Action Alert The Columbia Wetlands need your help right now
ACTION ALERT!!!!!
The Columbia Wetlands need your help right now.
As you probably know, a federal boating regulation is in the draft stage. The comment period closes in just a few days. It is important that we counter those who would prefer no regulation on the main channel and let government know that the vast majority of the people support a boating regulation that includes the main channel of the Columbia River.
The proposed regulation provides opportunities for all user groups and incorporates ecological sustainability principles and will, hopefully, have minimal impact on fish and wildlife values. All of the provincial lands in the wetland area are part of the Columbia Wetlands Wildlife Management Area, a designation that gives priority in land management to maintaining wildlife and fisheries values.
The proposed regulation is a compromise. For many of us, it is not strong enough but Wildsight supports the regulation. We feel it is urgent to get restrictions established as currently there are none and science tells us that damage is being done.
The Columbia Wetlands need your help right now.
As you probably know, a federal boating regulation is in the draft stage. The comment period closes in just a few days. It is important that we counter those who would prefer no regulation on the main channel and let government know that the vast majority of the people support a boating regulation that includes the main channel of the Columbia River.
The proposed regulation provides opportunities for all user groups and incorporates ecological sustainability principles and will, hopefully, have minimal impact on fish and wildlife values. All of the provincial lands in the wetland area are part of the Columbia Wetlands Wildlife Management Area, a designation that gives priority in land management to maintaining wildlife and fisheries values.
The proposed regulation is a compromise. For many of us, it is not strong enough but Wildsight supports the regulation. We feel it is urgent to get restrictions established as currently there are none and science tells us that damage is being done.
It is urgent that you send a brief email to the addresses below before the comment deadline of August 27, 2008.
In your own words, simply voice your support for a regulation restricting motorized boating on the Columbia River and wetlands. If you think the regulation is not strong enough, you can state that if you want. Please indicate in your email that you do not require a response as that may delay he process. One or two sentences are all that is needed. See below for the specifics of the regulation as proposed.
In your own words, simply voice your support for a regulation restricting motorized boating on the Columbia River and wetlands. If you think the regulation is not strong enough, you can state that if you want. Please indicate in your email that you do not require a response as that may delay he process. One or two sentences are all that is needed. See below for the specifics of the regulation as proposed.
Please send a quick email RIGHT NOW and reference at the beginning: The regulations pertaining to the Columbia River Wildlife Management Area, British Columbia, know as Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction, as published in the Canadian Gazette June 28, 2008. Sign it and include your mailing address.
Thank you. To:
Jim Abbott, MP
abbotj2a@parl.gc.ca
Transport Canada, Kevin Monahan
abbotj2a@parl.gc.ca
Transport Canada, Kevin Monahan
If you have any questions contact: ellen@wildsight.ca:
Proposed Regulation:
With respect to the Columbia Wetlands complex which apply to the area from Fairmont Hot Springs in the south to Donald Station in the north, but not to Lake Windermere, a popular recreational destination that is bounded to the north and south by the wetlands. These provisions are the following:
1. A prohibition on the operation of power-driven vessels and vessels driven by electrical propulsion in the wetlands of the Columbia River.
2. A prohibition on towing persons on water skis, surfboards, or other similar equipment in the main channel of the Columbia River, at any time.
3. A prohibition on the operation of power-driven vessels (but not for vessels driven by electrical propulsion) in the main channel of the Columbia River from March 1 to July 15, of any year.
An exception is proposed for trappers holding a provincial licence who require access to the wetlands year round and to the main channel during the seasonal closure. An exception is also proposed for persons engaged in subsistence hunting and trapping. These persons operate small boats with small motors and their industry association is intensively aware of wildlife issues in the area.
Also, the seasonal closure of the main channel does not apply to electrically driven vessels. This exception is provided in order to facilitate small passenger operations that conduct float trips down the river, but which require a small electric motor to be able to manoeuvre safely in the river current.
