The Columbia River Must be Restored :: Environment Environmental Pollution Preservation

A problem is arising in the Northwest region of our country.   The Columbia River is being abused by human expansion, which is resulting in the depletion of the variety of species found in the region, the number of each species, and the quality of life in the riparian habitat. A river is a living thing, flowing through time as well as space.   A river has a personality that reflects past circumstance as well as condition.   The Columbia, though now shackled in concrete traces, a wild creature turned workhorse, still has an aura of power and controversy.   It has been abused for long enough.   It is time to let the river flow. The once wild, free-flowing Columbia River no longer exists.   Since the 1930s, hydropower development has modified the Columbia River basin from a system which once encompassed more than 30 unique and diverse sub-basins to a series of electric power generators that include 19 dams and 100 smaller projects (McGinnis 69).   The power of the river has been captured for human consumption.   As a result of this increased demand for power, new areas must be deforested and developed.   In effect, this evicts the animals from their homes and forces them to find other places for refuge. Over one and a half million people live near the dramatic beauty of the lower Columbia River (Frissell 382).   The people who live there depend on the river for their economic well being.   Many more visit from elsewhere for rest, recreation, or business.   Unfortunately, these activities have taken a toll on the river.   Humans have been taking advantage of the gifts that nature has given them.   Unless action is taken soon, there could be a large problem.   Human activity and growth is occurring and impacting the natural resource.   The effectiveness of land use planning determines the extent to which the critical habitat can be protected.   Appropriate land use and development practices can reduce or eliminate the stress placed on the natural systems. The significance of this problem is not hard to find.   With the population of the Portland metropolitan area projected to reach 3 million people within 50 years (Oregon DEQ), it is vitally important to act now.   The effects of this growth combined with past and present activities places significant stress on the natural system.   If left unaddressed, the adverse effects already documented will intensify, resulting in a number of problems.