Chile Rivers in Danger

[mania]

The Chilean government is poised to approve a massive
hydro-electric dam project that would destroy thousands of acres
of irreplaceable wildlife habitat.

We need your immediate action to help compel Endesa and Colbun,
the companies proposing the dams, to research and present other
options before despoiling Patagonia, one of the world's last
wild frontiers.

Please go to Take Action: Save Patagonia - NRDC's BioGems
and tell the companies and the Chilean government to support an
independent analysis of the full range of alternatives for
energy production and economic growth. Such reviews are
routinely required in the United States and other countries.

Patagonia is home to some of Chile's most powerful rivers, which
run the steep course from vast glaciers in the Andes to deep
ocean fjords. This land is the last refuge for the huemul, a
South American deer, as well as the southern river otter and
countless other wildlife species.

As part of the destructive dam proposal, Brookfield Consortium,
a Canadian company, would clearcut a 1,400-mile swath through a
series of parks, national reserves and natural sanctuaries to
make way for the world's largest transmission line.

With the support of NRDC's BioGems Initiative and our partners
in Chile, researchers at the University of Chile and a respected
energy consulting firm in Vancouver, Canada, recently completed
the proposal for a comprehensive review of energy-production
alternatives in Chile.

Please go to Take Action: Save Patagonia - NRDC's BioGems
and urge Endesa and Colbun, as well as the Chilean government,
to agree to support this analysis.

[speexchile]

Patagonia is one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas in the world. Current hydroelectric plans are for a series of dams that will divert almost all of the major rivers in Patagonia, Chile. The rivers in the most danger are the Rio Baker and Rio Pasqua. Endessa currently owns the water rights to the Rio Futaleufu but plans have not be announced yet.

For a very detailed understanding of what is happening in Patagonia see this link:

NRDC: OnEarth Magazine, Fall 2006 - Patagonia Under Siege

Another organization battling the dams is FutaFriends:

Futafriends - Conservation Efforts in Southern Chile

Thanks for your time and interest to investigate this important issue.

Regards,

Chris Spelius

[David Spiegel]

I spent a few months in Chile 2 years ago and I can safely say that these rivers are more than worth saving. Even if you don't plan on making a trip down there, these rivers need to be preserved for generations to come.

Friends of the Futa is a great group, make sure to check them out.

Also, eventhough it isn't in Patagonia, don't forget that the Rio Fui is also in danger (in fact it might already be too late to save this one). Just remember that Patagonia isn't the only region in Chile where pristine, wilderness rivers are in danger.

[paddlebizzle]

Take five friggin' minutes and do this. It costs you nothing and in the amount of time it takes to brush your teeth, you can make your voice heard. . .

[mjpowhound]

Actually, it takes less than 30 seconds. DO IT!

[perropirana]

As a Chilean myself I can tell you that it is worth it. Chile is a great country right now with one of the best economies in South America. The problem is that the majority of the Chileans don't really care about this issues, it is not like here or in Canada.
Viva Chile...

Originally Posted by mania

The Chilean government is poised to approve a massive
hydro-electric dam project that would destroy thousands of acres
of irreplaceable wildlife habitat.

We need your immediate action to help compel Endesa and Colbun,
the companies proposing the dams, to research and present other
options before despoiling Patagonia, one of the world's last
wild frontiers.

Please go to Take Action: Save Patagonia - NRDC's BioGems
and tell the companies and the Chilean government to support an
independent analysis of the full range of alternatives for
energy production and economic growth. Such reviews are
routinely required in the United States and other countries.

Patagonia is home to some of Chile's most powerful rivers, which
run the steep course from vast glaciers in the Andes to deep
ocean fjords. This land is the last refuge for the huemul, a
South American deer, as well as the southern river otter and
countless other wildlife species.

As part of the destructive dam proposal, Brookfield Consortium,
a Canadian company, would clearcut a 1,400-mile swath through a
series of parks, national reserves and natural sanctuaries to
make way for the world's largest transmission line.

With the support of NRDC's BioGems Initiative and our partners
in Chile, researchers at the University of Chile and a respected
energy consulting firm in Vancouver, Canada, recently completed
the proposal for a comprehensive review of energy-production
alternatives in Chile.

Please go to Take Action: Save Patagonia - NRDC's BioGems
and urge Endesa and Colbun, as well as the Chilean government,
to agree to support this analysis.