Windy Craggy comes under attack in U.S.

A river conservation organization in the U.S., American Rivers, says the Tatshenshini-Alsek river system in northwestern British Columbia (and near Alaska), in the area of the Windy Craggy copper mining project, is the second most endangered river system in North America.

Windy Craggy is being developed by Geddes Resources (TSE), whose major shareholders are Northgate Exploration (TSE) and Cominco (TSE). A joint resolution is being introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate calling for the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, in co-operation with the U.S. Secretary of State, to enter into agreements with Canada to protect the Tatshenshini and Alsek rivers.

Congressman Wayne Owens of Utah and Senator Al Gore of Tennessee are sponsoring the resolution that seeks to open talks over the fate of the rivers.

The joint resolution asks the secretary of the interior to join with Ottawa “to obtain World Heritage Site status and protection for the entire Alsek and Tatshenshini river watershed.”

The World Wildlife Fund Canada says it has joined with other member organizations of Tatshenshini International in repeating a call for the immediate protection of the Tatshenshini-Alsek river system. American Rivers says the Great Whale River in northern Quebec, where the James Bay II hydro-electric project is planned, is the most endangered river system on the continent.

The U.S. resolution refers to possible devastation to fisheries and wildlife values in the area.

Northgate writes in its latest annual report that it wants to sell its non-core assets, including its 39.2% stake in Windy Craggy which is currently undergoing environmental reviews.