OXBOW RESTORATION REQUIRES ACTION AND PATIENCE
OSOYOOS TIMES-December 19, 2007
During its annual general meeting on Dec. 13 at the Sonora Centre, a loud, poignant question was put to the executive members of the Osoyoos Oxbow Restoration Society.
Why all the studies?
The question came from a member of the public who wanted to know why no action has been taken to alter the path of the Okanagan River from a straight channel back to its natural, meandering course, even though many agree this could improve the health of Osoyoos Lake.
The answer from Society President Eike Scheffler was direct.
If we don't do it right, we'll do the same damage as those who altered the river in the past.
Even though the society has been around since July 2004, even though they have funding from private and public sources and even though a number of studies and tests have been carried out which show restoring the oxbows could reduce the amount of sediments and toxins pouring into our lake, little change has come.
The community member who asked the question was justified in her challenge to the society. People want to see action. People often think that studies suck up the money that could be used to start fixing problems.
But restoring the natural oxbows and attempting to save a dying lake is a tall order and there's much to consider before any dykes are built or earth is moved.
As mentioned at the meeting, many people own land in areas where the oxbows could potentially be altered.
There are numerous zoning processes and regulations to be considered.
And, perhaps most importantly, much of the public hasn't been convinced that the oxbow restoration plan will work.
Half the population still thinks we're crazy, Scheffler told the meeting.
Water is the lifeblood of any community and making sure people have access to clean and healthy water should be one of the top considerations of any government, whether RDOS, Osoyoos Town Council or the Campbell Liberals.
Many communities on both sides of the border are working to clean up their waterways, harbours and lakes before they're devoid of oxygen and life.
In many cases, such as San Francisco Bay or Halifax Harbour, it takes years before any visible action is undertaken.
Waiting for all the samples and tests and data to come back is a frustrating venture, but there's a great deal at stake.
Let's give the people trying to ensure that this community and the tourists it attracts have a future with Osoyoos Lake the benefit of the doubt and show a little patience.
It may just be worth it.
