A conversation group which has labeled the North Fork of the Flathead as one of the most "endangered" rivers in the country is confident that the river will be protected, despite its remote location.
American Rivers placed the North Fork of the Flathead River at number five on this year's "endangered rivers" list, saying the potential for coal mining on the Canadian side of the border threatens the entire watershed.
The group fears open pit, and coal bed methane projects could destroy millions of acres of un-designated wilderness and wildness habitat.
While leaders in British Columbia haven't approved Flathead mining yet, American Rivers worries it could happen "at any time". The conservation groups remain hopeful the U.S. State Department will get involved in developing a diplomatic solution.
But, with the Flathead flowing through one of the most remote corners in BC, a valley where only a few hundred people might venture in a year, the question remains as to whether or not it's possible to generate the political interest for protection of the waterway.
"Well I suppose out of sight, out of mind but. This river when it comes into the United States, is the western boundary of Glacier National Park. It is...a part of the Waterton-Glacier World Peace Park" said American Rivers President Rebecca Wodder. "So, there are hundreds of millions of dollars at stake for recreation and tourism, a lot of people who visit this area because it is so beautiful and so wild. So...it's not perhaps not as easy to drum up public attention as a problem that might be in the middle of a downtown area. But on the other hand, that's why it's important, because it's one of the last wild places."
The conservationists are banking on one other wildcard; that international attention over the Vancouver Olympics next year might shine the spotlight on what the province is or is not doing to protect the Flathead River.
To view the full report on endangered waterways, click here.
- Dennis Bragg reporting from KPAX in Missoula
(from April 7, 2009)
Several conservation groups are applauding the placement of the North Fork of the Flathead River on the American Rivers endangered list.
Flathead Lake biologist Ric Hauer says it makes sense that the North Fork of the Flathead River is on the American Rivers endangered list.
"(I have a) mixed reaction, (I) think that's its good they've been recognized by American Rivers, and American Rivers has of course known about the Flathead for a long time. (But) the bad thing is that we're on the list at all because what that signifies is that the river is in real danger."
Glacier Program Manager Will Hammerquist says the placement of the river should get the attention of decision makers.
"Having the North Fork on the 10 most endangered list really does create an opportunity for individuals in Montana and elected officials from Montana to engage public officials in Washington DC, in the State Department, in the Department of Interior, and really have push for a long term solution that will allow Glacier Park and Flathead River to remain intact."
This marks the third year in a row that the Flathead has been at the top of the list of endangered rivers list that's put out for British Columbia.
"This isn't an issue that the provincial government or the federal government is going to be able to ignore, or answer easily anymore" explained Fernie, BC resident Casey Brennan with the Flathead Coalition. "And we're going to continue to do our work and continue to make people aware of this great opportunity that we have to expand the world's first peace park and protect one of the most pristine rivers in the world."
To view the full report on endangered waterways, click here.
The country's most endangered waterways are the two longest rivers in California according to the national conservation group American Rivers.
The group is set to release their 2009 "America's Most Endangered Rivers" list on Tuesday and members say outdated water management and poor flood planning plague the Sacramento and the San Joaquin rivers.
Closer to home, the North Fork of the Flathead River checks in at number five on the list. The group cites proposals for an open-pit coal mine and a coal-bed methane project just over the border in Canada as the main reasons behind the listing.
The Flathead River's North Fork forms the western boundary of Glacier National Park and flows into Montana's Flathead Lake.
Rounding out the top five most endangered waterways were Georgia's Flint River, the Lower Snake River in Idaho, Washington and Oregon, and Mattawoman Creek in Maryland.
To view the full report on endangered waterways, click here.
(from March 26, 2009)
The Flathead River tops the list of the British Columbia's most endangered rivers.
The Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia says that the Flathead River took the list's top spot because of concerns about a proposed open pit coal mine.
The mine would operate near the river and the council says it could face pollutants and other dangers due to industrialization of the area.
The Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia's Mark Angelo says that the Flathead River and surrounding valley have amazing wildlife values, including the highest density of inland grizzly bears anywhere in North America, and it's crucial to protect the area.
"It's a very special place, but it also faces some very real threats, the most prominent being the Cline open pit coal mine proposal. That's a proposal that a lot of people are concerned about. I think that most British Columbians believe that if it were to go ahead, there would be significant adverse affects on both water quality and wildlife values."
This is the 17th year that the group has put out their Endangered Rivers list and the Flathead River was named the second most endangered river last year.
