Stand up for Rivers at Risk

The provincial approval process for run-of-river projects is critically flawed and is designed to silence local and regional voices.

But we can stop inappropriate projects on Ventego, Cupola and Alder Creeks.

We just need to work together and speak up.

People in the Kootenays put a halt to the developments on Glacier Howser, and those who spoke against the risky trout translocation in Ventego helped stop it from continuing.

Our view of the Beaver River project

We’ve been reviewing the proposed hydro development plans.

The Beaver River Hydroelectric Project is unsuitable for the three watersheds it would impact:
• Ventego Creek, with its rare subalpine wetlands and five species at risk;
• Alder Creek, also a wild watershed with roadless headwaters and at-risk species;
• and Cupola Creek, far removed from transmission lines and any community.

Using this form

 Please fill in the form. You can either send it as is, or edit it to express your own concerns.

Your comments will go to decision makers with the Ministry of Natural Resource Operations, to MLA Norm Macdonald, (who has stated his opposition to development on Ventego, Alder and Cupola) and to the Premier of B.C., Christy Clark.

All these recipients deserve to be addressed with respect and courtesy.

It’s up to us to focus the debate on wilderness, watersheds and democracy.

Thank you for caring—for the wild.

Your Email: *

Subject: *

Customize this for maximum effectiveness

Message Body: *

Dear decision makers,

I’m writing to express my sincere opposition to the Beaver River Hydroelectric Project that is being brought forward by Selkirk Power.

I fully oppose this project and here’s why:

• Adding roads, power lines, human activity and three substantial creek diversions will compromise existing wilderness refuge areas.

• A major effect of run-of-river is the detrimental reduction in flow that results in a loss of habitat for aquatic organisms, including endangered bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout.

• There are (at least) five known at-risk species living in these drainages that will be impacted: wolverine, grizzly, bull trout, westslope cutthroat trout, olive-sided fly-catcher.

• Early winter old-growth habitat for mountain caribou will also be impacted.

• Downstream water quality will be negatively impacted and waste rock created during development could lead to acid rock drainage that is toxic to all aquatic life.

• Wild watersheds that are ecologically intact deserve to be protected from run-of-river developments. You cannot mitigate or compensate enough to replicate an ecologically-intact watershed such as Ventego.

• Local decision-making authority has been removed because of Bill 30. I want this bill revoked before any run-of-river projects move forward.

• The Columbia Valley Transmission Line will bring reliable energy to the Town of Golden for at least the next 30 years.

• The Beaver River project is therefore not justifiable due to energy supply issues.

• The potential for socio-economic or environmental benefits coming from these projects does not outweigh the very real, negative impacts they would have.

I sincerely hope the Beaver River Hydroelectric Project does not go forward.

I support a comprehensive and truly green alternative energy strategy for the province of B.C., which is something we do not have in the Clean Energy Act.

I support the implementation of a comprehensive energy conservation program for our province.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

First Name: *

Last Name: *

City: *

Address:

Postal Code:


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	Stand up for Rivers at Risk Tweet The provincial approval process for run-of-river projects is critically flawed and is designed to silence local and regional voices. But we can stop inappropriate projects on Ventego, Cupola and Alder Creeks. We just need to work together and speak up. People in the Kootenays put a halt to the developments on Glacier Howser, and those who spoke against the risky trout translocation in Ventego helped stop it from continuing. Our view of the Beaver River project We’ve been reviewing the proposed hydro development plans. The Beaver River Hydroelectric Project is unsuitable for the three watersheds it would impact: • Ventego Creek, with its rare subalpine wetlands and five species at risk; • Alder Creek, also a wild watershed with roadless headwaters and at-risk species; • and Cupola Creek, far removed from transmission lines and any community. Using this form  Please fill in the form. You can either send it as is, or edit it to express your own concerns. Your comments will go to decision makers with the Ministry of Natural Resource Operations, to MLA Norm Macdonald, (who has stated his opposition to development on Ventego, Alder and Cupola) and to the Premier of B.C., Christy Clark. All these recipients deserve to be addressed with respect and courtesy. It’s up to us to focus the debate on wilderness, watersheds and democracy. Thank you for caring—for the wild. Your Email: * Subject: * Customize this for maximum effectiveness Message Body: * Dear decision makers, I’m writing to express my sincere opposition to the Beaver River Hydroelectric Project that is being brought forward by Selkirk Power. I fully oppose this project and here’s why: • Adding roads, power lines, human activity and three substantial creek diversions will compromise existing wilderness refuge areas. • A major effect of run-of-river is the detrimental reduction in flow that results in a loss of habitat for aquatic organisms, including endangered bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout. • There are (at least) five known at-risk species living in these drainages that will be impacted: wolverine, grizzly, bull trout, westslope cutthroat trout, olive-sided fly-catcher. • Early winter old-growth habitat for mountain caribou will also be impacted. • Downstream water quality will be negatively impacted and waste rock created during development could lead to acid rock drainage that is toxic to all aquatic life. • Wild watersheds that are ecologically intact deserve to be protected from run-of-river developments. You cannot mitigate or compensate enough to replicate an ecologically-intact watershed such as Ventego. • Local decision-making authority has been removed because of Bill 30. I want this bill revoked before any run-of-river projects move forward. • The Columbia Valley Transmission Line will bring reliable energy to the Town of Golden for at least the next 30 years. • The Beaver River project is therefore not justifiable due to energy supply issues. • The potential for socio-economic or environmental benefits coming from these projects does not outweigh the very real, negative impacts they would have. I sincerely hope the Beaver River Hydroelectric Project does not go forward. I support a comprehensive and truly green alternative energy strategy for the province of B.C., which is something we do not have in the Clean Energy Act. I support the implementation of a comprehensive energy conservation program for our province. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, First Name: * Last Name: * City: * Address: Postal Code:

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