The interim statement of revenue & expenditures for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2000 was presented and approved by the NWC. The NWC has a positive cash balance and about three-quarters of the NWC’s operations are provided by in-kind contributions from member organizations, indicating their commitment to the NWC’s purpose. In celebration of its second anniversary, the NWC is planning a special meeting June 23 and 24, 2000 in Vanderhoof. For more information, please contact: Henry Klassen 250-567-4254
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