Slocan Watershed Archive Year in Review 1999

1999

Moonbow Joyski and Stephan Martineau elected as Co-chairs of SVWA
Subcommittee presents FLOW conference proposal for SVWA directors’ consideration
Draft report on Risk Assessment presented by Scientific Panel at Perry Ridge LRUP--very frightening document which shows disregard for human life and greatly underestimates potential hazards
Susie Hammond gives workshop on ecosystem-based planning for Red Mountain Residents Association members
Richard Allin, along with Craig Pettitt and Greg Utzig, critiques Arrow Forest District Timber Supply Review
John Herrmann attends Ancient Forest Conference at UBC and Friends of Slocan distribute information and posters of the Slocan Valley

Moonbow, Richard & Daphne attend Water Chlorination Conference; focus is on Erickson water users who are facing chlorination order
SVWA decides to go on the internet and develop web page at Steve Lones’ site www.watertalk.org
RDCK holds public meeting with panel, including Al Isaacson & Frank Baumann, critiquing Peter Jordan & Dwain Boyer’s report on Risk Assessment for Perry Ridge
Auditor General’s report “Protecting Drinking Water Sources” released and recommends one government agency should be assigned role of “voice of water”
Red Mountain Residents Association’s application for community watershed status rejected by Ministry of Environment.
Weir put in at Nixon Creek, making it now 12 creeks in water monitoring program

FRBC makes decision that funding for water monitoring program will be funneled through Slocan Forest Products. This is unacceptable to SVWA, thus, decision is made that SVWA will no longer sponsor program. Winlaw Watershed agrees to sponsor it.
Water monitoring station established at Little Joe, near Bonanza Creek
Al Isaacson field reviews Trozzo Creek area
Logging of blowdown at Perry Ridge canceled due to deterioration of wood and actions of water users
Stephan Martineau hired as Coordinator for FLOW conference
Cutting Permit 163, Dennis Creek, approved near Goat Mtn

· LRUP table opens door to more salvage logging for forest health issues
Climax Creek road upgrade started
FLOW conference held; 3 days of workshops and presentations. Huge success with over 300 people attending and over $5,000 raised for SVWA
Susie Hammond presents overlays of old growth and logged areas since 1995 to directors. New mapping shows that government’s Protected Landscape status has not protected biodiversity in the Valley
Water users protest at Trozzo Creek and prevent SFP from proceeding with road upgrade. Concerns raised over lack of studies before permit was approved and democratic process in the decision making process

EACT water users field review Trozzo road area with SFP and meet with Arrow MoF seeking solution to present confrontation
PRWUA in court arguing that 1998 protest was on private, not Crown land, thus government’s case should be thrown out of court; no decision given
Craig Pettitt, Forest Watch, gives workshop to 15 water users on how to monitor road building in watersheds

Several directors attend Forest Policy Review ‘stakeholders’ meeting in Creston
Richard Allin gives presentation at public Forest Policy Review meeting in Nelson
Richard Allin & John Herrmann attend BCEN conference
Several directors met with Marilyn James, Sinixt representative
SFP states they will be holding off on any further road work at Trozzo until spring
Peaceful protest in response to the start of logging and road building in the Hasty/Vevy watershed
Road Permit signed for Elliot Anderson
PRWUA members protest at the Assoc of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC annual conference in Victoria regarding Perry Ridge Risk Assessment