By The Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia
When you first dive in the West Kootenay District it soon
becomes apparent that the remains of great sternwheelers are scattered
throughout the region. For the past decade a small number of divers has
explored what is now recognized as one of the most extensive, yet undocumented,
collections of steam-era vessels in western North America. This report presents
the results of the first ten years of work in the West Kootenay District. The
work was undertaken by the Underwater Archaeological Society of British
Columbia, A volunteer organization founded in 1975. The UASBC is dedicated to
promoting the science of underwater archaeology and to conserving, preserving and
protecting the maritime heritage lying beneath our coastal and inland waters.
In British Columbia, professional underwater archaeologists are rare and the
mandate of the UASBC has expanded to fill this role within the province. With
more than 200 members, the UASBC is the largest avocational group of its type
in North America and it conducts major field studies and publication projects.
