Watershed study asks for public input
By Contributor
What do you need to tell the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) about the Kettle River Watershed?
That’s the focus of a new survey to understand the needs, values and issues that residents and stakeholders have concerning the health of the Kettle River and the lakes, streams, and aquifers that feed it.
According to Mark Andison, Director of Planning & Development for the Regional District, this survey is an important part of developing the Kettle River Watershed Management Plan.
“With the survey going out to all watershed residents in the Boundary, the Regional District has the opportunity to learn more about the high priority issues that we need to address in the plan,” said Andison.
The survey is part of the effort to have a broad level of public involvement, which so far has included numerous public events and meetings.
“This whole process of involving the public, step by step, is so important to the overall project,” says Grace McGregor, chair of the stakeholder advisory committee.” All of our communities need to be part of this journey by providing comments, staying informed and being engaged – it is through this process that we will end up with a plan we all support.”
In early October the survey will be mailed to all residents and non-resident landowners in the Regional District in Areas ‘C’, ‘D’, and ‘E’ as well as Grand Forks, Greenwood and Midway. Anybody with an interest in the Kettle River Watershed may also fill out the survey on-line at http://kettleriver.ca/2012/09/issues-survey . The RDKB asks that the survey be completed and submitted by Nov. 16.
“People have already been telling us how important the Kettle River and its tributaries are to their quality of life and communities,” says Graham Watt, Project Coordinator for the Watershed Management Plan. “I’m really impressed with the residents’ level of knowledge and engagement – the health of the river really seems to matter to people here.”
The public is also invited to a Special Meeting called “Rethinking Our Waterways” to explore watershed management challenges and opportunities (in Rock Creek on Friday, Oct. 12 from 9:30-3:00). Contact Graham Watt ( plan@kettleriver.ca or 250-442-2708) to RSVP. More information will be available throughout the planning process at http://kettleriver.ca and at the Grand Forks RDKB office (2140 Central Ave).
