The cost of lake restoration

Our environment provides, for free, the basic elements required for life – drinkable water, eatable food and breathable air. If we disrupt these basic elements, we face an enormous cost. In 1997, Ecological economist Dr. Robert Costanza attempted to answer the question: What is our environment worth in dollars? The answer was published in the journal Nature. Costanza estimated that the biosphere provides $33 trillion worth of services on an annual basis, an amount greater than the annual gross national products (GNP) of all the world’s economies combined. [Read more]

Feds to consult public on local think tank's boating plan

The Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners (CWSP) have been busy with many organizational tasks since the creation of the group in 2007. At the request of the Ministry of Environment, representatives from many local, diverse interest groups were asked if they felt it would be helpful to meet with one another from time to time to come up with recommendations regarding ways to use and enjoy the Columbia river in a manner that would preserve it in its current state for their children and grandchildren. While not all invited groups agreed to participate, the majority did. Even those who did not choose to participate were consulted on a one to one basis to get their input. From time to time new groups have sent representatives to present their views and join in the process.

Of course one of the issues put forth to this gathering of representatives was the motorized boating issue on the river and wetlands. Studies have been done by scientists, discussions held, opposing views presented and many compromises made by all of the participants. To the credit of all participants, these meetings were always carried on in an orderly, respectful manner. [Read more]