Agreement Achieved to Extinguish Mineral Tenures on Silverdaisy Mountain

Agreement Achieved to Extinguish Mineral Tenures on Silverdaisy Mountain

With today’s BC Government announcement that an agreement to extinguish mineral tenures within the ecologically sensitive Skagit Watershed on Silverdaisy Mountain, a momentous and historic step forward in the stewardship of the Upper Skagit watershed has been achieved.

Since the High Ross Treaty between Canada and the United States was signed in 1984, the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission and many governments and non-governmental organizations and individuals in both Washington State and British Columbia, have been working diligently to safeguard the natural beauty and integrity of the Skagit Watershed and its vital ecosystem.

The protection of the Skagit Watershed is paramount as this area provides a critical corridor for a great number of species at risk, including Chinook salmon, which are vital to the survival of the endangered Puget Sound Southern Resident Orcas.

The collaboration and support of the governments of British Columbia, Washington State, City of Seattle, including Seattle City Light, Nlaka’pamux, Stó:lō, Syilx, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, the Swinomish Tribal Community, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, Non-Government Organizations, and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, has made achieving this milestone possible.  Together, we can collectively shape the future in the continued protection of this vital ecosystem.”

SEEC views this is an example of international cooperation that sets a strong precedent for the US and Canada to collaborate for the protection of precious transboundary ecosystems.

CONTACT:
Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission (SEEC)
Website Link: https://skagiteec.org
SEEC Canada Chair, Thomas Curley, (604) 763-1245, [email protected]
SEEC USA Chair, Leo Bodensteiner, (360) 715-9143, [email protected]