Public Invited to Comment on Draft Study Plan for Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed
Engaging Public Insight: The Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed Study Board Seeks Feedback
The International Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed Study Board is currently welcoming public comments on its draft Plan of Study, a vital initiative aimed at understanding the impacts of pollution in the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed. This public input phase is open until February 17, 2025.
Founded by the International Joint Commission (IJC), the Study Board comprises a diverse group of experts from Canada, the United States, and the Ktunaxa Nation. Their directive is clear: assess transboundary water pollution that affects this crucial ecosystem.
"This is an exceptional opportunity for the public to help guide the work on this study," stated Tom Bansak, Co-chair of the US Study Board. He emphasized the significance of collaboration among key stakeholders, environmental experts, and community members. This collaborative spirit is crucial, as the Study Board aims to foster a deeper understanding of how pollutants affect both the environment and the people living in the watershed region.
Since its launch in September 2024, the comprehensive study is set to conclude in September 2026. The IJC has tasked the Board with consolidating data and information-sharing efforts across borders to provide a holistic view of pollution challenges in the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed.
Co-chair Oliver Brandes from Canada also stressed the importance of public engagement, stating, "It is critical for the Study Board to listen to the public in the basin as we carry out our work." This public consultation will culminate in a summary of findings and recommendations that will be submitted to the IJC.
To facilitate participation, the Study Board will be hosting a virtual public meeting on February 11, 2025, from 6-8 PM MT (5-7 PM PT). During this meeting, attendees will receive an overview of the draft Plan of Study and have the opportunity to ask questions and provide their valued input. Interested individuals can register through the link provided by the Study Board.
In response to increasing concerns over pollution in shared waterways, the establishment of the Study Board emerged from numerous discussions involving U.S. and Canadian federal agencies, state and provincial governments, Indigenous groups, and other stakeholders.
The historical partnership between the governments of Canada and the U.S., alongside the Ktunaxa Nation, highlights a critical moment in transboundary relations, marking the pioneering inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in crafting environmental agreements with the IJC.
The Elk River, which begins in the breathtaking Canadian Rockies of British Columbia, flows into Lake Koocanusa—an important water body that straddles the border between Canada and the U.S. From there, the water journey continues downstream throughout Montana, Idaho, and back into British Columbia, ultimately joining the Columbia River.
As this timely public consultation progresses, it symbolizes not only the necessity for environmental stewardship but also the value of collective wisdom in addressing pollution's impact on both ecosystems and communities. The voices of community members and stakeholders will help shape the future of ecological research and conservation in the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed.
For more detailed information about the Plan of Study and how to participate in the public comment period, individuals are encouraged to visit the official website. Let's join together in making a substantial difference in our watershed and its vitality for future generations.