Editorial, Cowichan Valley Citizen, June 5 2013
A contentious issue for years, movement has finally been made in an attempt to better manage water flow into the Cowichan River.
The province's deputy comptroller of water rights has decided to allow for water to be stored in the lake until July 31 – almost a month longer than the previous July 9 date.
Those extra three weeks could really mean life or death for fish stocks and the difference between a wet or dry river come late summer and into the wall.
While we're thrilled with the advancement, it can't stop there.
The statistics show that over the last two decades water flows have been getting progressively worse. The comptroller's change to the weir rule curve implementation date should really only be seen as a short-term solution until a more long-term plan can be established.
The climate change juggernaut will no doubt continue and it's up to us to match its pace to ensure a lasting solution to the water flow issue can be found.
There is too much riding on it to sit back and be content with this latest movement.
While it's worthy of celebration that the powers that be listened while our communities pleaded to be heard – now is not the time to be silent.
We've got their attention. And, as much labour as has already been put in by so many different individuals and groups, even more will be required to ensure it all works out in the end.
So, let's see the province's decision as a solid first step, and then let's get back to work on plotting out the next few miles because this road is a long one and our preparation now could mean the difference between life and death later.
Citizen File / The Cowichan Lake weir controls the amount of water able to pass from the lake into the Cowichan River.;
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