The International Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed Study Board held its first in-person meeting in Kalispell, Montana, from November 19-21, 2024. Since being formed in September 2024, the study board has held several virtual meetings.
“Our first in-person meeting was an overall success,” said Tom Bansak, United States co-chair. “We were able to have those very important face-to-face discussions and interactions that I feel helped take us from a group of people put together to an actual team ready to take on the heavy task set before us.”
The International Joint Commission (IJC) created the study board to convene experts and knowledge holders to conduct transparent and coordinated transboundary data, information and knowledge sharing. The board also is to share, synthesize and analyze data and information to support a common understanding of pollution within the watershed and its impacts on people and species. A final report and recommendations to the IJC are expected by September 2026.
The board met over three days in November to build relationships among members, and discuss its overall mandate and process for completing work over the study period.
IJC staff, study board and study managers. Credit: IJC
The study board includes members of the Ktunaxa community, who will be an integral part of the study at every level. The board acknowledges that incorporating Indigenous science and participation can be different than incorporating perspectives from Western science, governments and communities. They are making plans to ensure that Indigenous science and participation is included in every step of the study process.
Additionally, the board discussed the development of a Plan of Study and Engagement Plan. The board is expected to have drafts of both documents ready for public review in the next couple of months and is preparing for a public consultation period in early 2025. Information about the board’s work will be posted at ijc.org/elk.
As part of its early work, the board also toured the lower part of the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed, visiting the Abayance Bay Marina, Libby Dam and Kootenai/y Falls.
"We now understand better our group’s purpose and role,” said Oliver Brandes, Canadian co-chair. “I am lucky enough to be part of a group of very experienced and talented individuals who are experts in their field.”
Kootenai/y Falls in Libby, Montana. Credit: IJC
Yon Trimble is a public affairs specialist at the IJC’s US Section office in Washington, D.C.
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