Our previous post reported the forthcoming Hobart screening of DamNation, a documentary on dam removal in USA. This post provides some follow up on the event.

The screening on 26 November 2014 was sold out and DamNation made a great impression on the audience. Viewers remarked that the documentary makes a strong case for strategic and appropriate dam removal projects, and illustrates the process of dam removal with effective maps, graphics and imagery.

Barge-mounted excavator demolishing Glines Canyon Dam, Elwha River, Olympic National Park, Washington USA in a scene from DamNation. Photo: Ben Knight; © Ben Knight and the documentary DamNation.

For DamNation’s website, which contains a wealth of information, click here.

Also screened with DamNation was a 3D visualisation that explains how and why Lake Pedder was flooded, and demonstrates a way in which it could be restored without threatening Tasmania’s electrical energy security. For details of the visualisation, developed in 2013 by the Lake Pedder Restoration Committee, click here.

On the day of the screening, the Hobart Mercury published an article by Bob Brown, former State MHA and Commonwealth Senator for Tasmania, entitled New life for Pedder looms large.

The Mercury published 21 comments on Bob’s opinion piece, some thoughtful and informative, a number notable for deeply held (and deeply unproductive) animus towards Bob Brown.

Lake Pedder was also discussed in another recent article in The Mercury by Peter Patmore (1 July 2014).

The Mercury published 19 comments on Peter’s opinion piece, some thoughtful and informative, a number notable for deeply held (and deeply unproductive) animus – on this occasion towards Peter Patmore.

The campaign for the restoration of Lake Pedder will continue in 2015. Our primary goal is to encourage Tasmania’s political and tourist industry leaderships to think seriously about restoration as a valid and viable idea for the future of a Tasmania that has run out of other BIG ideas. A useful first step would be for government to agree to participate without prejudice in a thorough analysis of the potential economic and other benefits that restoration offers.

If you are concerned to see our politicians and tourist industry leaders think about Lake Pedder in 2015, you could:

• Write some letters or send some emails to let them know what you are thinking.
• Join Lake Pedder Restoration Incorporated.
• Join the Drain and Restore Lake Pedder, Tasmania Facebook page and contribute to the discussions on it.

Thank you for your interest in Lake Pedder and its restoration and best wishes for 2015.

Peter Fagan website editor, on behalf of Lake Pedder Restoration Incorporated