I’m just throwing out where I’m at with planning and other “stuff”…..

There is interest in an East Coast team so I’m wanting to know who is serious about wanting to go…they are holding their team trials next month…

My communication with Dustin Barker on the East Coast is about to enter into allocation..at this time only 2 “spots” are firm: Val Bertrand (current World Champion) and Will Brice (current Team Canada captian)

At this time, the only category I think we’ll have overflow for is Open Men’s short boat - there are only 4 seats, one is taken and the East coast has asked for one of those spots + an alternate. (only fair, as far as I’m concerned!)

If we do have a National Team this time around we’ll need to send a judge, as well…something else to think about.

Anyways, if you’ve got interest or questions, throw me line so I keep your name in mind…I’ll get an email list organized for those who want to keep up to date with my most current info.

Christine Brice
(Current Team Canada den mother…by default)
s-kayak (at) island.net

Okisollo Wave and Surge Narrows, both on the north shore of Quadra Island, have been applied for as places to site tidal power generators. This means harnessing the energy that creates the waves, and building industrial infrastructure to collect and transport the power. This conflicts with existing public use, and Okisollo and Surge Narrows are also part of an already-strong local economy, based on wild natural features of the land and ocean.  Application # 1413161 is on the boundary of the Surge Narrows Marine Park, recently designated to protect the area’s high concentration of marine life. There are no major studies about power turbines and aquatic environments, but we can assume impacts would be significant, including loss of tidal current (food supply), disturbance to fish nurseries and other marine life, toxic antifouling agents, mechanical/industrial disruptions, electromagnetic fields, transmission lines including loss of trees and forestland, danger to migratory birds flyway… to name a few. This is too much risk to a marine park!  Buildings, noise and powerlines associated with a tidal power facility would also mar the natural beauty of the remote Quadra shoreline and impact Quadra’s newest (and very popular) Surge Narrows Trail.   Surge Narrows is also a well-used kayaking path and play area. Summer 2008 saw more than 1500 people kayaking in Surge Narrows, Okisollo and Octopus Islands. As a navigation channel used by large number of boaters, it is one of few access routes to the very popular Octopus Islands Marine Park. Any industrial obstruction would present a hazard to navigation and significant danger to paddlers.  Okisollo Channel generates major economic benefits for our community. This is a valuable tourism destination used by dozens of local companies. Some island businesses depend on the Okisollo and Surge Narrows tidal rapids; and BC colleges, universities, and private schools use these rapids for outdoor leadership and kayak skills training. The area has received highest praise from from two world-freestyle champions and many professional paddlers, and gained international recognition and a large audience of kayakers thanks to magazine articles and DVD’s featuring the area’s natural beauty and dramatic tidal features – especially the amazing Okisollo Wave at Cooper Point [application # 1413121 Okisollo.] This is a unique place, like nowhere else in the world! If applications are approved it may be difficult to stop industrial development in the Okisollo Channel. If you believe this area should remain wild, please voice your opinion now!  

Email: simone.engels@gov.bc.ca     Simone Engels, Land Officer,                                                                                                     Integrated Land Management Bureau
                                                                142-2080 Labieux Road
                                                                Nanaimo, BC                                                    
                                                                V9T 6J9

cc to: claire.trevena.mla@leg.bc.ca  Claire Trevena, MLA
            abramfam@oberon.ark.com   Jim Abram, Strathcona Regional District 
            okispac@gmail.com                  Okisollo Planning Advisory Committee 

optional bcc (or for more info): coastmtn@island.net Coast Mountain Expeditions
                                                             
kayaking pictures: http://www.coastmountainexpeditions.com/?q=node/98 Details: Application # 1413161 (Surge Narrows)   http://www.arfd.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/viewpost.jsp?PostID=9798· 
Application #1413121 (Okisollo)   http://www.arfd.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/viewpost.jsp?PostID=9464 The Applicant:  Orca Power is a new BC company, recently purchased by by Creation Casinos, Ltd., a company with casino operations in Lithuania; no previous power project.  http://www.creationcasinos.com/news.html 

Ron McClintock lost a 190 cm Carbon AquaBound Shred at River Wide on the Sunday of the Puntledge Festival.  It has red Plasti Dip painted onto the shaft which is peeling.  It has his name and number on the blades, but the felt pen is difficult to see on the black blades.  Just hoping someone may have found it?  Ron can be reached at ronmc@uniserve.com or (250)746-1896.

A map and information about the Maple Pool Campsite can be found at http://www.maplepoolcampsite.com 

Come out and join us for a great weekend!