Saturday, March 15, 2025
The International Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed Study Board (Study Board) is inviting public comment on its draft Plan of Study until February 17, 2025. The finalized plan will outline the work proposed by the Study Board over the next 19 months.
This independent body comprised of experts and knowledge holders from Canada, the United States and the Ktunaxa Nation was established by the International Joint Commission (IJC) to explore the impacts of transboundary water pollution in the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed.
“This is an exceptional opportunity for the public to help guide the work on this study,” says US Study Board Co-chair, Tom Bansak. “We are grateful for the chance to work together, engage all interested parties and involve knowledgeable experts with the unified goal of understanding the impacts of pollution in the watershed.”
The study was launched in September 2024 and will conclude in September 2026.
The Study Board has been directed by the IJC to convene experts and knowledge holders to conduct transparent and coordinated transboundary data and knowledge sharing in order to develop a common understanding of pollution with the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed and the impacts of that pollution on people and species.
“At the end of this two-year process, the Study Board, with input from the public, will be delivering findings and recommendations to the International Joint Commission” adds Canadian Study Board Co-chair Oliver Brandes. “It is critical for the Study Board to listen to the public in the basin as we carry out our work.”
The Study Board is inviting public comment before delivering the final Plan of Study to the IJC in late February. Visit the website for more information on how to participate.
The Study Board will hold a virtual public meeting on February 11, 2025, to provide an overview of the Plan of Study and an opportunity for participants to ask questions and provide input. See details below:
Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 6-8PM MT, 5-7PM PT
Registration link: https://events.teams.
The Study Board will review comments received by 5pm PST Monday, February 17, 2025.
