The Canadian Columbia River Basin is many things. It is valleys, vistas and unique geography. It is rainforests, grasslands and deserts. It is home to reptiles, birds, fish and mammals. It irrigates, it hydrates, it recreates, it generates. We boat, swim, skip rocks, bathe and fish in it. We light our cabins, cottages and lodges by the river's strength.

It is geography, it is history, it is people and it is our future.

The Columbia Basin - with its diversity of people and enterprise, staggering natural beauty, abundant resources - is a special place worth taking care of. We are connected by this shared responsibility. In its past, present and future, the Columbia Basin is many things.

CBT's Show Us Your Basin photo contest received hundreds of images showcasing what the Columbia Basin means to Basin residents. The images and descriptions here are a selection of submissions received.

	A dogs view Brad Spender from Genelle said, "Everything."
	Great blue heron at the Creston Wildlife Centre Monte Comeau from Salmo said, "This photo was taken on a canoe trip with my three daughters, this is typical of the natural wonder and beauty that is abundant in the basin wetlands."
	Kids day at Fernie Alpine Resort Dann bush from Fernie said, "A place to live and a place to play."
	View of Kokanee Valley North from Duck Lake Jean Paradis from Creston said, "Wilderness at its best."
	This is one of the many secret spots along the Columbia river during its peek Roman Pokorny from Revelstoke said, "It means thick rainforests with flowers, wildlife and views that are abundant."
	A Canada goose and young enjoying an early morning on one of the many wetlands of the Columbia Basin Neal Weisenberg from Kimberley said, "The Columbia Basin is an area of unrivaled natural beauty, with abundant wildlife of hundreds of species. Much of the land is still relatively pristine and one can find a strong connection to the natural order of things."
	Late June evening on Slocan Lake by Roseberry Tamara Turner from Nelson said, "Simple, beautiful sights and easy living!"
	Corry at the top of the Kootenays Corinne Robinson from Rossland said, "It allows me to live in the most beautiful place in the world."
	Above Wild Horse Creek near Fort Steele Cory Penner from Cranbrook said, "Unlimited inspiration."
	Canoeing on the Wilmer slough Jim Thorsell from Invermere said, "Many things but the wetlands are a special and internationally distinctive feature."
	The forces of nature at work located on the Kootenay River Deanna Zibin from Castlegar said, "Man and Nature can co-exist."
	Rocky Mountain Sheep relaxing on the lawn at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Mervin Weselowski from Fairmont Hot Springs said, "The Columbia Basin brings quiet and peace to anyone who lives and visits. As the sign at Radium says 'The Mountains shall bring Peace to the People'."
	Driving home from Cranbrook one evening last summer Sherry Benko from Sparwood said, "The most diverse place on earth. Alittle bit of everything and something for everyone."
	Playboating at Rock Island Tyler Pankhurst from Rossland said, "It's the place that makes the heart feel at home."
	Robson on Christmas morning Holly Smee from Robson said, "The beauty of the four seasons. I am lucky enough to live somewhere with distinct weather - each season offers different activities which helps me lead a healthy and varied lifestyle."
	Fog over the Columbia from the top of Red Mountain Dan from Trail said, "The most diverse backyard one can hope for."
	Morning paddle on Slocan Lake Herb Hess from Castlegar said, "Our home - with stunning landscapes and outstanding people."
	A view of the Columbia River from Blanket Creek Provincal Park Corey Yeatman from Revelstoke said, "It is fresh water, majstic mountians, it a place to bring up a family!"
	Beautiful day on the Slocan Lake Holly Strilaeff from South Slocan said, "Cool, clean water to drink and enjoy and crisp fresh air to breathe."
	Guys having fun on Kootenay Lake Carrie Fitzsimons from Nelson said, "Water. Serenity. Fresh air. Fun."
	Why I want to bring my family up in the Columbia Basin Mike Honeyman from Kimberley said, "Moments like this..."
	Kootenay Pass Summit Melba Hanson from Cranbrook said, "A place where I grew up, raised my family,and with them swam in many of the lakes, canoed many of the rivers, skied several of the hills. It's my heritage, it's my home."
	Coal Miners Days Fireworks Sherry Benko from Sparwood said, "Freedom and Beauty."
	Large bird flying below the Silverton lookout Ieneke van Houten from Nakusp said, "I have had the privilege of living in the Kootenays since 1970. It has been a blessing that I give thanks for daily."
	Elk River in early June The Francoeur family from Cranbrook said, "The Columbia Basin is as precious and dear as our 5-year-old little boy is to us!"