2007 news releases

Historic Solution for the Ash River

Alberni Valley Times
Tue 06 Nov 2007
Page: 5
Section: Opinion
Byline: Shayne Morrow
Column: Reporter
Source: Alberni Valley Times

On the face of it, what's not to like?

A broad-based coalition of interest groups is now studying the cost of restoring salmon passage into the Upper Ash River system. Since the 1950s, the Elsie Dam has blocked salmon from entering the upper reaches of the watershed, which stretches all the way back to Comox Lake.

Now, with funding from BC Hydro, the scientists have weighed in: the fish were there before the dam, they can be brought back, it's going to cost money.

You only have to look at the composition of this group to realize there's been a sea change in this community. The initiative has been spearheaded by Hupacasath First Nation (HFN), who claim there has been a long-standing infringement of their traditional territory. They're currently in litigation with BC Hydro, calling on the utility to pay the cost of restoring the river system to allow the return of chinook, coho and sockeye salmon.

So when you see the Alberni Valley Enhancement Association, as well as Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the BC Conservation Foundation and the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, all on the same page with HFN, you have to give your head a little shake. Could this have happened even 10 years ago?

It's one more indication that our First Nations have become bigger and bigger players in our community and in our economy. When aboriginal people win a greater share of resources, through treaty or through the many short-term agreements which precede treaty, it's usually a win for our whole community.

The Stamp River system is already BC's fourth-largest salmon producer, largely as a result of Robertson Creek hatchery. What benefit does HFN derive from somewhat greater production of wild salmon? A few more fish in the nets, come September, and a few more dollars?

What's the benefit for the greater community? Nothing less than the chance to turn back the clock five decades, environmentally speaking. You may never eat one of those new salmon, but "putting fish over gravel" increases the chance for survival for all species.

This isn't to blame BC Hydro, which for decades built dams across BC, to provide us with cheap, readily available power. There was plenty of damage to salmon populations -- no question. Here in the 21st Century, the utility would like to build more hydro projects -- a little more eco-friendly, this time. To help ease the way, they're now addressing some of those historic boo-boos, through the Bridge Coastal Restoration Program, which spends $2 or $3 million every year, on various projects, like the Ash River initiative.

So when one of our First Nations decides to venture some of its political and financial capital to bring about a win-win for the greater community, it's easy to see why so many supporters have come on board -- even if it is, at root, an aboriginal rights issue. Here's a guess: this one won't even make it to court