Scientists to BC Premier: Without planning, Northwest development rush will threaten wild salmon
(November 15, 2011 – Terrace, BC) 24 renowned scientists and conservation leaders have told BC Premier Christy Clark they are concerned that without planning, the development rush in Northwest BC could threaten the health of the region’s salmon watersheds.
“The impending construction of an industrial transmission line into west central British Columbia is the catalyst behind a spate of new proposals for mining and power generation, yet no process is currently in place to meaningfully assess cumulative impacts,” states the group’s November 15 letter to the Premier.
Among the signatories are SkeenaWild Conservation Trust executive director Greg Knox and Smithers-based ecologist Jim Pojar.
“If we are going to ensure the long-term viability of our wild salmon populations, the BC government must place greater emphasis on pre-development planning, assessing cumulative environmental impacts and monitoring ecosystem health,” said Knox.
“We respectfully ask for your support for a renewed focus on creating a well-structured and transparent ecosystem-based approach for assessing new development proposals in the British Columbia-Alaska transboundary watersheds,” states the letter.
Also among the signatories to the letter are aquatic biologist Dr. David Schindler and anthropologist Dr. Wade Davis.
For more information, contact:
Greg Knox: (250) 615-1990
Links:
Download the letter (PDF format)
Rivers Without Borders media release
Maps:
Map of current mining, energy and forestry development in Northwest BC
Map of current and proposed mining, energy and forestry development in Northwest BC
