Author: Graeme Lee Rowlands

Columbia River Treaty leaders urge patience and resolve

March 26, 2025 by Graeme Lee Rowlands

This Tuesday, Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions and Minister responsible for the Columbia River Treaty, hosted a virtual information session on the status of the Columbia River Treaty after the U.S.

From the redwoods to the Columbia: The lessons of a lifetime

October 9, 2024 by Graeme Lee Rowlands

I was a lousy student for most of my schooling: I procrastinated on homework, failed courses and was generally unmotivated to learn. That all changed after a field trip to California’s redwoods during spring break of Grade 11.

Support the salmon: Indigenous Nations call for long-term support to revive river’s lost legacy

August 19, 2024 by Graeme Lee Rowlands

We’re living in a once-in-a-generation moment here in the Columbia River Basin. After 60 years, Canada and the U.S. are redesigning the way we share this international watershed through a new Columbia River Treaty (click…

Historic turning point for Columbia River, but what’s next?

August 19, 2024 by Graeme Lee Rowlands

The BC government is requesting written feedback on the AIP; the deadline is November 15th. We would encourage you to read this article then share your feedback! We’re living in a once-in-a-generation moment here in the…

Indigenous leadership, salmon, and the benefits to us all

June 27, 2024 by Graeme Lee Rowlands

Last Friday marked National Indigenous People's Day, a part of Canada’s National Indigenous History Month. In the Columbia River Basin, salmon are a big part of the history of Indigenous peoples. Thanks to the leadership of Indigenous Nations…

In a time of drought, a modernized Columbia River Treaty offers hope

April 23, 2024 by Graeme Lee Rowlands

It’s official: B.C’s annual April snow survey confirms this winter is leaving our province with its lowest snowpack on record at just 63% of normal. Last year’s snowpack was significantly higher at 88%, but even that…

Students join community leaders on Columbia River

September 26, 2023 by Graeme Lee Rowlands

In early September, community leaders and young people came together in Burton on the banks of the West Kootenay’s Arrow Lakes Reservoir for a long weekend of intergenerational knowledge sharing and learning about the Columbia River and its management.

Bringing the salmon home: Tribes in U.S. secure $200m for Columbia River salmon

September 26, 2023 by Graeme Lee Rowlands

The U.S. Government has pledged $200 million over 20 years to support a tribe-led reintroduction of salmon to the Upper Columbia River Basin. As Wildsight’s Director of Water and Climate, Graeme Lee Rowlands, writes, the U.S. announcement could be the start of an exciting new chapter for Canada.

Field School returns with a flourish

August 2, 2022 by Graeme Lee Rowlands

“This experience has become one of the building blocks of my future life, in relation to both my career path and my personal endeavours.” - Faye Petersen, 18, Argenta/Kaslo After two long years away from the water due to the…

What if teenagers renegotiate the Columbia River Treaty?

July 29, 2022 by Graeme Lee Rowlands

Applications close May 22 for this year's Columbia River Field School: learn more. ----- You may have heard about the Columbia River Treaty in the news once, or perhaps many times, over the last decade.