THE SALMON RIVER DELTA
WA:TER's context involves years of large scale commercial development pressure, political and financial constraints, conflicted community priorities, and most significantly, misinformation and confusion regarding science, cultural significance and regulatory responsibility pertaining to the Salmon River delta.Specifically, a developer's qualified environmental professional erroneously reported to the Ministry of Environment that their subject property on the delta did not flood, and thus had no value as fish habitat. Because existing regulations pertain to fish habitat only, this was the initial focus of WA:TER and others. The value of the Salmon River delta to our own and future generations, however, is much broader, and profound.
For a tour of the Salmon River delta and development issues visit Google Earth
and the linked June 2010 WA:TER video.
[ Some approvals have since been obtained from the City of Salmon Arm and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. ]
Delta
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Delta
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"I used to go down there and the trees were everywhere. Now there are only a few patches. If there is one thing I want to do, it is to save what is left. ... If enough people get together as "people" we can go far together. THAT is the message I give."
Mary Thomas, Neskonlith Indian Band. |
 [ click photo for video link ] |
The River Delta & Flood Dynamics
Movement of water through the river delta is a complex balance of give and take. Alter the balance and you alter flood risk and consequences. Many jurisdictions recognize their past mistakes and now manage river and floodplain development differently. Others mitigate damage as best they are able by attempting to rehabilitate normal river and floodplain function. Visit Delta Science & Regulation (opposite) and our FLOOD PAGE for an in-depth discussion.
Should Walkerville get rid of the swamp by the river and replace it with a fantastic new shopping mall or should they build elsewhere? The kids learn the swamp is an important habitat and natural water filter, but council's not convinced until a flood occurs. |
THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS GETS SWAMPED!  This October 11, 1997 episode can still be purchased from several Google search sites, but is no longer available for online viewing. |