The Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission (SEEC) is a non-profit entity working across the Canada/U.S. border in the upper Skagit watershed. It is dedicated to protecting the watershed and to supporting public knowledge and enjoyment of its ecological values. The Commission has developed initiatives focused on land management, education, recreation, and ecosystem management, and it pursues objectives related to these initiatives through collaboration with public and private partners.
SEEC was established in 1984 by treaty between Canada and the U.S. It is based on an Agreement between the City of Seattle and the Province of British Columbia to resolve the controversy over the High Ross Dam expansion proposal.
Per the agreement, Seattle City Light will not to raise Ross Dam for at least 80 years, in exchange for power purchased at favorable rates from BC Hydro. The High Ross Treaty also created SEEC to manage an endowment fund that has among its purposes “to conserve and protect wilderness and wildlife habitat . . . to enhance recreational opportunities . . . to acquire mineral or timber rights . . . to conduct studies . . .” in the Upper Skagit Watershed until 2065. SEEC is composed of eight volunteer Commissioners, four appointed by the B.C. Premier and four by the Seattle Mayor. Alternate Commissioners, in equal number, are also appointed, and all serve four-year terms. Administrative and technical support is provided through staff from Seattle City Light and the B.C. Ministry of Environment.
For further information, please contact U.S. staff (Celia Grether,
206.386.4588) or Canadian staff (Christine Tunnoch,
604.924.2224).
Sincerely,
Tony Kilduff, US Co-Chair
Lex Bennett, Canadian Co-Chair
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