Public Consultation on the Interim Status Report of the International Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed Study Board
The International Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed Study Board (Study Board) is inviting public comment on its draft Interim Status Report. This report outlines the progress made on the Study’s main objective: the development of a common understanding of water pollution and its effects on people and species in the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed.
The Study Board’s report is due to be delivered to the International Joint Commission (IJC) in September 2025 and marks the mid-point of the two-year study period which will conclude in September 2026.
The IJC issued a Directive to the Board in September 2024, and the Board developed a Plan of Study for carrying out its mandate.
The Interim Status Report summarizes the Study Board’s progress to date in fulfilling its mandate and focuses on the work to be undertaken by its four technical working groups studying the following themes:
- Water Quality Status and Trends
- Impacts to Human Health and Well Being
- Impacts to Ecosystems, Including Cumulative Effects
- Mitigation
The Study Board is currently seeking feedback from the public and interested parties on the draft Interim Status Report with the intent of finalizing and submitting the report to the IJC in September 2025. The Study Board is holding a public comment period from August 27 to September 14. The Study Board will also host a virtual public meeting on September 3, 2025 (see registration details below).
Methods to participate
Public Meeting
The Study Board will host a virtual public meeting on September 3, 2025 on its draft Interim Status Report. Registration is required to participate.
Date: Wednesday September 3, 2025
Time: 6-7:30PM MT, 5-6:30PM PT
Registration link: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Questions that the Study Board is seeking input on:
Please respond to these questions, providing information about your interests and concerns in a way that the Study Board and IJC can address and integrate them into the study, within the scope of the Reference and Directive received by the Study Board.
- What are the highest priority questions or issues you think the Study Board should be addressing via the Technical Working Group workplans?
- Given the wide breadth of and the short timeline of this study, and the extensive experience with this topic that many of you have, what are the most important pieces of advice that you can provide to the Study Board and the Technical Working Groups to carry out their work?
- Do you have any suggestions for how the Study Board could improve the Study going forward (e.g., opportunities for engagement, communication, timing for public meetings and comment?)
Submit written comments
When you are providing your feedback, kindly refer to page, paragraph and line numbers, when possible. Any additional contextual information, such a references or alternatives, is also welcomed.
Before submitting your comments, please review the IJC's Privacy Policy pertaining to public submissions. Details including name, city, and state/province, your written comment and files that you attach will be included in the public record. Any contact information (email address, street address, post office box, zip code, postal code, telephone number and fax number) will be kept private. Ensure that your name and contact information are included in your document. Anonymous submissions will not be considered.
- By email: send your comments in an email or with a Word or PDF document attachment to elk@ijc.org
- Online: create an account using the "register" link below, or
- By mail:
Canada | United States |
Attn: Comments – Elk-Kootenai/y Study Board Plan of Study | Attn: Comments – Elk-Kootenai/y Study Board Plan of Study |
How your comments will be used
The Study Board will review all comments received by 11:59pm PT Sunday September 14, 2025, before finalizing its Interim Status Report for submission to the International Joint Commission.
Useful Links: