Keep the Sacred Headwaters Sacred

Only a few months remain on a moratorium that currently prevents Shell from transforming a wilderness in northwestern British Columbia into barren land of gas wells and roads. The Sacred Headwaters is the source of three of North America's most productive salmon-bearing rivers, and critical habitat for moose, bears, and caribou. The landscape supports thriving salmon and wildlife populations, and local cultures and economies. Broad community opposition convinced BC's government to place a moratorium on Shell's plans. But the moratorium expires on December 18, 2012, a few months from now.

By signing your name to this letter, you are joining others in telling BC's government to protect the Sacred Headwaters for good. The letter and collective signatures will be delivered to Premier Clark and the Honourable Rich Coleman.

Young caribou in the Sacred Headwaters

Dear Premier Clark,
Cc: Honourable Rich Coleman

Only a few months remain on the moratorium that the BC government placed on Shell’s drilling in the Sacred Headwaters. The moratorium, initially put in place in 2008, was an important first step towards protecting the Sacred Headwaters. I am writing to ask you to protect the Sacred Headwaters permanently.

Fracking for coalbed methane does not create long-term employment for local residents. Coalbed methane could forever transform the wild salmon ecosystems upon which jobs, cultures, and traditions have been built in the region. The Skeena River's wild salmon economy - valued at $110 million annually - is an important source of livelihood for the local communities.

Every downstream community and First Nation passed resolutions opposing Shell’s plans to drill for coalbed methane in this region because of the risks this type of development poses. Just last summer, over 60,000 people from around the world have signed postcards urging Shell to leave.

Opposition will remain strong.

With mere months left before the moratorium expires, British Columbians are looking to you for leadership. The vast wilderness from which three of British Columbia’s most important wild salmon rivers flow – the Skeena, Nass, and Stikine – is no place for a gas field.

I urge you to keep the Sacred Headwaters sacred, and ban coalbed methane from the Sacred Headwaters permanently.

Sincerely,

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