I'm still reeling from the wild and unexpected action British Columbia is taking to protect the Flathead River Valley in southeastern BC. The province has just announced a ban on any further mining, oil or coal extraction in the Flathead. What an incredible win for all the Canadians who supported the campaign to protect this precious eco-system. The ban was announced by Lt.-Gov. Steven Point in the BC throne speech, just days before the opening of the 2010 Olympic winter games.