Young leaders from around the Columbia Basin are invited to
participate in an important conversation at the Columbia River Treaty
Young Leaders Conference. Hosted by Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), the
conference takes place March 16 to 17 in Rossland. The event is FREE to
attend.
The goal of the conference is to help young people better understand
what the Columbia River Treaty (CRT) is, how it works and what
considerations exist for the future.
"This is a unique opportunity for young people to get involved and
increase their knowledge on this important issue that may affect their
future," said Kindy Gosal, CBT Director, Water and Environment. "We
encourage young people to learn more and participate in this discussion
about a locally-relevant international water management agreement."
The CRT is an international agreement between Canada and the United
States to coordinate flood control and optimize hydroelectric power
generation on both sides of the border. Under the 1964 treaty, three
dams were constructed in Canada, including Mica, Duncan and Hugh
Keenleyside. A fourth dam, Libby, was constructed in Montana. Its
reservoir, the Koocanusa, extends 67 kilometres into Canada.
The CRT has no official expiry date, but has a minimum length of 60
years, which is met in September 2024. Either Canada or the U.S. can
terminate many of the provisions of the agreement effective any time
after September 2024, provided written notice is filed at least 10 years
in advance (2014). While no decision has been made by either Canada or
the U.S. on the future of the current treaty, given the importance of
the issues, and the approaching date of 2014, both countries are now
conducting studies and exploring future options.
Over a thousand Basin residents have already attended CBT-hosted
information sessions about the CRT in communities around the Basin. The
CRT Young Leaders Conference is one more way CBT is helping ensure Basin
residents are informed about the CRT.
For more information, or to apply to attend the conference, visit
www.cbt.org/crtyoungleadersconference. Deadline to apply is Wednesday,
February 29.
To learn more about the Columbia River Treaty, visit www.cbt.org/crt.