Yesterday, when we met Edwin, Kerry, and Raymond from Cross Lake, talk soon turned to the problems that the dam has caused in their area. All three men are trappers and they have noticed major differences in the availability of animals since the dam was built. The Cross Lake dam causes the water level in the area to fluctuate, which they explained causes a lot of problems. For example the stream that they use to access Cotton Lake, one of their favorite places to hunt moose in the fall has been low for many years now. Kerry told us that last fall he cried because the water was so low that they were not able go moose hunting. The fishing in Cross Lake has also declined since the construction of the dam and many local people now have to travel 50 to 100 miles away to catch the fish that they depend on for food.

In Easterville the water level is too high and in Cross Lake their problems stem from the water being too low. However in both cases the effects of the dam are the same. The local environment and local people are suffering while people from other areas benefit every time they switch on a light switch.

These experiences have taught me that the power that I use comes at a far greater cost than an electric bill. I didn't know about you, but I hope I will be a little bit more thoughtful about where my power comes from the next time I switch on the lights....for now I am sticking to bee's wax candles!

Keep exploring,
Dave