I
am writing this letter in support of power craft restrictions on the Shuswap River, speaking out not only for those who won’t speak out due to complacency, intimidation or political affiliation, but for the life forms along the river who can’t speak for themselves. This debate has been going on for more than 20 years with little or no political movement to do anything until now.
We can continue to conduct costly information sessions and data collection, spinning our wheels to some unrealistic consensus or compromise, or we can do the right thing by standing up and speaking out for restrictions to what may be the last opportunity to protect what’s left of a rich and vibrant ecosystem on the Shuswap River drainage now and for future generations.
Several recent events have led to my speaking out at this time.
In early June, I and many other riverside residents witnessed five jet boats driving at high speed up river from Enderby, through the flooded wetlands and at several points racing three abreast.
The operator was unaware or uncaring that, at this time of year, the river is a nursery for not only salmon fry but a whole myriad of so called less important species of wildlife, all of whom have a symbiotic relationship in which egocentric power craft operators have no place but to cause havoc and destruction.
Although there are boating regulations in place, they seem to be unenforceable.
With the too few conservation officers and RCMP handcuffed to their steering wheels and computers, what would make me believe that speed limits or horsepower restrictions would be enforced and at what cost?
The only alternative to the ecologically challenged irresponsible recreational boating community, and a social responsibility of our politicians, is to move forward with power craft restrictions by referendum if necessary, on what’s left of one of the best salmon habitats and the life forms it supports in the world.
Unlike opponents to boating restrictions, my choice for restrictions is not about me and mine but about what I and many others believe to be a sacred trust, a place of grace and life along the rivers simple pleasures that are being shattered by a bunch of cowboys with Viking mind sets.
No offence intended to real cowboys or the Norse.
Neil Brookes
Rural Enderby