Photo: shuswappassion.ca

A consultant hired to move forward talks about the future of boating on the Shuswap River has made some progress.

Interested parties, including hunting and fishing groups, environmentalists, sports recreation representatives, residents and business owners, have agreed to the terms of reference for the negotiations in a series of meetings.

Alex Grzybowski of Pacific Resolutions held two days of talks last week with stakeholders from the upper and lower portions of the Shuswap.

The consultant was hired by the North Okanagan Regional District after an outcry over proposed boating regulations on the river.

“Two advisory committees are established by the terms of reference: one for the Shuswap river above Mabel Lake to the headwaters, and the other for the sections of the river between Mabel Lake and Mara Lake,” said information released Monday. “Members of the public can participate in the process by joining a constituency that is represented in the process or by providing feedback to the Advisory Committees through feedback mechanisms the committees are committed to implementing.”

All those involved have volunteered.

They include:

Upper River Advisory Committee

• Huguette Allen, pro-river conservation and stewardship
• Peter Aussem/Dwayne Hackett, Lumby Wildlife Association & BC Wildlife Federation
• Terri Deuling, pro-river local residents
• Barbara Fresz, pro-river non-motorized watercraft enthusiasts
• Doug Jones, pro-river swimmers, responsible floaters, shoreline users
• Tim Staker, Cherryville water stewards
• Ron Stone, pro-river businesses involved in non-motorized use
• Clint Whitecotton, local families in support of motorized and non-motorized use

Lower River Advisory Committee

• Neil Brooks/Barb Dutot, pro-river conservation and stewardship
• Hermann Bruns, pro-river local residents
• Jan Lacko/Laura Jameson, pro-river swimmers, responsible floaters, shoreline users
• Jay Reid, Shuswap River Recreational Awareness Society
• Kevin Reimer/Pat Weaver, Shuswap River Sportsman Association
• Charles Ruechel, pro-river businesses involved in non-motorized use
• Rick Smith/Miles Hopkins, pro-river non-motorized watercraft enthusiasts
• Mike Steiner, Riverfront Owners for Responsible Recreation
• Doug Mallet/Patrick Woodruff, businesses dependent on motorized vessel use

Five meetings have been scheduled between Mar. 27 and June 8th.