I’ve heard that the Coldwater River is one of the most endangered rivers in the province. Why?
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC annually surveys its membership and asks them to identify which rivers in British Columbia are endangered. The results are tabulated and reviewed by a committee of the Council and a final list and ranking is prepared. In 2004, the Nicola River headed the list of most endangered rivers. The term endangered refers to the quality of habitat for fish. Water levels, water temperature, pollution, and stream composition are all variables that impact fish production. When these reach levels that are harmful to fish, the river is considered endangered. In recent years, periodic low water flows, high temperatures, pollution and flooding episodes in the Coldwater River, a tributary of the Nicola River, have resulted in an environment that at certain times is harmful to fish.
