Columbia Basin Trust Youth Water Forum 2009
By Contributor
Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) invites Basin youth ages 15-29 to sign up now for CURRENTS: Columbia Basin Trust Youth Water Forum 2009, being held in Golden, September 25-27 at the Kicking Horse River Lodge.
“CBT is excited to host a forum for youth focusing on water issues in the Columbia Basin,” said Heather Mitchell, CBT Program Manager, Water Initiatives. “Basin youth are the future leaders in our communities and will be instrumental in future water-related decisions. We want youth to come, get inspired and get involved in water stewardship to improve and
protect water in the Basin for many years to come.”
As an experiential field-based weekend, participants will take to the river and learn about water quality, water conservation, and aquatic wildlife habitats, and will have the opportunity to start a project on one of these topics in their community. Participants will also have a
chance to learn interactively about the Columbia River Treaty, an international agreement that is at the heart of CBT’s creation and one that impacts the entire Columbia Basin.
“We know youth are ready to connect with us on significant issues, and that they have the ability to impact decisions in their communities. That’s why it’s important for us to work with and engage young people in local water issues,” said Mitchell. “It’s the youth of today that will be our voice on major issues like the potential renegotiation or termination of the Columbia River Treaty in 2014. This forum is an opportunity for youth to become informed champions for water issues in the Basin through fun, interactive sessions.”
Participants will also partake in a canoeing adventure with North Woods Canoe where everyone will learn about Columbia River history, geology and wildlife of the area. Canoes are wheelchair accessible. Approximately 40 youth aged 15-29 will be accepted to participate in the forum, which includes lodging, meals and all activities free of charge.
Register online until September 14 at www.cbt.org/currents <http://www.cbt.org/currents>.
For more information on the CURRENTS Youth Water Forum, contact Heather Mitchell, Program Manager, Water Initiatives at 1.800.505.8998 or hmitchell@cbt.org.
CBT delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org <http://www.cbt.org/> or call 1-800-505-8998.
