Let’s drain the Duncan Dam, or maybe the Libby, or perhaps bring the salmon back. The year is 2014, and this is the year we must give notice to the Americans if we wish to change the Columbia River Treaty in 2024.
The Columbia River Treaty was negotiated by men who are dead and gone. During the intervening 60 years, the world has changed, but the treaty has not. Most residents know nothing about the treaty, and the information we get comes from government and corporations.
We need a new source of information. We need the Columbia River International Fresh Water Institute.
This institution, funded by one per cent of all money generated by the Columbia River and its tributaries, will give us a clearer vision of how we should deal with our water.
Support a renegotiated Columbia River Treaty and the one per cent proposal where one per cent of all money generated by the Columbia River is set aside for the study of water.
It is in our own best interest to pay more attention to our water. The Columbia River International Fresh Water Institute would accomplish this and guide us to make the right choices in changes to the Columbia River Treaty in 2024.
Dick Murphy
Nelson