Improved river management could help economy and environment - Entrepreneur Generations

"The Columbia River and its tributaries could generate an additional $1.5 billion a year in economic activity if U. S. and Canadian agencies change the way they manage the numerous dams and reservoirs in the Pacific Northwest, a new study shows," Bryce Oates reports for The Daily Yonder.

The study, conducted by Earth Economics, advocates releasing more water from the Columbia River and its tributaries during the spring and summer to make the water flow more closely mimic how rivers usually flow in nature. The change would reduce the amount of hydro-generated electricity, causing a $69 million drop in power revenue. But the change would increase fish populations, expand wetlands, make for cleaner water, and increase the size and health of forests, the study says. That would cause a boost to the region from increased outdoor recreational activities, commercial fishing, and improved economies for Native American tribes in the area, which would make up for the drop in power revenue.

 The study was commissioned by a group of Native American tribes that want to change how the Columbia River is managed as they prepare to renegotiate the Columbia River Treaty. The treaty is due for an update in 2024.




from The Rural Blog http://ift.tt/2y2Hn4V Improved river management could help economy and environment - Entrepreneur Generations

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